1. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods? Provide an example of

each method in the context of nursing education.

- Qualitative research methods are used to explore the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of people or

groups in a natural setting. Quantitative research methods are used to measure, compare, and test variables

or hypotheses using numerical data and statistical analysis. An example of a qualitative method in nursing

education is conducting interviews or focus groups with students or faculty to understand their perceptions

of a curriculum or a teaching strategy. An example of a quantitative method in nursing education is

conducting surveys or experiments to evaluate the effectiveness or outcomes of a curriculum or a teaching

strategy.

2. What are some common types of qualitative research designs? Explain the main features and purposes of

each design.

- Some common types of qualitative research designs are narrative, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded

theory, and case study. Narrative research focuses on the stories of individuals or groups and how they make

sense of their lives and experiences. Phenomenology research explores the lived experiences and meanings

of a phenomenon for a group of people. Ethnography research describes and interprets the culture and

behavior of a group or community. Grounded theory research generates a theory or a model based on the

data collected from a group or a situation. Case study research examines a specific case or cases in depth

and in detail.

3. What are some ethical issues that need to be considered when conducting qualitative research? How can

they be addressed or prevented?

- Some ethical issues that need to be considered when conducting qualitative research are informed consent,

confidentiality, anonymity, privacy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for autonomy. Informed

consent means that the participants are fully informed about the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and

alternatives of the research and that they voluntarily agree to participate. Confidentiality means that the data

collected from the participants are protected from unauthorized access or disclosure. Anonymity means that

the identity of the participants are not revealed or linked to the data. Privacy means that the participants have

the right to control what information they share and how they share it. Beneficence means that the research

aims to do good and promote the well-being of the participants. Non-maleficence means that the research

avoids doing harm or causing distress to the participants. Respect for autonomy means that the research

respects the participants' rights, values, and choices.

4. What are some criteria for evaluating the quality and rigor of qualitative research? Explain how each

criterion can be applied or demonstrated.

- Some criteria for evaluating the quality and rigor of qualitative research are credibility, dependability,

confirmability, transferability, and reflexivity. Credibility refers to how well the findings reflect the reality

and perspectives of the participants. It can be achieved by using multiple sources of data, prolonged

engagement, member checking, peer debriefing, or triangulation. Dependability refers to how consistent and