1
MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING
NUR 323-Research in Nursing Practice
Course Title: NUR 323 – Research in Nursing Practice
Course: 3 semester hours (45 contact hours)
Placement in Curriculum: Semester II
Prerequisite: NUR 312
Course Faculty: Mary Jean Padgett, Ph D, RN,
Lynn Buckalew, MSN, RN
Catalogue Description: Focuses on the research process and the development of an attitude of inquiry.
The role of the nurse in conducting and utilizing research is explored.
Course Outcomes:
1.
Differentiate between nursing research and other types of research.
2.
Describe the research process.
3.
Identify appropriate research topics within nursing practice.
4.
Develop a review of literature on a selected research topic.
5.
Conduct data analysis using selected statistical methods.
6.
Evaluate data collection and analysis of selected research studies.
7.
Discuss the utilization of computers in nursing research.
8.
Discuss the importance of research for evidence-based practice in nursing.
Course Outline:
I.
Introduction to Nursing Research
II.
Research Problems, Purposes, and Hypotheses
III.
Review of Literature
IV.
Organizing Framework: Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks and Designs
V.
Ethical Concerns
VI.
Populations and Samples
VII. Measurement and Data Collection
VIII. Analysis of Research Data
IX.
Critiquing and Utilization of Nursing Research
X.
Research in Evidence Based Nursing (EBN) Practice
Learning Strategies:
1.
On-line discussion forums
2.
Written assignments
3.
Group projects
4.
Examination
2
Evaluation Methods:
Modules-on-line participation
Test 1
Test 2
Formal Paper
Poster Presentation
Group Project
30%
15%
15%
20%
15%
5%
Required Texts:
Burns, N. & Grove, S.K. (2007). Understanding Nursing Practice (4th ed.).
Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Evolve Online Course for Understanding Nursing Research
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). (2001).
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Required Other:
Computer access and Internet access
Grading Scale:
The grading scale used by the School of Nursing is as follows:
A – 93-100
B – 85-92
C – 77-84
D – 70-76
F – 69 and below
For purposes of progression in the School of Nursing, grades of D and F represent unacceptable work.
Students must have a 77% or higher average in order to successfully complete a course.
Participation in discussion boards:
For those classes that have participation in discussion boards as part of the class requirements, the student
is expected to contribute to the class in a substantive way at least once each week. Postings should
demonstrate thought and an attempt to discuss the student’s personal/work experiences, as they are relevant
to the class discussion, and/or sharing information from outside readings, properly cited (see specific
Grading Criteria for Online Participation and Contribution). Please remember that the instructor is looking
for quality, not quantity
Late Work:
Assignments are considered late if not submitted by the specified due date and time. Any
difficulty in meeting a due date should be discussed with the instructor prior to the due date.
Late penalties will be calculated at 5 points per day, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday counting as
one day. Papers must follow the acceptable style (grammar, spelling), or the paper may be returned to be
corrected before grading occurs. No late penalty will be imposed unless the revised deadline for the paper is
missed. All written work, once turned in to faculty, becomes property of the School of Nursing.
Academic Honesty:
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Mississippi College students are expected to be scrupulously honest. Dishonesty, such as cheating or
plagiarism, or furnishing false information, including forgery, alteration or misuse of University
documents, records or identification, will be regarded as a serious offense subject to severe penalty,
including, but not limited to, loss of credit and possible dismissal. See the Mississippi College Student
Handbook or University Policy 2.29 for specific information regarding penalties associated with dishonest
behavior at Mississippi College. Copies of the Mississippi College Student Handbook are available on line
under Campus Life; Student publications. Copies of university policies are available on the Mississippi
College web site. (Source: Mississippi College Undergraduate Catalog)
Plagiarism:
The School of Nursing adheres to the Mississippi College policy concerning plagiarism which appears in
the Mississippi College General Bulletin and the Mississippi College Student Handbook. It is as stated
here:
No student shall submit as his own work any term paper, research paper, thesis or other academic
assignment of original work that in any substantial part is not in fact his own work. (This is not
intended to prohibit clerical or stenographic assistance such as typing of manuscripts, nor is it to
hinder the normal use of reference or other material, provided that the source is acknowledged and
documented.) Violation of this regulation shall result in a grade of "0" on the paper or project;
repeated violation shall be cause for severe disciplinary action; aiding or abetting plagiarism of the
sort described above shall also be cause for disciplinary action (refer. In the absence of clear
evidence of a violation, but when there are grounds for reasonable doubt that any item of work is
the student's own, the work (paper, thesis, etc.) shall be rejected and the student shall be given
another opportunity to do the work with proper safeguards for the assurance of honesty.
