Weighing the Evidence

When conducting original research, the final step researchers must complete is weighing
the evidence and interpreting the meanings of their data, statistics, and analyses. This is the
culmination of the research process in which all of the research methods and designs can be
synthesized into a meaningful conclusion. In this stage, researchers should formulate
explanations for what their data indicates, determine whether the data answers their initial
research question, identify areas of uncertainty, and consider directions for further
research.
In this Discussion, you focus on one of the research articles that you identified for Part 2 of
the Course Project (Literature Review). You then explore the process of how the
researchers generated conclusions based on their data, consider other possible
interpretations of their data, and formulate ideas for further research.
To prepare:
� Review this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on how researchers find meaning in
their data and generate sound conclusions. Pay particular attention to Table 2 in the
article, “Study Design in Medical Research.”
� Revisit the 5 articles that you identified in Part 2 of the Course Project. Select one to
consider for the purpose of this Discussion.
� Read sections of the chosen article where the data is presented, analyzed, and
interpreted for meaning. What reasoning process did the researchers use to formulate their
conclusions? What explanation did they give to support their conclusions? Were there any
weaknesses in their analysis or conclusions?
� Consider possible alternate conclusions that the researchers could have drawn based on
their data.
� Examine the findings that the article presents and consider how well they addressed the
researcher’s initial question(s). What additional research could be done to build on these
findings and gain a fuller understanding of the question?
Post on or before Day 3 an APA citation and brief summary of the research article that you
selected. Describe the data and the results of any statistical tests or analyses presented in
the article. Explain how the researchers formulated their conclusion, any weaknesses in
their analysis or conclusions, and offer at least one alternate interpretation of their data.
Propose at least one additional research study that could be done to further investigate this
research topic.
� Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence
for nursing practice (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
o Review Chapter 2, Fig. 2.1
o Chapter 27, “Systematic Reviews of Research Evidence: Meta-analysis, Metasynthesis,
and Mixed Studies Review”

Running Head: Weighing the Evidence
These are the five articles
� Davies, K. (2011). Formulating the Evidence Based Practice Question: A Review of the
Frameworks. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 75-80.
� Leland, N. (2012). Falls in Newly Addmitted Nursing Home Residents: A National
Study. The American Geriatrics Society, 939-945.
� Moyer, V. (2000, September). Weighing the Evidence: PICO Questions: What Are They,
and Why Bother?
� Prevention, C. f. (2012, September 20). Falls Among Older Adults.
� Services, D. o. (2011, January 19). Administration on Aging.

Weighing the Evidence

Formulating the Evidence Based Practice by Davis is a theory of models, strategies and
tools. It deals with the theory in implementing the evidence based findings in the provision of
health care (Davies, 2011). The key words which have been used in the research are evidence –
based medicine, organizational change, professional practice and behavior (Davies, 2011). The
information which is presented in Davies’ paper is relevant and very important to the researchers
and the people who are involved in quality improvement activities in the health care
organizations. The paper has well outlined the linking theory, models strategy and the tools
which are used to design interventions.
The change in order to promote evidence based practices has been well accomplished.
The problem comes in where the results of the prior studies have been mixed. There has been
inadequate planning and inadequate linking action to theory may have led to the mixed outcomes

Running Head: Weighing the Evidence
(Davies, 2011). The study findings have showed that the ATIP interventions have led to the
improvement of antipsychotic prescribing which has occurred in accordance with the guideline
and it has reduced the pharmacy costs for the antipsychotics. According to this study, the
participating clinicians have reported positive experiences with the programs educational and
support materials (Davies, 2011).
In order to support their conclusions, the authors say that they have clearly outlined the
approach to the linking theory, models, strategy and tools for proper designation of interventions
to properly implement the planned change (Davies, 2011). In the researcher’s conclusion, I don’t
find any weaknesses. I however feel that there is need to carry out further research on the ways
to carry out the evidence based practices by bulleting out several therapeutic practices from the
research not forgetting to put into considerations the therapist contributions and client’s
perspective.

Running Head: Weighing the Evidence

Reference

Davies, K. (2011). Formulating the Evidence Based Practice Question: A Review of the
Frameworks. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 75-80.