1. What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods in nursing? Provide an example of each. - Quantitative research methods use numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and measure outcomes. Qualitative research methods use words, images, or other forms of data to explore meanings, experiences, and perceptions. An example of quantitative research is a randomized controlled trial that compares the effects of two interventions on blood pressure. An example of qualitative research is a focus group that explores the barriers and facilitators of medication adherence among patients with hypertension. 2. What are the main components of a research problem statement? Explain the purpose and function of each component. - A research problem statement consists of three main components: the background, the gap, and the significance. The background provides the context and rationale for the study, based on existing literature and evidence. The gap identifies the specific problem or issue that needs to be addressed by the study, based on the limitations or gaps in the current knowledge or practice. The significance explains the potential benefits or implications of the study for nursing theory, practice, policy, or education. 3. What are some criteria for evaluating the quality and rigor of a literature review? List at least three criteria and describe how they can be applied. - Some criteria for evaluating the quality and rigor of a literature review are: comprehensiveness, currency, relevance, synthesis, and critique. Comprehensiveness refers to the extent to which the literature review covers all the relevant sources and topics related to the research problem. Currency refers to the extent to which the literature review includes the most recent and updated sources and evidence. Relevance refers to the extent to which the literature review focuses on the specific research problem and question, and excludes irrelevant or tangential information. Synthesis refers to the extent to which the literature review integrates and summarizes the main findings and themes from different sources, and identifies gaps or inconsistencies. Critique refers to the extent to which the literature review critically evaluates and appraises the strengths and weaknesses of each source, and highlights its implications for nursing research. 4. What are some ethical principles that guide nursing research? Explain how each principle can be applied in practice. - Some ethical principles that guide nursing research are: respect for persons, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and fidelity. Respect for persons means that researchers should treat participants as autonomous agents who can freely consent or decline to participate in research, and protect their privacy and confidentiality. Beneficence means that researchers should maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of research for participants and society. Nonmaleficence means that researchers should avoid or reduce any potential risks or harms that may arise from research, such as physical, psychological, social, or economic harm. Justice means that researchers should ensure fair and equitable distribution of benefits and burdens of research among different groups of participants and society. Fidelity means that researchers should uphold their obligations and commitments to participants, sponsors, colleagues, and profession.