Failure to adhere to this policy may result in dismissal.
Tutoring/Advisement
Individual student appointments will be available upon request.
Disabilities Act of 1990:
In order for a student to receive disability accommodations under Section 504 of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, he or she must schedule an individual meeting with the Director of Student Counseling
Services immediately upon recognition of their disability (if their disability is known they must come in
before the semester begins or make an appointment immediately upon receipt of their syllabi for the new
semester). The student must bring with them written documentation from a medical physician and/or
licensed clinician that verifies their disability. If the student has received prior accommodations, they must
bring written documentation of those accommodations (example Individualized Education Plan from the
school system). Documentation must be current (within 3 years). The student must meet with SCS face-to
face and also attend two (2) additional follow up meetings (one mid semester before or after midterm
examinations and the last one at the end of the semester). Please note that the student may also schedule
additional meetings as needed for support through SCS as they work with their professor throughout the
semester. Note: Students must come in each semester to complete their Individualized Accommodation
Plan (example: MC student completes fall semester IAP plan and even if student is a continuing student for
the spring semester they must come in again to complete their spring semester IAP plan).
Student Counseling Services is located in Alumni Hall Room #4 or they may be contacted via email at
christia@mc.edu or rward@mc.edu. You may also reach them by phone at 601-925-7790.
Revised & Approved: 11/07
Revised & Approved: 5/96, 10/99, 5/01, 6/07
Reviewed: 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, 5/05, 5/06, 01/10
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MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson I:
Introduction to course
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to discuss course
expectations and evaluation methods to be used.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Focus of course
II.
Course requirements
III.
Evaluation methods
IV.
Computer orientation at library for nursing research
V.
Honors program in nursing
Student participation in the Honors Program is voluntary. For a student to be accepted, his
or her nursing GPA must be 3.5 or higher and one=s overall GPA must be 3.25 or higher.
The student must be admitted to the School of Nursing and have taken a minimum of 12
semester hours at Mississippi College. To graduate with honors, the student=s nursing GPA
at time of graduation must be 3.5 or higher. If anyone is interested, please contact Dr.
Padgett.
VII.
English Writing Center
The English Writing Center is housed in the English office in Jennings Hall, Room 301. The
hours the Center will be open will vary each semester. Please call 925-3215 for more
information. The Faculty may refer students who are having difficulty with writing skills to
the Center for assistance. Every student is welcome to seek assistance from the Center.
8.
Plagiarism
Required Reading/AV Activities:
Reference librarian to demonstrate use of computer programs in Speed Library.
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practices
Lesson II: Introduction to Nursing Research and Ethical Considerations
Lesson Objective: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Recognize the importance of research to the nursing profession.
2.
Discuss historical events influencing nursing research.
3.
State the role of a baccalaureate nurse in nursing research.
4.
Distinguish between the types of knowing.
5.
Discuss how research helps to establish a scientific base for nursing practice.
9.
Identify similarities and differences between quantitative and qualitative research.
10.
Identify types of research reports.
11.
Recognize major sections in a research journal article.
12.
Discuss historical events that led up to the creation of the Code of Ethics.
13.
Explain the principles of benefience, respect for human dignity and justice.
14.
Identify types of vulnerable subjects.
15.
Describe the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRB).
16.
Evaluate ethical dimensions of a research report.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Introduction to nursing research
II.
Historical events influencing nursing research
A.
Florence Nightingale to the 1960's
B.
