Data Analysis
Readings
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research:
Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
This chapter introduces descriptive statistics, which, as the
name implies, describe characteristics of the data. There is an
overview of the different levels of measurement—nominal, ordinal,
interval, and ratio—and how they are used. The chapter also defines
frequency distributions and distinguishes between univariate and
bivariate descriptive statistics.
Chapter 17, “Inferential Statistics”
This chapter focuses on inferential statistics, which are based
on the laws of probability. It introduces sampling distributions,
estimates of parameters, and levels of significance. In addition,
the chapter provides an overview of some of the most commonly used
inferential statistical tests, including t-tests, analysis of
variance (ANOVA), and chi-square tests. Finally, the process of
testing correlations is examined.
Chapter 18, “Multivariate Statistics”
In this chapter, the focus shifts to multivariate statistics.
These are often used when the data analysis involves three or more
variables. The multivariate tests described include simple linear
regression, multiple linear regression, analysis of covariance
(ANCOVA), causal modeling, and event history analysis.
Chapter 19, “Processes of Quantitative Data Analysis and
Interpretation”
The previous chapters have described a number of different
statistical tests used to examine data in a quantitative study;
this chapter focuses on how to analyze and interpret the results.
It describes the steps in the analysis process and how to determine
the credibility of the results.
Chapter 23, “Qualitative Data Analysis”
The focus of this chapter is qualitative data analysis, which is more difficult in some ways than quantitative analysis, because there are not specific tests that can be used. Instead, much of the analysis is based on the researcher’s ability to identify patterns of behavior or similarities in events. Suggestions are provided for analysis of each of the major types of qualitative studies and how to document findings.
QUESTION:
As a nurse engaged in evidence-based practice, it is important to recognize how statistics and other data analysis tools are used to generate and assess evidence. Most nurses need only a foundational understanding of statistical tools and terminology to understand the majority of research studies. As a nurse, you should be able to recognize the most commonly used statistical tests, how and when they are used, and how significance is determined.
In this Discussion,examine different types of statistics and
statistical tests, when and why these particular tests would be
selected for use, and, most importantly, what the results indicate.
To this end, you will be assigned to a group by Day 1 of this week.
Each group will be assigned one of the five chapters listed in this
week’s Learning Resources and will develop a study sheet on their
chapter that will be shared with the other groups.
To prepare:
Review the information in assigned chapter.
Develop a 1-page study sheet that includes the following:
The key concepts of the chapter: Focus on the basic concepts
that are important for nurses to understand as they review research
studies.
A description of the statistical methods covered in the
chapter, what they measure, and under what circumstances they are
used. Identify examples of how the statistical methods have been
used in research studies.
An explanation of the key statistical tests and how they
measure significance .
Discuss why it is important for nurses to understand the basics of these statistical methods.
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