Question

Describe the philosophical beliefs that drive quantitative research (positivists paradigm). How do these philosophical beliefs shape quantitative research?

Please be detailed- this is in regards to nursing research.

Answer 1

Answer :- Quantitative Research is an essential part for the growth nursing profession in today’s world. Nursing research is a systemic inquiry to answer the question or problems encountered in the clinical practice, education and administration. The quantitative research studies have a huge importance in nursing profession because it provide strong evidence that help nurses to make sound clinical decision and judgment in the clinical setting. it helps to give evidence based nursing care to the patient that would be clinically appropriate, cost effective and result in positive outcome of patient. Moreover, it assists to elevate the standard and reputation of nursing profession. In addition, knowledge contribution will be increased in the discipline. Therefore, nurses are expected to understand and conduct research in their field. This paper illustrate the paradigms for nursing research, highlight the epistemological and ontological assumption related to Positivist and Naturalistic paradigms.

Philosophy of a profession serves as a guide for the practice and research. Nursing philosophy can give a direction for nurse’s practice, education, research and scholastic work. Research philosophical paradigm are sets of beliefs and practices that regulate inquiry within a discipline by providing lenses, frames and processes through which study is carried out. philosophy directs the perspective from which researcher formulate research questions, plan how problem can be investigated, select research design as well as identify what methods are used and how data are collected, analyzed and interpreted . Therefore, nurse researchers before conducting any study should have clarity about the paradigm because it will enable them to structure inquiry, and select the research approach. Nursing research paradigms are broadly classified as Positivist paradigm and Naturalistic paradigm.

Quantitative approach is emerged from positivist paradigm. Positivist paradigm places considerable value on “rationality, objectivity, prediction and control”.