Guidebook in

RESEARCH WRITING
Preparing the Nursing Thesis
Proposal
By: Cristobal and Cristobal
 
What is research?

Is a systematic inquiry that uses disciplined

methods to answer questions or solve problems.
The ultimate goals of research are to develop,
refine and expand a body of knowledge (Polit &
Beck, 2004).
Is “the continuing discovery and exploration of the
unknown” (Sanchez, 2002).
It entails an investigation of new facts leading to the
discovery of new ideas, new methods and improvements.
It is always an attempt to broaden one’s outlook in life. It
always proceeds from the known to the unknown.
Thus, the end of research is to arrive at a new truth. Its end
product in discovery of truth.
In an attempt to arrive at a truth, the researcher uses methods
which suit his/her chosen field of study.
Is to search again and again, or to examine
carefully. More specifically, research is diligent,
systematic inquiry or investigation to validate and
refine existing knowledge and generate new
knowledge (Groove, 1997).
Is the systematic study or investigation of
something for the purpose of answering new
questions posed by the researcher (Parel, 1973)
• Is the systematic investigation, of new facts
leading to the discovery of new ideas (Sanchez,
1999).
• Is a systematic, critical and self-critical inquiry
which aims to contribute towards the
advancement of knowledge and wisdom (Bassey,
as cited in Coleman & Briggs, 2002).
• Is, ideally, the careful, unbiased investigation of a problem
based, as far as possible, upon demonstrate facts and involving
refined distinctions, interpretations and usually some
generalizations (Good, as cited in Alcantara & Espina, 1995).
• Is a refined technique of thinking, employing specialized tools,
instruments and procedures in order to obtain a more adequate
solution to a problem that would be possible under ordinary
means (Crawford, as cited in Alcantara & Espina, 1995).
In MIDWIFERY, it is a systematic
search for and validation of knowledge
about different issues important to the
MIDWIFERY profession (Polit &
Hungler,1999)
 ROLES OF RESEARCH
Research, is carried out for a specific purpose-to answer a
specific question or to solve a particular controversy or issue.
It primarily seeks new knowledge and provides useful
information in the form of verifiable data.
Ultimately, it contributes to the attainment of the
developmental goals of a nation.
Thus, research must not only be conducted because it is a
prerequisite to obtaining a degree, but more so because it can
potentially mobilize society (Palipis, 2004.
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 writings, 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 are further divided
into elements. 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 or 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/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 or
study.
In settings like the community, school, workplace and the
hospital or clinic, unusual phenomena happen and turn into
potential problems.
4. Empirical. Adequately evidenced discussion of the
different variables used. The researcher must have evidence
for the details in the paper.
Referencing of facts and information must not be forgotten.
All sources should be properly cited. Through proper citation,
the researcher is stating that the 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 enriching the review literature or by discussing
the different theories on which the selection of variables was
based.

There must be sufficient indicators for each variable. These

indicators must be gathered from different published and
unpublished materials. When located, these materials must
be properly referenced in the manuscript.
Roles of MIDWIVES in Research (Nieswiadomy, 2002)

1. Principal investigator
2. Member of the research team
3. Identifier of researchable problems
4. Evaluator of research findings
5. User of research findings
6. Patient/client advocate during study
7. Subject/Respondent/Participant
The Core Competencies in Research
R1- ENGAGES IN NURSING OR HEALTH RELATED RESEARCH
WITH OR UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN EXPERIENCED
RESEARCHER.
 Participates in preparing a research proposal complying with the
ethical principles in nursing research.
 Conducts a research study as a member of a research team.
 Presents the research study conducted in partnership with a
research team.
 Prepares a written research report.
 Conducts an oral and/or poster presentation.
R 2- EVALUATE RESEARCH STUDY/ REPORT UTILIZING
GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT OF A WRITTEN RESEARCH
CRITIQUE.

Determines if the research problems/questions objectives

and/or hypotheses are clearly and logically linked to the
research purpose, concepts and relationships, and
propositions generated from the study framework.
Analyzes if the conceptual framework the summary of
review of related literature, research, design and data
analysis procedure are logically linked with the
research purpose, problems/questions, and hypothesis.
Establishes if the interpretation implications, and
recommendations are consistent with the results
considering the limitations of the study.
Analyzes the research study/report for completeness,
clarity and logical organizations, and if the ethical
principles and guidelines are implemented in all phases
of the research study
R 3-APPLIES THE RESEARCH PROCESS IN IMPROVING PATIENT
CARE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH A QUALITY
IMPROVEMENT/QUALITY ASSURANCE/NURSING AUDIT TEAM.

