Applying Safeguards and Ethical Standards, Coursework Example

Introduction

The data collection process that occurs in quantitative research studies may take on a number of different forms in order to accomplish the desired objectives of the study and to determine if the chosen hypothesis is appropriate. Nurse researchers must select the appropriate data collection method in order to determine if the study might advance knowledge and improve outcomes. This phase of a research project is critical because it facilitates the collection of data for a given purpose that is efficient and appropriate for the research hypothesis in question. The use of statistical analysis software and related tools is essential to determining the results of a quantitative study; however, the data collection method is critical because it supports the overall hypothesis of the study and whether or not it is feasible. Furthermore, the data collection method must demonstrate ethical principles and promote the safety and security of all human subjects throughout the study. These factors play a critical role in shaping study outcomes and in providing the researchers with a suitable framework for effective decision-making and the development of new forms of evidence.

Analysis

There are a number of data collection methods that are used in quantitative research. For example, clinical trials and experiments are essential data collection techniques in order to examine a specific phenomenon or scenario that requires further investigation (UWEC, 2014). Clinical trials and experiments must meet a number of standards prior to conducting these studies, such as informed consent and approval of the human subjects protocol prior to conducting the study (UNI, 2014). These data collection methods must be conducted as safely as possible and provide an environment that supports human subject protections at all stages of the process (UNI, 2014). These efforts must also coincide with specific principles that support the utmost ethical responsibility at all times (UNI, 2014). Each part of the study design must consider these ethical principles, and the data collection process must encourage confidentiality of data at all stages of the study (UNI, 2014). It is important to determine the most appropriate means of collecting data via experiment or clinical trial that will have a positive impact on patient outcomes (UNI, 2014).

Another data collection method that is very popular is the questionnaire, using questions that are closed-ended in nature and structured so that participants only have a select number of responses to choose from (Alby). This process enables the questions to be collected and to by analyzed using a number of statistical methods that measure the recorded responses and provide information regarding these results (Alby). The closed questionnaire instrument allows the researcher to develop specific codes for the responses and to measure those codes using statistical programs (Alby). This method also enables the researcher to quantify the results and to identify specific patterns in the data that might be evident and that might provide additional insight into the research questions (Alby). These factors are critical in determining the overall effectiveness of the research study and if the data collection method that was chosen was appropriate (Alby).

Data collection methods must also provide a framework that is safe, secure, and confidential at all times. Specific safeguards must be in place so that the data is protected from unnecessary breaches or other disruptions (Saintleo.edu). Furthermore, the study data must be kept under the watchful eye of the researchers and should not be exposed to unauthorized parties (Saintleo.edu). These steps support the development of a strategy that will be used to secure the data so that the integrity of the data and the research study as a whole is not compromised at any stage (Saintleo.edu). Ethical standards must also be in place that will improve the integrity and efficacy of the data collection method by remaining ethically responsible at all times throughout the study (Saintleo.edu). These ethical standards must also be conveyed to study participants so that they are aware that any information that they share will be treated with the utmost respect and courtesy (Saintleo.edu). Therefore, data storage must be appropriate and secure throughout all phases of the research study (Saintleo.edu).

Conclusion

Data collection techniques in quantitative research require a unique understanding of the different strategies that are available to conduct the study and to determine the validity of the chosen hypothesis. Data collection methods such as clinical trials, experiments, and questionnaires are important alternatives for researchers in order to identify a research hypothesis and evaluate a set of research questions in an effective manner. This is a critical component of any quantitative research study that strives to improve practice. In addition, it is important to address safeguards to protect the confidentiality of all collected data at all times. Study participants must feel comfortable in sharing their data with the research team and in providing personal information with the hopes that it will not be compromised or tampered with in any way. This process is significant to the success of the research study and the development of a successful framework for data collection that supports a level of comfort for study participants. Ethical standards must also be in place when conducting a study and collecting the necessary data because this data often encompasses personal information. This requires an effective strategy to maintain ethical responsibility and to provide a framework for making ethical decisions throughout the course of the study. These efforts will ensure that study outcomes will coincide with the objectives and the research questions that have been identified, as well as the research hypothesis.

References

Alby, F. Methods of collecting data: interviews and questionnaires in practice. Retrieved from              http://www.egohid.eu/Documents/Methods%20of%20collecting%20data,%20interviews%20and%20questionnaires%20in%20practice%20%28Dr%20Alby%29.pdf

Saintleo.edu. Quantitative research. Retrieved from http://iteach.saintleo.edu/InstructionalDesign/Quantitative.html

Uni.edu. Chapter four: quantitative methods. Retrieved from http://www.uni.edu/commstudies/researchmethods/chapterfour1.html

UWEC.edu. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Retrieved from http://people.uwec.edu/piercech/researchmethods/data%20collection%20methods/data%20collection%20methods.htm