Research Journals Since the 1970's
C.
Future Directions 2000 and Beyond
III.
BSN expectations in nursing research
IV.
Types of knowing
V.
Purposes of Nursing Research
A.
Quantitative and Qualitative
B.
Basic and Applied
VI.
Types of Research Reports
A.
Theses and Dissertations
B.
Books
C.
Presentations at Conferences
D.
Articles
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VII.
Research Journal Article Content
A.
Abstract
B.
Introduction
1.
Topic: Significance of need
2.
Statement of purpose, research questions, hypothesis
C.
Review of Literature/Theoretical Framework
D.
Method Section
E.
Result Section
F.
Discussion/Nursing Implications
G.
References
VIII.
Ethics of Nursing Research
A.
Need for Ethical Guidelines
1.
Historical Development
2.
Ethical Dilemmas
3.
Code of Ethics
B.
Principles of Beneficence
1.
Freedom from harm
2.
Freedom from exploitation
C.
Principles of respect for human dignity
1.
Right to self determination
2.
Right to full disclosure
3.
Informed consent
4.
Principle of respect
D.
Principle of Justice
1.
Right to fair treatment
2.
Right to privacy
E.
Vulnerable Groups
F.
Institutional Review Boards (IRB)
G.
Critiquing ethical aspects
Required Readings/AV Activities:
1.
Burns & Grove, Chapter 7
2.
Watch parts in class: Miss Evers= Boys (791.4372 Mugle) and In the Shadow of the Reich: Nazi
Medicine (940.5405 In)
Evaluation Methods:Test
Suggested Readings:
Silva, M. (1995). Ethical guidelines in the conduct, dissemination and implementation of nursing research.
Washington, DC: America Nurses Publishing.
Silva, M. (1995)
Annotated bibliography for ethical guidelines in the conduct, dissemination, and
implementation of nursing research. Washington, DC: American Nurses
Publishing.
Marek, K. (1995). Manual to develop guidelines / developed for American Nurses
Association, Committee on Nursing Practice Standards and Guidelines.
Washington, DC: American Nurses Publishing.
Online Journal of Knowledge Synthesis in Nursing (to access go to MICAL
http://mical.mc.edu. Do a title search: Online Journal of Knowledge Synthesis in
Nursing. Click on first line and you will go to the home page of OJKSN.)
Annual Reviews of Nursing Research
National Institute of Nursing Research http://www.nih.gove/ninr
Sigma Theta Tau, International www.nursingsociety.org
Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library www.stti.inpui.edu//library
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson III: Research Problem/Question and Literature Review
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Discuss the process of problem selection in nursing
2.
Conduct a review of literature on a selected topic.
3.
Define and discuss selected terms related to nursing research.
4.
Examine application of research findings to nursing practice
Lesson Outline:
I.
Problem identification
A.
Sources
B.
Feasibility
C.
Relevance to nursing practice
D.
Other - Variables
E.
Statement of purpose
II.
Review of literature
A.
Purposes
B.
Sources
1.
Primary vs secondary
2.
Traditional
3.
Electronic
C.
Components of a review of literature
D.
Formulating a written review of literature
E.
Other
III.
Application of research findings to nursing practice.
Suggested Learning Activities:
1.
Formulate a researchable problem or quest
2.
Evaluate published problems for (1) significance, (2) reliability, and (3) feasibility
3.
Write Research Utilization Paper.
4.
Guest Lectures on implementing nursing research
Required Reading/AV Activities: Burns & Grove, Chapter 4 & 5
Evaluation Methods: Exam, on-line participation
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MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson IV: Organizing Framework: Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Define basic research terms associated with quantitative and qualitative research.
2.
Recognize different types of variables.
3.
Describe the process of developing and refining a research problem.
4.
Describe function, characteristics and types of hypothesis.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Organizing Framework
A.
Terms
1. Theoretical framework
2. Conceptual framework
3. Phenomena
4. Concept
5. Theory
6. Propositions
7. Variables: Independent and Dependent
8. Definitions: Conceptual and Operational
9. Data: Quantitative and Qualitative
10. Relationships
11. Limitations
II.
