Texas A&M University-Texarkana
College of Health and Behavioral Sciences
Nursing Department
NURS 504 - Nursing Research
Spring 2011
Faculty: Shirley Garick, Ph.D., RN, CHCQM
Office: TBA
Office Hours: Online
Office Phone: 903-223-3177
Dept. FAX: 903-223-3107
Email: shirley.garick@tamut.edu Classroom: Online
Catalog Description: This course builds on basic knowledge of the research
process. It focuses on the scientific, programmatic and ethical issues of conducting research. It emphasizes the integration of research into nursing practice by choosing a research design to investigate nursing problems and incorporating evidence-based research into practice.
Required Text: Burns, N. and Grove, S. (2009). The practice of nursing
research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. (6th ed.) Elsevier. ISBN: 978-1-4160-5468-9
Recommended: American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. ISBN: 9781433805615
Student Learner Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: Outcomes:
• Formulate a research proposal that demonstrates an in depth knowledge of the elements of the research process, including Internal Review Board procedures. • Conduct in depth analytical critiques of quantitative and
qualitative research articles.
• Synthesize research techniques through evaluation and analysis that support evidence-based practice.
• Evaluate and analyze formal presentations related to specific research topics.
Overview of course
• Concepts and theories guiding professional Nursing research • Factors of Evidence based practice within the research milieu Theories, analysis and application
• Understanding qualitative research • Understanding quantitative research • Research application
• Research proposals
Examination, application and synthesis of selected theoretical frameworks • Theoretical frameworks for the nurse researcher
• Applying reflective analysis in the research milieu
• Examining and synthesizing the effectiveness of theory in research
Understanding the impact of nursing research and evidence based practice • Changing research paradigms based on theory
• Understanding the impact of research within nursing practice • Incorporating research within advanced practice nursing Wrap up course
• A copy of your IRB certificate to faculty
• Research papers due and presentation online
• Collegial review of research proposal and proposal due to faculty • Evaluation of course and professor
Prerequisites: Student must have graduated with a BSN degree from an accredited University and have successfully met the Admission Criteria for the Masters Degree in Nursing. Justification: This core course has been developed and will be taught to
meet the requirements of students seeking a Master of Science Degree in Nursing. The student will develop the ability evaluate and synthesize research that will be utilized throughout the masters degree program. It will foster
independent learning and scholarly pursuits.
Methods of Instruction: Online classes will be conducted using online lecture with audiovisuals and in-class discussion questions and on line content will be presented. Reading assignments, online assignments, discussion board presentations and written papers will be utilized to achieve course objectives. Evaluation: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = 59 or below
Weighted Assignments: Research Proposal Paper 20%
Research Proposal webinar 15% Research Critique Papers (2 @ 7.5%) 15%
Critiques Presentation online 10% IRB Tutorial 10%
Online Discussion boards 10%
Online Assignment modules 10%
Annotated bibliographies 10%
100% Student Technical Assistance:
• Solutions to common problems and FAQ’s for your web-enhanced and online courses are found at this link:
http://www.tamut.edu/webcourses/index.php?pageid=37
• If you cannot find your resolution there, you can send in a support request detailing your specific problem here:
http://www.tamut.edu/webcourses/gethelp2.php • Blackboard Helpdesk contacts:
Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00a to 5:00p
Kevin Williams (main contact) 903-223-1356 kevin.williams@tamut.edu Frank Miller (alternate) 903-223-3156 frank.miller@tamut.edu
Technical Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
The following computer system requirements are recommended for an online course:
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista; Mac OSX 10.2 & above
RAM: 256 MB, Processor: 2.0 GHz, Free space on HDD: 500MB Internet Connection: (Broadband/DSL preferred), Dial Up 56k minimum Browser: Internet Explorer 6 or 7, Mozilla Firefox 2.0, Safari 1.0
Java: Version 6 Update 11 or later Sound card and speakers
Software Requirements Pop-up Blockers
All pop-up blockers installed on your computer must be set to allow pop-ups from Blackboard
Java Runtime Environment
You must have the Java Runtime Environment installed. This is a free plug-in for your browser that can be obtained by going to http://www.java.com
Additional Plug-ins
You may need additional software based on the content that your instructor posts in their course. Commonly needed applications are:
Microsoft Office 2007/2003/XP Suite/Works (not free software) Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)
Windows Media Player (free download) Real Time Media Player (free download) Quick Time Media Player (free download) Macromedia/Adobe Flash (free download) Macromedia/Adobe Shockwave (free download)
CALENDAR OF SEMESTER ASSIGNMENTS
Week Assignment(s) 1 Orientation and overview of course. Online lecture on evidence-based practice
with power points. Download syllabus. Read chapters 1 and 2
2 Online lecture with PowerPoint’s on developing your research. Introduction to the IRB; go to web site on TAMUT web page. Read chapters 3,4,5
3 Starting researching for articles you may refer to later in the program, which includes researching & analyzing articles from the web & developing
annotated bibliographies.
