Experimental research is a scientific method involving the use and control of two variables to test a hypothesis. The study can be used to determine disease treatment procedures. An example would be when new drugs are developed for weight gain. There will be two groups where one will receive the new weight gain pill, and the other will get a placebo. Data is analyzed to compare the groups, and a conclusion can be reached regarding the pill’s efficacy.
Non-experimental research uses descriptions that are out of the control of researchers to determine the cause-effect relationship between variables (Rew et al., 2020). Questionnaires can be used, and an example would be asking a group of students if a particular class was beneficial and how they can relate. A quasi-experiment is research primarily done in a natural setting over long periods (Wing et al., 2018). An example of a quasi-experiment is when a hospital introduces an order-entry system to gather information about the number of medication-related complaints.
Differences between Types of Research
Experimental research is conducted with a scientific approach to handle specific questions about the relationship between two variables that can be controlled. Non-experimental research, on the other hand, lacks the manipulation of variables, and the researchers can only observe and interpret their subjects (Flannelly et al., 2018). Quasi-experimental research is similar to experimental research, except in the assignment of a control group. In this research, an independent variable is manipulated, but the participants of a group are not randomly assigned.
Effectiveness of Research Designs
Experimental research is used to answer a hypothesis, and an example would be using a flipped classroom technique in a nursing course to see if students score higher grades. The class would be separated into two different sections where one would study under this technique while the other would be taught through normal lecture and then compared (Jankovic et al., 2019). In quasi-experiment, studying the side-effects of a new medication compared to another previously prescribed can be done to estimate the casual relationship.
The Difference between Research and Quality Improvement
Research refers to a systematic and intensive study to increase knowledge of a phenomenon. Research is conducted in a methodical order by organizing it into a literature review, identifying a problem, developing research methodology, collecting data, interpreting, and disseminating the findings (Calhoun et al., 2019). Quality improvement refers to a systematic process of data-guided activities designed to initiate positive changes in performance, such as in health care delivery.
Application of Quantitative and Qualitative Research in the Workplace
A workplace example where qualitative research is applied is on focus group interviews conducted on patients with cardiovascular diseases to assess their knowledge of self-management of the illness (Karam et al., 2018). A case of quantitative research in my workplace was a study conducted to determine readmission rates of diabetic patients before and after an educational intervention to reduce the rates of readmission and improve health outcomes.
Incorporation of Qualitative and Quantitative Research in a Health Care Setting
The quantitative research is applied in a post-cardiac intervention unit by finding out the normal saline per hour requirement for a patient undergoing cardiac catheterization. The cardiologist will determine the level of hydration needed in post-procedure based on the patient’s kidney function. The preference of the patient whether he would like his cardiologist to perform cardiac catheterization radially or through a femoral artery is an example of qualitative research.
References
Calhoun, A., Hui, J., Scerbo, M. (2019). Quantitative research in healthcare simulation: An introduction and discussion of common pitfalls. Healthcare Simulation Research, 153-160.
Flannelly, K., Jankowski, K., Flannelly, L. (2018). Threats to the internal validity of experimental and quasi-experimental research in healthcare. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy. 24(3), 107-130.
Jankovic, S., Kapo B., Sukalo, A., Masic, I. (2019). Evaluation of published preclinical experimental studies in medicine: Methodology issues. Medical Archives. 73(5), 298.
Karam, M., Brault, I., Durme, T., Macq, J. (2018). Comparing interprofessional and interorganizational collaboration in healthcare: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Research. 79, 70-83.
Rew, L., Cauvin S., Cengiz, A., Pretorius K., Johnson, K. (2020). Application of project management tools and techniques to support nursing intervention research. Nursing Outlook. 68(4), 396-405.
Wing, C., Simon, K., Gomez, R. (2018). Designing difference in difference studies: Best practices for public health policy research. Annual Review of Public Health, 39.