Characteristics of Nursing Research

The abovementioned definitions of research according to the experts can lead us to the common
characteristics of nursing research:

1. Systematic. There is a system that must be followed in conducting research, as there is a system
for making each chapter. There is a big (macro) system and under this are little (micro) systems.
In thesis writing, what is referred to as ‘’the system’’ is the process of formulating the chapters
and the elements of each. The macro system is the composition of chapters so that they are
organized in a logical and scientific manner. The micro system is the formulation of the detailed
contents of each chapter. The contents ate further divided into element. The making of each
element likewise follows a systematic procedure.
2. Objective. Research is an objective process of analyzing phenomena of importance to any of the
different professional and academic fields of disciplines (Nieswiadomy, 2004). Objectively, a
researcher is looking at bases in which the work is founded. He must never produce results out
of nowhere; the results after being determined should be verified and validated. These results
must never be based on biases nor out of respect for any personality or organization. It is very
important for the researcher to clarify indicators and boundaries within which the study is
confined because these are factors that could affect its objectivity.
3. Feasible. In the nursing profession, any problem, extraordinary in nature (phenomenon), that
directly or indirectly affects the profession, is a feasible problem of study. In settings like the
community, school, workplace and the hospital or clinic, unusual phenomena happen and turn
into potential problems.
4. Empirical. There should be adequate evidence discussing the different variables used in the
study. The researcher must have evidence for the details appearing in his/her paper.
Referencing of facts and information that the researcher has gathered in his/her paper must not
be forgotten. All sources should be properly cited. Through proper citation, the researcher is
stating that the k knowledge being shared came from other experts. Plagiarism constitutes
claiming an idea another person’s intellectual property-as one’s own.
5. Clear. The choice of variables used in the study should be explained by the researcher. This can
be done by enriching the review of literature or by discussing the different theories on which
the selection pf variables were based. There must be sufficient indicators for each variable.
These indicators must be gathered form different published and unpublished materials. When
located, these materials must be properly referenced in the manuscript.