Answer the following questions using the knowledge and insights gained from the textbook and other reliable sources.

Define quantitative research in your own words and provide two examples of quantitative designs, each with a brief explanation.

Identify a potential quantitative research study that is relevant to nursing and describe which design you would use for this study, why you would use that design, and how the study’s findings could be applied in nursing practice.

Consider the value of quantitative research to nursing science, knowledge, and practice.

Overview of the Unit

You will have the opportunity in this unit to develop seven preliminary questions that you will use to appraise and determine the quality of quantitative evidence. Not all evidence is created equal. ” Understanding how to evaluate evidence will help you understand the concepts of validity and reliability, as well as the five most common statistical errors in quantitative studies. For example, while the data in the study may be reliable for that specific sample, it may not be appropriate for use in your practice setting. The focus of this unit will be on learning how to make these types of decisions based on a systematic review.

Relate Quantitative Study Design Elements

This section will teach you how to evaluate a study design critically. You will, for example, answer critical questions such as why the study was conducted, what the sample size may be, and whether the variables are valid and reliable.

There are seven preliminary questions that are used to evaluate quantitative studies.

You will learn to ask the following questions of the reviews you conduct using the seven preliminary questions:

Why was the research conducted?

How big is the sample?

Are the measurements accurate and dependable?

How was the information analyzed?

Were there any unusual occurrences during the research?

Do the findings corroborate previous research?

Is the research relevant to clinical practice in any way?