Nursing capstone projects allow nursing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills attained throughout their nursing program. These projects involve conducting an original nursing research study on a topic of relevance to nursing practice, education, administration or theory. There are a variety of research methods that can be utilized in nursing capstone projects, with the appropriate method depending on the nature and purpose of the research study. Some of the most common research methods used include:
Quantitative Research Methods:
Descriptive research designs: These aim to objectively describe phenomena through collecting numerical data. They do not involve manipulating variables. Common descriptive designs include survey research, observational studies, case studies, and record reviews. Survey research involving questionnaires or structured interviews is very common in nursing capstone projects to collect data on topics such as patient/staff experiences, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors.
Correlational research designs: These aim to discover relationships between variables through statistical analysis without manipulating variables. They may examine how two variables such as patient characteristics and health outcomes are related. Correlation does not imply causation.
Experimental research designs: These aim to determine cause-and-effect relationships through manipulating an independent variable and measuring its effect on a dependent variable. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized control group pre-test/post-test designs are examples. Experimental designs are less common in capstone projects due to ethical and feasibility issues related to intentionally manipulating patient care.
Statistical analysis: Quantitative data collected through descriptive, correlational or experimental designs is typically analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical tests using software like SPSS. Common analytic strategies include frequencies, measures of central tendency, hypothesis testing through t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, correlation, and regression.
Qualitative Research Methods:
Phenomenological research: Aims to describe the essence of a lived experience around a phenomenon for several individuals. Often involves in-depth interviews to collect detailed descriptions which are then analyzed for themes. Focuses on understanding subjective experience rather than objective measurement.
Grounded theory research: Focuses on building theory through constant comparative analysis of qualitative data as it relates to categories and their properties. The goal is to generate a conceptual framework or theory to explain processes related to the topic. Data collection may involve interviews and observations coded and analyzed for emerging categories.
Ethnographic research: Focuses on understanding cultural behaviors, beliefs and interactions of a whole group who share some common trait, typically studied through extensive fieldwork over time using observation, interviewing and immersion. Less common in capstone due to time and resource demands.
Narrative research: Aims to explore life experiences through stories told by individuals in interviews or documents. Data analysis involves restorying the narrative to investigate the meaning individuals ascribe to their experience. Stories are interpreted for the researcher’s understanding rather than presenting an objective facts.
Content analysis: A research method for analyzing textual data through objective coding and categorizing patterns or themes within the content. Can be used to systematically evaluate written, electronic or visual communication data. Both qualitative and quantitative content analysis approaches exist.
Mixed Methods Research:
Convergent parallel mixed methods design: Collects quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously, analyzes separately, then mixes by comparing and contrasting results. Allows for a more comprehensive understanding through triangulation of findings.
Explanatory sequential mixed methods design: Collects quantitative data first, analyzes, then builds on results with in-depth qualitative follow up to help explain initial results. Gives voice to numeric outcomes.
Embedded mixed methods design: Collects both types of data within a predominant quantitative or qualitative design. Quantitative data used to support qualitative themes or vice versa for completeness.
Multi-phase mixed methods design: Involves collecting multiple forms of data using different designs over an extended timeframe in distinct phases, such as pilot and intervention/outcome testing.
To summarise, nursing students have a variety of robust research approaches and analytical techniques available to conduct rigorous nursing capstone research projects exploring topics relevant to evidence-based practice. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are commonly used, often in mixed designs, depending on the best fits with the research question, objectives, resources and intended outcomes of the study. Choosing the right method is vital for high quality nursing research.