The study by HakemZadeh et al. (2021) aimed at determining whether the alignment of actual and preferred employment policies affected the retention intentions of midwives. The researchers utilized a cross-sectional design using a sample of 549 Canadian midwives. Surveys were sent to midwives through the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and the Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council (CMRC). The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regressions. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to understand how the alignment of compensation method, employment status, and work schedule affected the retention intention of midwives.
Correlation analysis is used to measure the strength of correlation between two numerically measured variables to understand if there are possible connections between the variables (Smith, 2018). Thus, the use of correlation analysis is appropriate in this case, as it is aligned with the purpose of the study. However, I believe that the use of regression analysis is more appropriate, as it takes into consideration the complexity of correlation between several variables. The researchers displayed the data and the results in an appropriate manner for the reader to examine the sample characteristics and correlations between all the variables included in the study. However, including some visual help in the form of graphs of charts would also be helpful for the reader to familiarize with the data.
The researchers included correlation coefficients, which are the effect size that measure the strength of the correlation. The correlation analysis revealed that there were significant correlations between intention to stay and employment status alignment, work schedule alignment, compensation method alignment, and financial reward satisfaction. The results of the study stand alone, as they help to understand the factors affecting the retention intentions of midwives. This information can help to create effective workplace policies to reduce turnover among midwives.
References
HakemZadeh, F., Sayin, F. K., Neiterman, E., Zeytinoglu, I. U., Geraci, J., Plenderleith, J., & Lobb, D. (2021). Does an alignment of employment policies and individual preferences affect intention to stay in the profession? Evidence from Canadian Midwives. Health Policy, 125(4), 450-458.
Smith, M. (2018). Statistical analysis handbook. The Winchelsea Press