You have finally decided on a research topic, and you are eager to begin. You have determined your focus, your purpose, and your plan, so what happens next?

For quantitative research, the next step is more preparation. This preparation revolves around the data that you intend to collect, how you will collect it, and how you will record it.

“Data collection is the process of selecting subjects and gathering data from them” (Gray & Grove, 2020). Data collection is the “active” part of the research process and is integral in determining the validity and credibility of the research results. Depending on the study, data collection will look different for each researcher, and the methods may vary based on the approach. Therefore, you will explore how to analyze and identify the components of data collection.

This week, you will explore and analyze the different approaches of data collection and analysis. You will consider the importance of data collection through various means of study. How might you collect data, and how will you analyze the results? Through your reading and Discussion, you will explore data collection and the use of sampling.

Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze researchable populations in areas of practice
• Evaluate selection of appropriate populations in a research study
• Analyze challenges in obtaining data samples from research populations
• Recommend strategies to address data collection challenges in obtaining data samples from research populations

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Discussion: Sampling

• Have you ever watched a commercial that touts “four out of five doctors recommend a particular product”? Have you ever wondered how the company is able to make such claims? These types of claims are created using the research method of sampling. Sampling, “involves selecting a group of people, events, behaviors, or other elements with which to conduct a study” (Gray & Grove, 2020).
  There are different sampling methods and techniques, with ranging validity outcomes. Therefore, it is important to determine the technique that is most valid. Much of the outcome will be dependent on the particular group sampled (or the population), so a sampling plan will be integral before sampling occurs.

• Photo Credit: natali_mis / Adobe Stock

For this Discussion, reflect on the population in your area of practice. Consider the most appropriate use for this population and potential challenges that may affect sampling in this population. Then, think about how you might address these challenges and what strategies you might implement. How might a different population yield similar or conflicting results?

Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier

To Prepare:

• Review the Learning Resources for this week and reflect on a population in your area of practice. How might you sample this population, and what challenges might you experience? Consider the use of strategies, or perhaps a different population, to mitigate these challenges.
• After considering the sampling of a specific population, consider the importance of data collection. How might sampling be used in research, and what benefits might be derived from sampling in a study? Conversely, consider how a different approach might be useful.

By Day 3 of Week 3

Post an explanation of the researchable populations that may be present in your area of practice. Describe which would be most appropriate for use in your research study and explain why. Then, describe the challenges of obtaining a sample from this population. How might you address those challenges? Be specific and provide examples. Be sure to also include the approach you would recommend to collect data from the sample that you described. Provide a rationale for the approach that you choose based on this week’s Learning Resources.

By Day 6 of Week 3

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one of the following ways:

• Provide additional strategies for addressing challenges to obtaining a sample from the identified population.
• Suggest a different population that may be appropriate for addressing the research problem.
• Summarize the strengths of the data collection method identified in the post.
• Share any problems or concerns over the identified data collection method.
• Suggest an alternative data collection method and provide your rationale.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 3 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 of Week 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 3

To Participate in this Discussion:

Week 3 Discussion

What’s Coming Up in Week 4?

• Photo Credit: [BrianAJackson]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images

Next week, you will analyze the purpose and use of quantitative research data. You will continue to explore and analyze data, specifically looking at independent and dependent variables and interpreting statistics.