MODULES ON

INTRODUCTION TO NURSING RESEARCH

I
NURS 12 LECTURE

Nenita B. Panaligan, RN, MAN

Author

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

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Module III
Nursing Research: Foundations and Methods
Nenita B. Panaligan, RN, MAN

TOPIC OUTLINE

Module 3 Topic 1 Philosophical Foundations of Nursing research

Topic 2 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
Topic 3 Paradigms of Nursing
Topic 4 Methods in Nursing research

INTRODUCTION
Nursing research predominantly has developed through the use of research and theory
construction processes in empirical science. There are ways of knowing Nursing and the
knowledge base of nursing practice, however, philosophy is one realms that include
clarifications of values, ethics, which study the nature of knowledge or ways of knowing
essentials to nursing practice. On the other hand, the nature of empirical science is
contributory to the knowledge needed by the nurse in the professional practice.
Development of a knowledge base is iterative and ongoing process. The different
paradigms and theoretical perspectives in nursing could establish the basis for the nursing
knowledge, interventions and care rendered in a given time. All nursing research is noted in a
philosophical worldview, or a paradigm.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, as Nursing students you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate attainment of knowledge of the philosophical foundations of Nursing
research;
2. Demonstrate attainment of knowledge on the theoretical foundations of Nursing research;
and
3. Discuss the paradigms in Nursing and its relationship to Nursing research

Objectives
Upon completion of this module, the Nursing students will be able to:
1. Determine the philosophical foundations of Nursing research;
2. Describe how Nursing theory is integrated into Nursing Research;

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

3. Enumerate the paradigms of Nursing research; and
4. Differentiate research methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods, as applied to
Nursing research.

Methods / Instructional Techniques

Reading of Module
Performing the Module Activity Tasks and uploading to LMS/ GClassroom

Materials
Lecture Powerpoint presentation
Electronic journal article
Reference Books

Module Instructions
This module is intended to be used by the undergraduate students handled by Prof.
Nenita B. Panaligan enrolled in NURS 12 course. Do not distribute copies or upload copy of
this module to any site. For any inquiries related to the use and contents of this module, you
may e-mail yours truly at [email protected].

MODULE CONTENTS
Topic 1: Philosophical Foundations of Nursing research
Philosophical Foundations of Knowledge Development in Nursing
Nurses have relied on several sources of knowledge to guide nursing practice. Nurses
make clinical decisions based on large repertoire of knowledge. The question that nurse
researcher ask, and the methods they use to answer their questions, spring from a
researcher’s view, a general perspective of how the world “works’.
Philosophy is – world view; rational inquiry of truths and principles of nature being; how an
individual think of things; brings important questions to and also compelled to find an answer
to our questions; pursuit of knowledge; deepen an understandings of our own values and
beliefs
Philosophy: love of the wisdom; logic; study of the nature of knowledge & reality, own
thoughts which can become a practice; reasoning; understanding fundamental choice,
theoretical basis ; questioning of things ;
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_______________________________________________________________________.
o Philosophical Perspectives (Silva and Rothbart, 1984):
- Logical Positivism (c. 1940s-1960s)
- Empiricism
- Historicism (c. 1960s to 1980s)
Holism

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

 Human Science

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

 Comparison of Positivist and Constructivist Paradigm
Source: Polit, Denise F., Beck Cheryl T. (2014) Nursing Research Generating and Assessing
Evidence, 8th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

Topic 2: Theoretical Foundations and Nursing
The goal of Nursing research is to develop scientific knowledge. Research can test
theories as well as help develop and refine theories, making theoretical frameworks a valuable
part of scientific research. The theoretical frameworks assists in the selection of the study
variables and in defining them. The framework also directs the research hypothesis and in the
interpretation of findings. Nursing research that lacks theoretical frameworks and rationale
lacks substance and fails to answer the ‘so what” questions (Downs, 1994).
Definition of Term:
Theory - general idea which explains certain phenomena; set principles where we based the
actions that we do; theories can be tested, proven, rejected and improved; set of
assumptions and accepted facts which provides rationalization on a certain
phenomenon;____________________________________________________________
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Kuhn (1977, 321-322) identifies five characteristics that provide the shared basis for a choice
of theory, these are:
1. Accuracy
2. Consistency (both internal and with other relevant currently accepted theories),
3. Scope (its consequences should extend beyond the data it is required to explain)
4. Simplicity (organizing otherwise confused and isolated phenomena);
5. Fruitfulness (for further research).

Topic 3: Enumerate the paradigms of Nursing research

Paradigm are worldview of an individual about the concept in the Nursing profession.

Kuhn (1970-1977) used the term to describe models that guide scientific activity and
knowledge development in disciplines.

Science is the work of a community of scholars in the context of society.