Research Questions and Research Problems
A.
Questions vs. hypothesis
B.
Types of variables
1. Independent
2. Dependent
3. Research
4. Extraneous
5. Demographic
C.
Types of Hypothesis
1. Associative vs. casual
2. Simple vs. complex
3. Non directional vs. directional
4. Null vs. research
Required Readings: Burns & Grove, Chapter 6
Evaluation Methods:
Exam, on-line assignment
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson V: Research Design and Methodology
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Discuss selected types of research and designs.
2.
Discuss quantitative vs. qualitative studies.
3.
Discuss validity and reliability.
4.
Discuss the relationship between research questions and selected research
methods.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Concepts Important to Design
A.
Causality
B.
Multi-causality
C.
Probability
D.
Bias
E.
Control
F.
Manipulation
G.
Design Validity
II.
Designs for Nursing Studies
A.
Quantitative
B.
Qualitative
Required Reading/AV Activities: Burns & Grove, Chapter 8
Evaluation Methods: Exam & on-line assignment
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson VI: Sampling
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Discuss various methods of sampling.
2.
Discuss the relationship between research questions and selected research
methods.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Sampling Theory Terms
II.
Probability (random) sampling methods
A.
Simple random sampling
B.
Stratified random sampling
C.
Cluster sampling
D.
Systematic sampling
III.
Nonprobability sampling methods
A.
Convenience (accidental)
B.
Quota
IV.
Critiquing Samples
Required Reading/AV Activities: Burns & Grove, Chapter 10
Evaluation Methods: Exam & on-line assignment
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MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson VII: Measurement and Data Collection
Lesson Objective: Upon completion of this lesson, the student should be able to:
1.
Discuss measurement theory and relevant concepts (directness of measurement,
measurement error, levels of measurement, reliability, validity).
2.
Examine the types of measurement error.
3.
Compare and contrast the four types of measurement: nominal, ordinal, interval,
and ratio.
4.
Describe the three aspects of reliability (stability, equivalence, and homogeneity)
and how reliability of a measurement instrument is determined.
5.
Discuss the types of measurement validity and how validity of a measurement
technique is determined.
6.
Recognize the common measurement approaches in nursing research:
physiological measures, observations, interviews, questionnaires, and scales.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Basic Concepts of Measurement Theory
II.
Reliability & Validity
III.
Measurement Strategies in Nursing
IV.
Process of Data Collection
Required Readings:
Burns & Grove, Chapter 11
Evaluation Method: Examination & on-line assignment
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson VIII: Analysis of Data
Lesson Objective: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Discuss selected terms related to data analysis in research.
2.
Discuss selected methods of data analysis in quantitative studies.
3.
Discuss selected methods of data analysis in qualitative studies.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Process of Data Analysis
II.
Reasoning Behind Statistics
III.
Using statistics to Describe
IV.
Using Statistics to Examine Relationships
V.
Using Statistics to Predict
VI.
Using Statistics to Examine Causality
VII. Judging Statistical Suitability
VIII. Interpreting Statistical Outcomes
Required Reading/AV Activities: Burns & Grove, Chapter 11
Evaluation Methods: Exam & on-line assignment
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson IX: Critiquing Nursing Studies
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Discuss the process of critiquing research with regard to data interpretation,
conclusions and recommendations.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Elements of a critique
II.
Nurses' role in conducting critique
III.
Quantitative research critique process
IV.
Qualitative research critique process
Required Reading/AV Activities: Burns & Grove, Chapter 13
Evaluation Methods: Exam, On-line assignment
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 - Research in Nursing Practice
Lesson X: Utilization of Nursing Research
Lesson Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson the student should be able to:
1.
Identify that a baccalaureate prepared nurse is to develop a research based clinical
practice.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Development of a research based clinical practice
1.
A gap exists between the obtaining and utilization of research based
knowledge
2.
