Nursing Research Process & Evidence-Based Practice - Concept Map
Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice as Systematic Knowledge Development for Quality Patient Care
Related concepts
Nature and Purpose of Nursing Research
Sub concepts
- Systematic inquiry
- Knowledge development and refinement
- Improve care quality
- Support clinical decisions
- Inform policy
- Strengthen professional autonomy
- RA 9173 compliance
Relationship to central
Foundational understanding of why research matters in nursing
Research Process Steps
Sub concepts
- Problem identification and statement
- Literature review
- Theoretical/conceptual framework
- Research questions and hypotheses
- Design and methodology selection
- Population and sampling
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Interpretation and conclusions
- Dissemination and application
Relationship to central
Orderly sequence for conducting quantitative research
Variables and Hypotheses
Sub concepts
- Independent variable (IV) - cause/intervention
- Dependent variable (DV) - outcome/effect
- Null hypothesis (H0) - no relationship
- Alternative hypothesis (H1) - expected relationship
- Directional vs non-directional hypotheses
Relationship to central
Core components for research design and hypothesis testing
Research Approaches and Designs
Sub concepts
- Quantitative research - numerical measurement
- Qualitative research - meaning and experience
- True experimental design - RCT
- Quasi-experimental design
- Non-experimental/observational designs
- Descriptive studies
- Correlational studies
- Cohort studies
- Case-control studies
- Cross-sectional studies
Relationship to central
Methods for conducting systematic inquiry
Population and Sampling
Sub concepts
- Target population
- Accessible population
- Simple random sampling
- Systematic sampling
- Stratified random sampling
- Cluster sampling
- Convenience sampling
- Quota sampling
- Purposive sampling
- Snowball sampling
Relationship to central
Selection methods affecting generalizability of findings
Data Collection and Instrument Quality
Sub concepts
- Data collection methods
- Questionnaires
- Interviews
- Observation
- Biophysiologic measures
- Existing records
- Validity - content, construct, criterion
- Reliability - test-retest, internal consistency, interrater
- Cronbach's alpha
Relationship to central
Methods and tools for gathering reliable, valid data
Ethics in Nursing Research
Sub concepts
- Belmont Report principles
- Respect for persons and autonomy
- Beneficence
- Justice
- Nonmaleficence
- Fidelity
- Informed consent
- Confidentiality and anonymity
- RA 10173 Data Privacy Act
- Protection from harm
- Vulnerable populations
- IRB/Ethics Review Committee
- PHREB guidelines
Relationship to central
Protection of human participants aligned with professional principles
Basic Statistics Interpretation
Sub concepts
- Levels of measurement - nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio
- Descriptive statistics
- Mean, median, mode
- Range, variance, standard deviation
- Normal distribution
- Inferential statistics
- p-value and statistical significance
- Type I and Type II errors
- t-test, ANOVA, chi-square
- Correlation coefficient
Relationship to central
Understanding data analysis for clinical application
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
Sub concepts
- Five A's framework - Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess
- PICO(T) question formulation
- Evidence hierarchy
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- RCTs
- Qualitative studies
- Expert opinion
- Clinical significance vs statistical significance
- Quality improvement distinction
Relationship to central
Integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
Nursing Application and Professional Competency
Sub concepts
- Evidence consumer role
- Literature reading and critical appraisal
- Questioning unsupported routines
- Research protocol adherence
- Ethics protection
- Journal clubs
- Unit-based EBP projects
- Clinical guideline adherence
- Patient safety advocacy
Relationship to central
Role of nurses as evidence consumers in clinical practice
Concept connections
- Nature and Purpose of Nursing ResearchNursing Application and Professional CompetencyUnderstanding the purpose of research motivates nurses to become competent evidence consumers and translators in clinical practice
- Research Process StepsVariables and HypothesesVariables and hypotheses are defined and tested within the structured research process
- Variables and HypothesesResearch DesignsResearch design determines how variables are manipulated or measured to test hypotheses
- Research DesignsPopulation and SamplingResearch design influences population definition and sampling method selection
- Population and SamplingData Collection and Instrument QualitySelected sample receives data collection using valid, reliable instruments
- Data Collection and Instrument QualityBasic Statistics InterpretationData collected are analyzed using appropriate statistical methods based on measurement levels and design
- Ethics in Nursing ResearchData Collection and Instrument QualityEthical principles protect participants during all data collection phases
- Ethics in Nursing ResearchPopulation and SamplingEthical protections especially stringent for vulnerable populations in sample selection
- Basic Statistics InterpretationEvidence-Based PracticeStatistical interpretation determines evidence strength for placement in the evidence hierarchy
- Research DesignsEvidence-Based PracticeStudy design type is primary factor in evidence hierarchy ranking from RCT to expert opinion
- Evidence-Based PracticeNursing Application and Professional CompetencyEBP framework guides nurses in translating research findings into clinical practice
- Research Process StepsEvidence-Based PracticeUnderstanding the research process enables nurses to appraise evidence quality in EBP decision-making
- Population and SamplingEvidence-Based PracticeSample representativeness affects generalizability and applicability of evidence to target populations
- Data Collection and Instrument QualityEvidence-Based PracticeInstrument validity and reliability affect the trustworthiness of evidence for EBP recommendations
- Research DesignsBasic Statistics InterpretationResearch design type determines appropriate statistical tests and interpretation of results
- Variables and HypothesesBasic Statistics InterpretationHypothesis type and variable measurement levels determine statistical analysis approach
- Ethics in Nursing ResearchNursing Application and Professional CompetencyNurses apply ethical principles when protecting research participants and advocating for patient rights
- Research Process StepsData Collection and Instrument QualityResearch process includes instrument selection and data collection as critical implementation phases
- Research DesignsPopulation and SamplingExperimental designs require randomization; observational designs use probability or non-probability sampling
- Research Process StepsEthics in Nursing ResearchEthical review and approval occur early in research process before implementation
Diagrams
Comprehensive Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Concept Map
Hierarchical mind map showing the complete structure of nursing research and evidence-based practice, organized from central concepts through major categories (nature/purpose, research process, design types, sampling, data quality, ethics, statistics, EBP framework, and clinical application). This map illustrates how all components integrate to support evidence-based nursing practice aligned with professional standards (RA 9173, RA 10173, and PHREB guidelines).