According to Parse (1997)

1. Totality Paradigm
2. Human beings are a composite of parts
3. Simultaneity Paradigm
4. Human beings are more than and different from the sum of the parts
5. Mutual interaction between the human and environment
According to Newman, Sime, and Corcoran-Perry, (1984)
1. Particulate-deterministic
2. Interactive-integrative
3. Unitary- Transformative

Spenceley (2004) Research Traditions and Knowledge Development

1. Human Living
2. Human Healing

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

 3. Human Wholeness

Perspectives Grounding Nursing Knowledge Development

A. Philosophical
Holism (Stiles)
Simple Holism
Complex Holism (Watson)
Mind-body-spirit

B. Theoretical

C. Practical (Praxis)

Wilsonian – Wilson’s Approaches, 1963

Wilson’s 11 techniques
1. Isolating questions of concept. – delineating the question of concept first from
other questions i.e., questions of value or fact
2. Right answer – one that is closest to the heart of the concept
3. Model case – one in which the analyst can say, "if this is not the example of it,
then nothing is” (Wilson, 1963 page 28)
4. Contrary case – something that is not the case
5. Related case - similar or importantly connected
6. Borderline case – resembles a model case, but not enough to elucidate
7. Invented case – imaginary cases that could clarify understanding of concept
8. Social context – questions of circumstances asked in everyday life e.g., who, why,
when
9. Underlying anxiety – feelings of insecurity that needs to be controlled
10. Practical result – basis of arriving at some point and meaning
11. Results in language – the most useful criteria in defining the meaning of a
concept

Evolutionary Approaches by Rodgers

1. Select a concept
2. Determine the realm of data
3. Collect data – attributes and contextual basis
4. Analyze data
5. Identify a real model case
6. Identify hypotheses and areas for further development
Pragmatic Utility Approach by Janice Morse
1. Clarify the purpose of the analysis
2. Select Literature to Ensure Validity
3. Identify Critical Questions
4. Synthesized Descriptions

Other authors:
Walker and Avant
Evolutionary Approach by Beth Rodgers
Pragmatic Utility Approach by Janice Morse

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

Topic 4: Differentiate research methods applied to Nursing research
Definition of Terms:
A. Quantitative Research
Experimentation and all its versions grounded in the philosophical lens of human beings
as made up of parts, predictable and reducible.

B. Qualitative Research
Descriptions and explanations of being human who is appreciated as irreducible,
unpredictable, and who are more than and different from the sum of the parts.

Source: Tilley, Donna Scoth (2003) Foundations of Nursing Research, Chapter 5, page 60.

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

 Source: Polit, Denise F., Beck Cheryl T. (2014) Nursing Research Generating and
Assessing Evidence, 8th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Concept Map

Directions: Use the Venn diagram below to differentiate Nursing Research Process and
Nursing Process and similarities with your own words and understanding.

Nursing Process Nursing Research

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

Activity 2: Concept Map
Directions: Use the Venn diagram below to differentiate methodological foundations of
Qualitative (Constructivist Method) and Quantitative (Traditional Scientific Method) Nursing
Research.

Quantitative
Qualitative Research
Research

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan

Activity 3: Concept Map
Directions: Use the Venn diagram below to discuss characteristics of methodological
foundations of research such as Constructivist Paradigm and Positivist Paradigms in your
own understanding.

Constructivist
Positivist Paradigm Paradigm

References:

Aquino, G.V. (1992). Fundamentals of Research. Pasig City: Capitol Publishing House, Inc.
Calderon, J. F. & Gonzales, E. C. (1993). Methods of Research and Thesis Writing.
Mandaluyong City: Cacho Hermanos, Inc.
Polit, Denise F., Beck Cheryl T. (2004) Nursing Research principles and Methods 7 th
Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Polit, Denise F., Beck Cheryl T. (2008) Nursing Research Generating and Assessing
Evidence, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Polit, Denise F., Beck Cheryl T. (2014) Nursing Research Generating and Assessing
Evidence, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Sanchez, C.A. (1986). Methods and Techniques of Research. Quezon City: Rex Publishing
Company, Inc.
Salustianao, Rosalinda P. (2009). Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences,
Teaching & Learning Research Made Easy 1st Edition, C & E Publishing, Inc.
Sevilla, C.G., Ochave, J. A., Punsalan, T.G., Regala, B. P. & Uriarte, G.G. (1992).
Research Methods. Quezon City: Rex Publishing Company, Inc.
Sperziale, H.S. and Carpenter, D. R., (2007) Qualitative Research in Nursing, Advancing
the humanistic Imperative, 4th Edition, Philadelphia: Lippincott & Williams.
Tilley, Donna Scoth , Foundations of Nursing Research, Chapter 5, page 60.
Young, A., Taylor, S. G, & Renpenning, K. M. (2001) Connections Nursing research,
Theory and Practice. Missouri: Mosby

NURS 12 Introduction to Nursing Research Module III, version 1, s. 2020 N. B. Panaligan