Nurses can take actions to develop a research based practice
Required Reading/AV Activities: TBA
Evaluation Methods: Exam and on-line assignments
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323 Research in Nursing Practice
Guidelines – Literature Review
Each student will choose a nursing topic and perform a review of the literature on the
chosen topic. THREE articles are to be included in the formal paper. All topics and
articles will be approved by instructor.
This paper is to be done using APA format, using the latest APA manual.
Each student is to:
 turn in a hard copy of the paper
 submit an electronic copy of the paper and
 turn in a copy of each article.
Guidelines:
Title Page – see APA text
Introduction/Background – State purpose (your purpose is the review current
literature on the topic you have selected) and contents to be included in the body
of the paper.
Review of the studies – Write one paragraph for each study.
Include:
 Purpose
 Sample (who, how many, where)
 Framework – not all studies will have a specific framework noted. If you
study does not, state: No specific framework was identified.
 Design
 How was data analyzed
 Key Findings
Synthesis/Discussion – Write two or more paragraphs comparing the studies.
Include:
 Strengths and weakness – DO NOT just summarize the studies. Also when
identifying the article, you must either use the author(s) name or the title of
the article.
 Nursing implications – how will the study affect nurses (were they useful,
relevant, appropriate?)
 Were there any recommendations for future studies?
Conclusion – A brief restatement of your purpose.
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Mississippi College School of Nursing
NUR 323
Research in Nursing Practice
Literature Review
I.
Title Page
(1%) _____
II.
Introduction
(5%) _____
Statement of purpose
State contents in body of paper
III.
Review of Studies
(35%) _____
Three nursing research articles, one paragraph per article,
briefly discussing for each article: purpose, subjects, design,
framework, data analysis, key findings for each article
IV.
Synthesis/Discussion
(20%) _____
Compare the three articles, were they relevant, useful, appropriate
V.
Conclusion
(10%) _____
Summary statement, recommendations for future study
VI.
Scholarship
(20%) _____
APA Format
Spelling, grammar, sentence structure
VII.
Reference Page
(7%) ______
VIII.
Grading Sheet
(1%) ______
IX.
One hard copy of paper, electronic submission of paper
and attachment of both articles
(1%) ______
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POSTER PRESENTATION
NURSING 323
The poster’s background
Suggestions: A solid color background for the entire poster with a
complementary color as a border for important elements of the poster works well. Use
the basic science fair tri fold poster.
The poster’s text
The text should be double-spaced and large enough to be read from at least 4 feet.
Any font is acceptable, as long as it can be easily read. Be consistent with the font –
emphasize with boldface, underlining, or color.
The poster’s contents
You will highlight the 3 articles used for your Review of Literature. Work to tell
the story of the 3 articles – what you learned about this aspect of nursing. Someone
viewing the poster should be able to look at the poster, know what your topic was and
what knowledge was gained from the study and how it useful to the body of nursing
knowledge.
Learn to EDIT!! – Posters are visual presentation…it is not necessary to go into
excessive detail about methods – or lots of the table data. You can discuss this type of
information with interested persons individually during the poster session – or have
handouts.
Use short sentences – simple words - & bullets to illustrate points
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Criteria for Class Poster Presentation
Identifying Information:
1.
Student Name: ________________________________
2.
Project Name: __________________________________
3.
Reviewer Name: _______________________________
Directions for Rating Poster Presentation: Rate the presentation by indication on a scale
of 1-5 (1=poor; 5=excellent) or 1-10 (1=poor; 10=excellent) the extent to which the
presentation meets each of the following criteria. In the presentation content – this can
be given verbally if not on the poster. TOTAL POINTS POSSILBE 100
Evaluation criteria
Rating
Presentation content:
 Introduction
 Purpose (clear/concise)
 Body of content
 Relationship to Nursing
 Conclusion
CAN BE VERBAL IF NOT
ON POSTER
Verbal/Nonverbal communication:
 Understandable
 Appropriate
 Body Language
 Eye Contact
Visual




Print size large enough
Not cluttered
Consistent style
Background provides
contrast
Response to audience feedback
Creativity
Total points possible 100
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