Discussion
Validity in Quantitative Research Designs
Validity in research refers to the extent researchers can be confident that the cause and effect they identify in their research are in fact causal relationships. If there is low validity in a study, it usually means that the research design is flawed and the results will be of little or no value. Four different aspects of validity should be considered when reviewing a research design: statistical conclusion validity, internal validity, construct validity, and external validity. In this Discussion, you consider the importance of each of these aspects in judging the validity of quantitative research.
To prepare:
- Review the information in Chapter 10 of the course text on rigor and validity.
- Readthemethodsectionofoneofthefollowingquasi-experimentalstudies(also located in this week’s Learning Resources). Identify at least one potential concern that could be raised about the study’s internal validity.
- Metheny,N.A.,Davis-Jackson,J.,&Stewart,B.J.(2010).Effectiveness of an aspiration risk-reduction protocol. Nursing Research, 59(1),18–25.
- Padula,C.A.,Hughes,C.,&Baumhover,L.(2009).Impactofanurse-drivenmobility protocol on functional decline in hospitalized older adults. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24(4),325–331.
- Yuan, S., Chou, M., Hwu, L., Chang, Y., Hsu, W., &Kuo, H. (2009). An intervention programtopromotehealth-relatedphysicalfitnessinnurses.JournalofClinicalNursing, 18(10),1,404–1,411.
- Considerstrategiesthatcouldbeusedtostrengthenthestudy’sinternalvalidityand how this would impact the three other types ofvalidity.
- Thinkabouttheconsequencesofanadvancedpracticenurseneglectingtoconsiderthe validityofaresearchstudywhenreviewingtheresearchforpotentialuseindeveloping an evidence-basedpractice.
By Day 3
Post the title of the study that you selected and your analysis of the potential concerns that could be raised about the study’s internal validity. Propose recommendations to strengthen the internal validity and assess the effect your changes could have with regard to the other three types of validity. Discuss the dangers of failing to consider the validity of a research study.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues in one or more of the following ways:
- Askaprobingquestion,substantiatedwithadditionalbackgroundinformation,andevidence.
- Shareaninsightfromhavingreadyourcolleagues’postings,synthesizingtheinformationto provide new perspectives.
- Offerandsupportanalternativeperspectiveusingreadingsfromtheclassroomorfromyour own review of the literature in the Walden Library.
- Validate an idea with your own experience and additional sources.
- Makeasuggestionbasedonadditionalevidencedrawnfromreadingsoraftersynthesizing multiple postings.
- Expandonyourcolleagues’postingsbyprovidingadditionalinsightsorcontrastingperspectives based on readings and evidence.
SOLUTION
Validity in Quantitative Research Designs
“Researchers who conduct scientific studies are often motivated by external factors, such as the desire to get published, advance their careers, receive funding, or seek certain results” (Unite for Sight, n.d., p.1). “As a consequence, a significant number of scientific studies are biased and unreliable” (Unite for Sight, n.d., p.1). There is a large influence of external factors that must be assessed to prevent bias and to ensure validity. Reliable studies use random samples, utilize appropriate sample sizes, avoid biases, and should be conducted by researchers who are not influenced by funding or the desire to seek certain results (Unite for Sight, n.d.).
An Intervention Program to Promote Health-Related Physical Fitness in Nurses
An Intervention Program to Promote Health-Related Physical Fitness in Nurses is a research study to assess the effects of exercise intervention on nurses’ health-related physical fitness (Yuan et al., 2009). The study showed that exercise programs could promote and improve health-related physical fitness of nurses (Yuan et al., 2009)……………………………………….$5