 3.1 Participate as a member of quality team in implementing

the appropriate quality improvement process on identified
improvement opportunities.
 Prepares a data collection and analysis plan as a member of the
quality improvement/quality assurance/nursing audit team.
 Conductscollection and analysis of data with the team
members based on the agreed plan.
Implements with the team developed action plan for the
identified variance to improve the system or process.
Communicates both in oral and written form, the results
of the quality improvement project in partnership with
the quality improvement team/quality
assurance/nursing audit team.
 Purposes of Nursing Research
1. Nursing research provides scientific basis for the practice
or methodologies used in nursing care management. This
is extremely important since the life of a client is at stake.
2. Nursing research is undertaken for the continuous
development of and further productivity in health care.
3. Nursing research develops tools for assessing the
effectiveness of nursing interventions.
4. Nursing research provides solutions to problems
concerning health maintenance, health delivery and health
care.
5. Nursing research develops and evaluates alternative
approaches to nursing education that enable the students to
gain broader knowledge and specialized skills for safe
practice.
6. Nursing research experience advances the personal and
professional qualifications of a nursing practitioner.
 Types of (Nursing) Research
1. Basic or pure research. This type of research is primarily
concerned with generating new knowledge (Kerlinger, 1986 as
cited by Wilson, 1990). Generating knowledge is synonymous
to creating types of a theory.
2. Applied Research. This type of research is concerned with
using knowledge to give immediate solutions to a problem.
 According to Diers (1979), all nursing research is considered as applied
research for the following reasons:

• The potential nursing research problem involves “a

difference that matters”, Diers meant that a problem
comes from the difference between what we know now
and what we ought to know. If it is believed that bridging
this gap will result in advancement in patient care, then
how to go about doing so many constitute a research
problem.
• The potential nursing research problem addresses
conceptual issues and therefore has the potential to
contribute to theory development and to the body of
scientific nursing knowledge.
• Finally, the potential research problem necessitates
studying a phenomenon which researchers (in this case,
nurses) have access to and control over-they being
active players in health care setting.
Goals in conducting Nursing Research:
1. To produce evidence-based nursing practice. Since each
person has but one life to live, a professional nursing
practitioner must ensure that he/she is able to give proper health
care to his/her patient. To do this, he/she must provide the best
clinical practices as proven by nursing research.
The principles on which the tasks and functions of a nurse are
based can be formulated through research. The different SOPs in
hospitals, the guidelines in the admission and release of patients,
and the assessment and diagnosis of patients
The results of the nursing research must be published in
books and journals for nurses and other health
practitioners to access and be adopted for use in their
respective localities/communities.
They can be also utilized in conference, seminars,
workshops, and trainings so that new knowledge or
methods in the delivery of more effective heath care can
be shared.
2. To establishe credibility in the nursing profession. A
profession is defined by the body of knowledge it utilizes,
distinct from other disciplines. Distinctiveness is achieved
when there are special practices and peculiarity of services
in a given area or field. Research is essential for a
profession to produce new procedures, programs, and
practices. Thus, for nursing to distinguish itself from other
professions and to establish its credibility as a science,
intensive and intelligent research must be conducted.
3. To observe accountability in nursing practice. Every
actions conducted by a nurse must have a rationale. There
are principles that justify why you wash hands regularly,
wear gowns in operating room, or clean some wounds
from inner to outer ways. The nurse must be accountable
for each task performed. Nursing tasks must be carried
out with circumspect care and the awareness that
everything has to be done efficiently.
4. To promote cost-effectiveness through documentation
of nursing care. The findings of research must be shared
with and utilized by the individuals, group community for
which it was intended. Research is useless if its results are
not made publicly known. These results, however, must
first satisfy the researchers goals before sharing them with
other researchers and professionals to whom these findings
may be beneficial (to nurses and other health care
professionals).
Other than those previously mentioned, anybody who
is in the same condition as the subject/s of the study
may also utilize the findings. These people need not
conduct the same research again, thus saving up on
expenses. They only have to look for the
documentation. On this manner, research become
cost-effective
THANK YOU