The 10-Step Quantitative Research Process Flow
Sequential flowchart representing the 10 systematic steps of the quantitative research process. This diagram shows how each phase builds upon the previous one, from problem identification through dissemination, culminating in evidence translation for clinical practice. Each step represents a critical phase that nurses as evidence consumers must understand when appraising research quality.
Research Design Classification: Experimental to Observational Spectrum
Classification flowchart showing the relationship between research designs from strongest (true experimental with RCT) to weakest (descriptive studies). This hierarchy demonstrates how design strength determines causal inference capability and placement in the evidence hierarchy for EBP decision-making. The flowchart clarifies key criteria: manipulation, control group, randomization, and temporal direction.
Evidence-Based Practice: The Five A's Framework
Circular process flowchart illustrating the Five A's of Evidence-Based Practice: Ask (PICO(T) question formulation), Acquire (systematic literature search), Appraise (critical evaluation), Apply (integration with clinical judgment and patient values), and Assess (outcome evaluation). This iterative cycle shows how EBP is not a one-time event but a continuous quality improvement process. Each step includes key considerations for Filipino nurses implementing EBP in clinical settings.
Evidence Hierarchy: Strength of Research Evidence for EBP
Visual hierarchy of research evidence levels from strongest (Level 1: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs) to weakest (Level 7: Expert opinion). This pyramid-style flowchart demonstrates why systematic reviews of RCTs provide the strongest evidence for practice recommendations, while single expert opinions are the weakest basis for evidence-based decision-making. This hierarchy guides Philippine nurses in appraising study quality and formulating EBP recommendations.
Sampling Methods: Probability vs Non-Probability Impact on Generalizability
Decision flowchart comparing probability and non-probability sampling methods, their selection criteria, specific techniques, and implications for research validity and generalizability. This diagram helps nursing researchers choose appropriate sampling methods based on research objectives. Probability sampling (simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster) supports generalizability and reduces bias, while non-probability sampling (convenience, quota, purposive, snowball) suits qualitative, exploratory, or pilot research with recognized sampling limitations.
Research Ethics Framework: Protection of Human Participants
Comprehensive flowchart showing the research ethics framework protecting human participants. This diagram integrates the Belmont Report principles (respect, beneficence, justice) with nursing-specific values (nonmaleficence, fidelity) and practical protections (informed consent, confidentiality, harm prevention). It emphasizes special safeguards for vulnerable populations and oversight mechanisms including IRB review and Philippine regulatory compliance (RA 10173, PHREB guidelines). Essential for nurses protecting research participants.
Instrument Quality Assessment: Validity and Reliability Relationship
State diagram illustrating the relationship between instrument reliability and validity in research. This diagram shows that reliability (consistency) is necessary but not sufficient for validity (measuring what it intends to measure). An instrument can be reliable without being valid, but cannot be valid without being reliable. The flow demonstrates the iterative process of testing and revising instruments until both reliability and validity are established. Critical concept for nurses appraising data collection instruments.
Statistical Significance vs Clinical Significance: Decision-Making Framework
Decision flowchart distinguishing between statistical significance (p < 0.05) and clinical significance (meaningful effect in practice). This critical concept clarifies that a result can be statistically significant without being clinically important, or vice versa. The framework guides nurses in appropriate EBP decision-making: only statistically AND clinically significant findings warrant immediate implementation, while other combinations require different responses (caution, further research, or continuation of current practice). Essential for NLE preparation.