Measurements in Quantitative Research, Coursework Example

Quantitative research is represented by a series of steps that are generally precise in their nature and their overall level of focus, and this is an effective means of evaluating groups of people in order to determine if they meet specific criteria through the selected research method and subsequent statistical analysis (Hagan, 2014). The research instrument that is selected must be appropriate for the research question under consideration and must provide a means of recognition in evaluating the data that has or will be collected for the study (Polit & Beck, 2012). Therefore, the variables that are identified must also align with the study components and facilitate data derivation and analysis that is both appropriate and practical in nature (Polit & Beck, 2012). The selection process requires a greater understanding of the concept that has been identified and how falls under the selected framework in order to achieve the intended results (Polit & Beck, 2012).

The research instrument must also support a design that will specifically identify the intended data and characteristics for further evaluation and dissemination to further advance the research topic in question. It is expected that measurements that are appropriate to the subject area will also be identified using existing methods and will identify areas where the quality of the chosen instrument is likely to impact the study results (Hagan, 2014). At the same time, the instrument must be reliable and provide a means of recognizing how the study will impact outcomes and advance the subject matter to a higher level (Polit & Beck, 2012). The reliability of the research instrument must also convey accuracy and attention to detail, and if this is not achieved, there may be gaps in the research argument that are difficult to address (Kimberlin & Winterstein, 2008). Finally, the validity of the instrument must be considered in order to have optimal impact in achieving the intended results of the study and its key principles (Polit & Beck, 2012).

References

Hagan, T. L. (2014, July). Measurements in quantitative research: How to select and report on research instruments. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41(4), pp. 431-433).

Kimberlin, C.L., & Winterstein, A.G. (2008). Validity and reliability of measurement instruments used in research. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacists, 65(1), 2276–2284.

Polit, D.F., & Beck, C.T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.