There are many different ways to obtain evidence that affect its quality, generalizability, and other parameters. Throughout this course, I have learned that statistical and observational studies have their worth through different means and levels of evidence, yet all remain viable for potential practice changes. Quantitative methods of research work with statistics and reveal information through numbers. For example, a descriptive analysis shapes the initial body of data through similarities in characteristics within a sample (Houser, 2018). This quantitative research has the potential to highlight previously unnoticed tendencies and shared factors that improve the quality of care. In turn, inferential analysis studies reveal whether the evidence has broader applicability or not by detecting random chances, the lack of cause-effect relationships, and similar fallacies (Houser, 2018). This method enhances the collected statistics through complex calculations on an already existing data set.
However, I found a qualitative study to be more appealing since it lines up well with nurses’ work environment. A qualitative study utilizes observational data to draw a conclusion instead of making and testing hypotheses (Houser, 2018). I think that knowing all methods of data analysis is essential, as they all have their role depending on the selected level of generalizability of a study. I found it interesting that credible findings can be produced by all modes of research, yet the ways they become integrated into healthcare differ in terms of testing and confirming outcomes.
Statistical and clinical significance are both essential for healthcare, as they provide evidence that affects different scopes of study. They operate in different terms and in different circumstances (Houser, 2018). While statistical significance indicates the likeliness of an event in a non-randomized environment, clinical significance analyzes the event’s cause-effect correlation (Houser, 2018). I think that clinical significance plays a more significant role in my nursing practice, primarily due to its value in application in daily cases on an everyday basis. However, it is undeniable that statistical significance is essential in healthcare since it takes a broader scope and assists in complex research.
Reference
Houser, J. (2018). Nursing research: Reading, using and creating evidence (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.