Critique for Qualitative Study, Research Paper Example

The article reviewed is entitled A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Student Learning in a Psychological Nursing Class Infused with Art, Literature, Music and Film. It was completed in the year 2008 and written by authors Alice Jensen and Mary Curtis, both from Maryville University, St. Louis. It covers the topic of the integration of liberal arts in nursing programs to help facilitate content in psychology classes. The study is of a descriptive qualitative method which used questionnaires, class observations as well as focus group interviews.

The methodology used was a descriptive qualitative design, the duration of the study was done over three semesters, the researcher was the course professor which allowed her to evaluate the class progress through first-hand observations. The researcher aimed to achieve the objectives of the psychology course through appreciation of liberal arts contents; this was done through the systematic examinations of learning experiences by students, which deems the findings valid because the researcher was in constant communication with the participants. The data collected was accurate and complete because the researcher was involved within the setting of the participants and could readily monitor any changes or any significant findings as soon as they happen. The researcher, being part of the setting, is well integrated into the research. The bad side to this is that the researcher may have biased points of views with the participants given that she is directly in contact and familiar with the students/participants of the study. However, the findings of the data, based on the questionnaires are valid and fit the study.

The findings of the researcher fit the study; however their importance is not so clear. The phenomenon presented is not that clear, nor are the focus areas that important. It mainly deals with how the students find the teaching methods, and their perception of whether or not it is a good way of teaching the class. There is no real application of the study where the students used the methods taught in real-life situations. The methodology, however, does fit the purpose of the study, yet the study does not seem very important in terms of really learning about psychology, this was not accurately explained. The results, however, were clearly organized in a logical manner. The topics are well laid-out and are in a systematic order. It gives a clear understanding of how the researcher went about in completing the study, and exactly what the researcher was looking for in these terms. The quotes for the study directly illustrate the findings, and they come as good explanations of the student experiences, which was initially the goal of the researcher as stated in her methodology. The researcher integrated other literatures to support the quotes and results of the study to justify their validity and logic. She had well described the meaning of this data and used past works to back up her claims and her findings. The results are in no way obscured and are believable and logical; the conclusions also are consistent with the findings where the author believes that the integration of liberal arts does help the study of psychology in learning nursing as a profession.

The results can be applicable to patient care, but to a very limited basis. This connection with nursing and humanities cannot be directly related to patient care; however it can help in learning patience as well as family values. It will also help get to know patients more and maybe create nurses to be more culturally aware and reflective; however in practicing medicine, minus the patient care, it will not be so useful.