4 Module 1 Building a framework for research and understanding the evolution of research in nursing. Read chapters 6, 7, 8
5 Module 2 Read chapters 9,10,11 quantitative research and collect peer reviewed research articles for class.
6 Module 3 Read chapter 23 on qualitative research and turn in 4 annotated bibliographies on quantitative and qualitative research.
7 Module 4 appropriate design choices for quantitative and qualitative studies; outcomes research; managing data & statistical analysis; Complete your IRB tutorial and obtain certificate of completion.
8 Complete the following tutorial on SPSS management & statistical analysis.
http://www.stat.tamu.edu/spss.php Then your assignment will be to write a
brief summary of what you have learned and email it to your faculty person. 9 Spring Break – Have fun! ☺
10 Read chapters 12,14,15,16 and your assignment will be to develop an outline of researched articles for discussion board discussions.
11 Module 5 Read chapters 17,18,19,20 Two critiques due one quantitative and one qualitative IRB activities and certificate due.
12 Module 6 Read chapters 21,22, 24, 28 Questions posted on discussion board regarding writing your research paper; communication of research findings and where to search for funding.
13 Module 7 Read chapters 25,26,27 Strategies for using research in practice. Conduct an online search for 3 evidence-based practice articles; write a synopsis of each article then post article & synopsis on discussion board for comments from colleagues
14 Module 8 Read chapter 29. Then do module assignment.
15 Online presentations of research papers and critique presentations; Send copy of research proposal to faculty online.
16 Online course and faculty evaluation
*Each module will be online the week before any materials within the module are due. For instance, in week three, Module 1 will be placed up on Thursday afternoon at 5 pm and any assignments within the module will be due on Week 4 on Thursday afternoon at 5 PM. This schedule will hold firm throughout the semester.
Research Proposal Paper 20%
Select a topic in which you are interested in researching and then follow the guidelines for your paper. If you are planning a thesis or project, you may begin writing your proposal. By following this format, you will be able to begin this process. Include all of the following elements:
Cover Sheet Abstract
Introduction with research purpose Research question/hypothesis Research design
Explanation of data analysis procedures Population to be studied
Research sample Results-format Interpretation-format APA style
Body of the paper - a minimum of 20 pages Reference pages
Bibliography pages
Research Proposal Presentation via Webinar 15%
The research paper you write is to be presented in online webinar to your colleagues for 30 minutes with a question and answer session following the presentation. During the course of the presentation, you are to explain how this knowledge will be applied in an evidence-based practice situation and you may place your power point and/or outline online
Critiques (2) 7.5% each=15%
Select one quantitative and one qualitative research article. Write a paper for each critique. Conduct a thorough analysis and synthesis of the topics in the articles. Include statements in the summary regarding the application to evidence-based practice.
Critiques (2) (cont)
Write a qualitative critique including the following criteria (minimum of 8 pages): Abstract
Statement of the Phenomenon of Interest Purpose Method Sampling Data Collection Data Analysis Credibility Fittingness Findings
Conclusions, Implications and Recommendations End Summary
Write a quantitative critique including the following criteria (minimum of 8 pages): Statement of the research problem and/or purpose
Review of literature Theoretical framework
Research objectives, questions, or hypotheses Variables
Research Design
Sample, population, and setting Measurements
Instruments like scales or questionnaires Procedures (as applied and if applicable) Data Analyses (discussion)
Interpretation of findings
Conclusions: Implications and recommendations End summary.
Critiques Presentation via Webinar 10%
A 30-minute presentation about the two critiques, one qualitative and one quantitative, will be followed by a question and answer session online via webinar. During the course of your presentation, you are to address how it might be possible to apply these
research articles to evidence-based practice. IRB Tutorial 10%
Go to www.tamut.edu; click on academics and scroll down to IRB heading and click on the heading. It will take you to the IRB site there you are to click on Procedures.
Carefully read this page. Then read the flowchart, instructions for submission of
Computer-based Training, take the test, download your certificate and email a copy to your professor.
Online Discussion board Discussions 10%
• All discussion board and webinars are considered mandatory and should you miss some of the discussion or a webinar it may affect your final grade. In the event of unavoidable conflicts, circumstances
beyond your control, and/or illness, please give the professor and your colleagues advanced notice of your absence. You may do this by phone or blackboard.
• Prepared for discussion board and webinars is expected. You are to be knowledgeable of the topics being discussed and you are to contribute to the discussion demonstrating a critical analysis of the literature, thoughtful deliberation, comparisons with other evidence, synthesis of ideas and application of your own experience or practice setting. On line Assignments 10%
• Eight on line modules will be presented.
