A Successful Research Study, Essay Example

A successful research study requires an instrument that will be largely effective and is appropriate for the needs of the study as a whole. This requires an effective strategy that will encompass the overall direction and focus of the research question to be answered. Therefore, any type of instrument, including questionnaires and surveys, must be evaluated in order to demonstrate that they will be practical and useful for the study’s function and purpose. The chosen instrument must also convey the intent of the researchers as they aim to address a specific research topic in greater detail.

Upon review of the assigned articles, I learned that there must be a greater emphasis on the use of theoretical perspectives in developing and/or selecting an instrument for implementation in the research study (Valente, Saunders, & Uman). Theoretical concepts must be identified that will have an impact on the selection of the research instrument in order to achieve the intended results (Valente et.al). In addition, it is necessary to evaluate the instrument using a content validity framework, including tools such as think-aloud interviews and focus groups in order to assess the validity of the survey prior to public dissemination (Herrman & Nandakumar, 2012).

Finally, the use of different types of techniques are essential to the success of the research instrument and how it is evaluated, such as composite scales, projective techniques, and vignettes, among others (Lecture Six). These tools reflect the importance of developing an instrument that will demonstrate a high degree of validity and usefulness to the researchers over time. The level of reliability of the instrument must be identified through such terms as equivalence, stability, and homogeneity, as these determine whether or not the instrument is able to used effectively, is consistent on many levels, and whether or not it is able to be replicated in a future study (Nardi). These tools provide further evidence of the challenges related to instrument validity and its impact on the research study.

References

Herrman, J.W., & Nandakumar, R. (2012). Development of a survey to assess adolescent perceptions of teen parenting. Journal of Nursing Measurement, 20(1), 3-20.

Lecture six: instrument development. Pp. 1-3.

Nardi, D.A. Week six: instrument development. Pp. 1-31.

Valente, S.M., Saunders, J.M., & Uman, G. Self-care outcomes – instrument development. Pp. 1-8.