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Discussion 1
1. Qualitative and quantitative research look at different aspects of an issue. Quantitative research takes a structured approach to understand if there is a significant difference in the data. Quantitative research begins with a discussion question, such as “how does proper hand washing affect the amount of bacterial present on a provider’s hands?” A design is then created, data is collected and analyzed, and the results will be presented for the nursing field (Polit & Beck, 2021). This type of research is used when we want a numerical answer or see a numerical change and when studying one specific variable (Sukamolson, 2007). In a qualitative research study, a problem is identified first, data is obtained about the topic and analysis occurs simultaneously (Polit & Beck, 2021). Analysis at the same time as data collection guides the next course of action in the study. After data collection and analysis, themes are developed based on the strongest points of study. Qualitative research studies are used when we want to explore an issue more in depth, such as understanding the hospital experience for a minority group, or when we are looking at more than one variable (Sukamolson, 2007).
2. Both quantitative and qualitative research papers are designed with a title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion. Where they differ is in the methods and results sections. The methods of quantitative studies explain the experimental design, the variables measured and how it will be analyzed, while qualitative studies give information about the setting and how the integrity of the study will be maintained (Polit & Beck, 2021). In the research section, quantitative studies use statistical tests and provide statistical significance, while qualitative studies determine major themes that were developed over the course of the study (Polit & Beck, 2021). Overall, both studies are helpful in different circumstances.
Resources
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Sukamolson, S. (2007). Fundamentals of quantitative research. Language Institute Chulalongkorn University, 1(3), 1-20.
Discussion 2
1. Describe the flow and sequence of activities in quantitative and qualitative research and discuss why they differ.
Quantitative research follows a consistent, linear path that can be broken down into five sequential phases. Phase 1 is the conceptual phase where a problem is defined, relevant literature is reviewed, the researcher makes observations in the field, and the framework and hypothesis are developed. Phase 2 involves design and planning which includes planning of how the research will be conducted, specific protocols, defining the population, understanding how to sample that population, developing a method for how to measure variables, and ensuring relevant ethical policies are being adhered to. Phase 3 is referred to as the empirical phase where data is collected and prepared for analysis. Phase 4 is the analytic phase where the data is actually analyzed and the implications of the results are investigated. Phase

5 is the dissemination phase where findings are shared and applied into practice (Polit & Beck, 2022).
Qualitative research has a more circular process than quantitative research. However, there is still a progression to follow when conducting qualitative research. First, the researcher identifies a problem, conducts a literature review, and selects an appropriate site. The researcher then can design a preliminary approach that can be flexible to the field work and address any ethical issues that may arise. Next, the researcher can begin collecting data. Data is grouped so various themes arise from the evidence collected. Qualitative research, like quantitative research, can be shared through journal publications and conference presentations (Polit & Beck, 2022).
Quantitative and qualitative research are both important methods for understanding a particular problem or question and one should not be viewed as better or more valid than another. However, certain research topics might be better suited to one type of research over another. For example, qualitative research is important for preliminary understanding of a particular topic and helping gauge experiences of patients and nurses (Carr, 1994).
2. Identify and describe the major sections in a research journal article. What is the difference in styles for quantitative and qualitative research reports?
Research articles have four key sections: introduction, method, results, and discussion. The introduction discusses the problem the authors are trying to address which includes discussing the current context around the problem. The method section defines the process the authors followed to answer their question related to the problem described in the introduction. The results section has the information the authors synthesized from their approach. In the discussion, the authors describe the meaning and impact of their results (Polit & Beck, 2022). With respect to the differences between a quantitative study and a qualitative study, the main differences are in the methods and results section. This is due to the fact that qualitative studies do not follow a precise statistical analysis procedure. Additionally, results are presented as thematic findings rather than numbers with statistical significance (Polit & Beck, 2022). Because each journal has specific author guidelines that must be followed, there are specific qualitative journals that are better suited to authors presenting qualitative data. If interested, a list of nursing journals that publish qualitative research is available here: https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-2689-4/back-matter/bmatter1 (Chesnay, 2014).
References
Carr, L. T. (1994). The strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative research: What method for nursing? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 20(4): 716-721. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.1994.20040716.x
Chesnay, M. D. (Ed.). (2014). Nursing research using data analysis. Springer Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826126894.ap01
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2022). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.