• Students are expected to complete the assignments within each module. Specific instructions for completing each assignment will be included in each module.
Annotated Bibliographies: 10%
• Search for 6 peer reviewed articles and then write a brief summary of each article and place the article and the summary on discussion board for comments from your colleagues.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic honesty is expected of students enrolled in this course. Cheating on
examinations, unauthorized collaboration, falsification of research data, plagiarism, and undocumented use of materials from any source, constitute academic dishonesty, and may be grounds for a grade of "F" in the course and/or disciplinary actions." For
additional information see the university policy manual. Accommodations Statement:
Students with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations through the A&M-Texarkana Disability Services Office by calling 903-223-3062.
A&M-Texarkana Email Address:
Upon application to Texas A&M University-Texarkana an individual will be assigned an A&M-Texarkana email account. This email account will be used to deliver official university correspondence. Each individual is responsible for information sent and received via the university email account and is expected to check the official A&M-Texarkana email account on a frequent and consistent basis. Faculty and students are required to utilize the university email account when communicating about coursework Resources Needed: The student will need access to a computer and printer at home or at school and/or in both places.
Faculty Requirement: This course must be taught by faculty with a terminal degree Ph.D./Ed.D, in Nursing or a Related Field.
Justification for Graduate Credit: This course will be a part of the core requirements for achieving a Masters in Nursing Degree. It will be taught at a master’s level of
teaching and student participation. It will foster independent learning through the research paper, the two critiques and presentations, the in-class seminar discussions, the on line module assignments, the research portfolio and IRB tutorial.
Other: The faculty reserves the right to make any changes that are necessary to facilitate student learning and/or to accommodate any other issues that may develop during the semester for this course.
Bibliography:
Abdellah, F. G. & Levine, E. (1979). Better patient care through nursing
research. New York: Macmillan.(Classic)
Agency for Heathcare Research and Quality. (2004). Research in action: AHRQ
tools and resources for better health care. AHRQ Publication No. 03-
0008. Washington, D.C.: Author.
Alles, P. (1995). CESF medical outcomes research project: Implementing
outcomes assessment in a clinical setting. Wisconsin Medical Journal,
94(1), 27-31. (Classic)
Barnett, V. (1982). Comparative statistical Inference. New York: Wiley. (Classic)
Barkway, P. (2004). Michael Crotty and nursing phenomenology: Criticism or
critique? Nursing Inquiry, 8 (3), 191-195.
Boyd, C. O. (2004). Phenomenology: The method. In P. Munhall (Ed.), Nursing
Research: A qualitative Perspective (3rd ed., pp. 93-122), Sudbury, MA:
Jones & Bartlett.
Conn, V.S., & Rantz, M.U. (2003). Research methods: Managing primary study
quality in meta-analyses. Research in Nursing & Health, 26(4),
322-333.
Cote, J. K. & Pepler, C. (2005). A randomized trial of a cognitive coping
intervention for acutely ill HIV-positivie men. Nursing Research, 51(4)
237-244.
Husserl, E. (1980). Phenomenology and the foundations of the sciences (T.E.
Klein & W. E. Pohl, Translation). The Hague, Netherlands: Martinus
Nijhoff. (Classic)
Morse, J.M. (2003). Approaches to qualitative-quantitative methodological
triangulation. Nursing Research, 40(1), 120-123.
Nies, M.A. & Hein, L. (2000). Teleform: A blessing or burden? Public Heath
Nursing,17(2), 143-145.
Orchid, C. (1994). Comparing healthcare outcomes. British Medical Journal,
Popper, K. (1968). The logic of scientific discovery: New York: Harper &
Row. (Classic)
Sadala, M.L.A. & Adorno, R.C.F. (2006). Phenomenology as a method to investigate the experience lived: A perspective from Husserl and
Merleau Ponty’s thought. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37(3), 282-293.
Sjostrom, B. & Dahlgrem, L.O. (2002). Applying phenomenography in nursing
research. Journal of Advanced Nursing,40(3), 339-345.
Volicer, B.J. (1984). Multivariate statistics for nursing research. New York: Grune
& Stratton. (Classic)
Whiteheard, J. (1992). The design and analysis of sequential clinical trials. New
York: Ellis-Harwood. (Classic)
Williams, L. D. (1995). Issues of consent and data collection in vulnerable
populations. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 34(4), 211-218.
Wright, V.L. (2004). A phenomenological exploration of spirituality among African
American women recovering from substance abuse. Archives of
Psychiatric Nursing, 17(4), 173-185.
Websites:
Academic Center for Evidence based Nursing: www.acestar.uthscsa.edu Centers for Health Evidence.net: www.cche.net
MD Consult: www.mdconsult.com
National Association for Clinical Excellence (NICE): www.nice.org.uk Primary Care Clinical Practice Guidelines: www.medscape.com
