WEEK ONE CHAPTER SUMMARIES 1

Week One Chapter Summaries

Harley R. Severt

School of Nursing, Liberty University

NURS817: Qualitative Methods of Research

January 22, 2023

Author Note

Harley R. Severt

I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Harley R. Severt.

Email: hrsevert@liberty.edu
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Chapter One Summary

Qualitative methods in nursing research position the researcher within the science, actively

engaging in the study of phenomena in a natural setting to produce a description or explanation

for behaviors, activities, or relationships (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Nursing research using

qualitative methods starts with an interpretive or theoretical framework that guides the study and

aids in selecting a data collection approach (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Creswell and Poth (2018)

explained that quantitative research methods use numbers, units of measurement, and statistics,

while qualitative research explores relationships, perceptions, situations, and behaviors. The five

main approaches to qualitative inquiry include narrative studies, phenomenology research,

grounded theory, ethnography, and case studies (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Qualitative methods

provide a way for researchers to explore, interpret, and describe phenomena through a more

immersive and engaged process of scientific inquiry.

Chapter Two Summary

Regardless of methodology, all research is impacted and influenced by philosophical

assumptions and theoretical frameworks (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Creswell and Poth (2018)

explained that the researcher should acknowledge and identify the theoretical underpinnings

within the write-up of a qualitative research study. Creswell and Poth (2018) explained that the

abstract ideas and perception of reality experienced by each individual substantially impact the

research work within a study. When choosing a qualitative approach, the researcher should first

reflect on personal perspectives, thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may impact the research

(Creswell & Poth, 2018). Then, the researcher should examine the impact of theoretical and

interpretive frameworks, such as ontological and epistemological alignment, on scientific inquiry

(Creswell & Poth, 2018). Based on the frameworks, the researcher should select an appropriate
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approach to the study and method for data collection and analysis. Lastly, the researcher should

closely examine the implications of the findings (Creswell & Poth, 2018).

Qualitative researchers often select one of four types of philosophical assumptions:

ontological, epistemological, axiological, or methodological (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Creswell

and Poth (2018) explained that ontology relates to a personal view or perspective of reality.

Epistemology deals more with the experience and acquisition of knowledge (Creswell & Poth,

2018). Creswell and Poth (2018) shared that axiology considers personal stances on values,

while methodology considers the procedures utilized during the inquiry. In qualitative research,

it is best to openly discuss any and all philosophical assumptions that may influence the study.

In addition to philosophical assumptions, interpretive frameworks also impact qualitative

research. Elements of postpositivism, such as strict adherence to a scientific approach,

exploration of cause-and-effect relationships, and a logical, systematic methodology, are seen

throughout nursing research (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Social constructivism guides studies

aimed at understanding phenomena within the world around the subjects or researchers (Creswell

& Poth, 2018). Other interpretative frameworks that may significantly impact qualitative

research include transformative frameworks, postmodern, and pragmatist perspectives (Creswell

& Poth, 2018). Creswell and Poth (2018) shared that the research goals will guide the selection

of methodology and the choice of interpretative or theoretical framework.

APA Chapter Three Summary

To create a high-quality standard for research publications and promote uniform

composition of journal articles, the American Psychological Association (2020). The abstract of

a write-up is a brief, 250-word summary that introduces the study and highlights the most

important information (American Psychological Association, 2020). The introduction of the

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research write-up should clearly identify the problem selected for investigation, give background

and context to the issue, and delineate the study's goals (American Psychological Association,

2020). Although quantitative and qualitative study write-ups are very similar, there are a few

distinct differences. While both quantitative and qualitative study journal articles should discuss

the research design and methodology, qualitative research write-ups should thoroughly address

the perspectives and positions of the researcher (American Psychological Association, 2020). In

qualitative research, the researcher transcribes data and classifies and codes the data for

interpretation instead of running the data through statistical software as in quantitative research

(American Psychological Association, 2020). A predetermined, standardized format and set of

standards for journal article publications allows researchers to clearly articulate the entire

scientific process resulting in the published findings.

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References

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among

five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American

Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000