This book presents a clear and articulate discussion of numerous issues surrounding quantitative research methods. In addition to addressing quantitative research designs and quantitative techniques for data gathering and analysis, it also includes chapters on specialized topics (i.e., pilot studies, meta-analysis, measurement of change, missing data problems). The purpose is to provide a reference for nurse researchers and to serve as a text for graduate nursing students. The target audience is both nurse researchers and graduate nursing students. The book is appropriate for the target audience, but would not be appropriate for undergraduate nursing students. It would be particularly valuable to graduate students undertaking a thesis or dissertation. Written in a conversational tone, the text is highly readable. A strength is the numerous examples pulled from published nursing research studies to illustrate points. The author anticipates readers' questions and clarifies content with which students often struggle, offering one of the most readable discussions available. The references are current and very useful. Several study suggestions are offered at the end of each chapter. There is low duplication with other texts since the author often refers to journal articles for further discussion rather than a full explanation in the text. At the master's level, the text would be an excellent adjunct to standard research texts. At the doctoral level, it would make a commendable required text, supplemented by the journal articles recommended. This book also serves as a helpful reference for nurse researchers. However, the busy researcher may wish that the information in the articles recommendedfor further discussion was conveniently available in the book. It is highly recommended for purchase by libraries, graduate nursing students, and nurse researchers.
A textbook for an introductory graduate course or a refresher course for practitioners undertaking research for the first time or after a long hiatus. After discussing the nature of quantitative nursing research, explores research questions, hypotheses, causality, generalizability, randomization, and ethical issues. Then examines research designs, techniques for gathering and analyzing data, and specialized techniques; and discusses questions about running subjects one-at-a-time, measuring change, strategies for coping with missing data, and disseminating results. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
Reviewer: Gayle M. Timmerman, PhD, RN (University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing)
Description: This book presents a clear and articulate discussion of numerous issues surrounding quantitative research methods. In addition to addressing quantitative research designs and quantitative techniques for data gathering and analysis, it also includes chapters on specialized topics (i.e., pilot studies, meta-analysis, measurement of change, missing data problems).
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a reference for nurse researchers and to serve as a text for graduate nursing students.
Audience: The target audience is both nurse researchers and graduate nursing students. The book is appropriate for the target audience, but would not be appropriate for undergraduate nursing students. It would be particularly valuable to graduate students undertaking a thesis or dissertation.
Features: Written in a conversational tone, the text is highly readable. A strength is the numerous examples pulled from published nursing research studies to illustrate points. The author anticipates readers' questions and clarifies content with which students often struggle, offering one of the most readable discussions available. The references are current and very useful. Several study suggestions are offered at the end of each chapter.
Assessment: There is low duplication with other texts since the author often refers to journal articles for further discussion rather than a full explanation in the text. At the master's level, the text would be an excellent adjunct to standard research texts. At the doctoral level, it would make a commendable required text, supplemented by the journal articles recommended. This book also serves as a helpful reference for nurse researchers. However, the busy researcher may wish that the information in the articles recommended for further discussion was conveniently available in the book. It is highly recommended for purchase by libraries, graduate nursing students, and nurse researchers.
