Evaluation of Data
Locate one recent (within the past 5 years) nursing quantitative* and one recent (within the
past 5 years) nursing qualitative* research study and carefully review the way the data
collected was evaluated for trustworthiness:
Using the knowledge and insights gained from the assigned readings and other reliable
sources, describe how researchers addressed the reliability and validity in each study.
End your discussion by addressing the importance of the nurse understanding the
trustworthiness of the research data as evidence-based clinical decisions are made.
Provide at least three citations with full references to credible nursing scholarly articles
supporting your definitions and discussion.
Evaluation of Data
Data evaluation for trustworthiness
Quantitative research
Garavaglia et al. (2011) is the quantitative study considered in this paper and various measures
were taken to evaluate the data for trustworthiness. For instance, Data Envelopment Analysis
(DEA) method was used as a method of measuring the efficiency of 40 nursing homes at the
Lombardy Region over a period of 3 years (2005–2007). The chosen location and period of
study were selected to ensure the worthiness of collected data.
Qualitative research
Tafreshi et al. (2007) was the qualitative study that was considered in this paper where various
measures were implemented to ensure the trustworthiness of the collected data. For instance, the
collected data was conducted in two phases (such as 10 individual interviews and 5 focus group
discussions). Moreover, a sufficient sample size was recruited to participate in the study i.e. 10
nursing experts and 44 clinical nurses through a purposeful sampling frame.
Reliability and validity of each study
EVALUATION OF DATA 2
Garavaglia et al. (2011) involves several measures that were taken in order to make sure that the
reliability and validity of the study was ensured. This consisted of both triangulation and
combination of analysis techniques. For example, the study used a satisfactory sample size over a
period of 3 years to avoid biasness. The study also combined Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)
method and a Tobit regression analysis as well as Kruskall–Wallis tests of hypothesis to ensure
the reliability of the data analysis and conclusions.
Tafreshi et al. (2007) also used several measures throughout the study in order to make sure that
the data collection and interpretation was reliable and valid as way of making sure it accurately
reflected the phenomenon. For instance, this included coding segments of some transcripts for
the confirmation of identified categories (peer check). Furthermore, after the completion of the
phenomenon description, validation was censured by returning it to three nurses from the focus
group interviews (member check). The adoption of this strategy was to ensure the credibility of
collected data and a way of assuring validity.
The importance of understanding trustworthiness of the research data as evidence-based clinical
decisions are made is because these decisions are used to formulate policies which determine
how nursing services are carried out.
EVALUATION OF DATA 3
References
Fisher, C. (2007). Researching and writing a dissertation: An essential guide to business
students, 3 rd edition. New York, NY: Prentice Hall.
Garavaglia, G., & Lettieri, E., Agasisti, T., & Lopez, S. (2011). Efficiency and quality of care in
nursing homes: An Italian case study. Health Care Management Science, 14(2), 22–35.
Gill, J. & Johnson, P. (2010). Research Methods for Managers, 4 th edition. London: Sage.
Mugenda, O.M. & Mugenda, A.G. (2003). Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative
approaches. Nairobi: Acts Press
Neumann, W.L. (2000). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approach, 3 rd
ed. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Tafreshi, M.Z., Pazargadi, M., & Saeedi, Z.A. (2007). Nurses’ perspectives on quality of nursing
care: a qualitative study in Iran. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance,
20(4), 320-328.