Discussion: evaluating research questions, hypotheses, and | RSCH 8110 – Research Theory, Design, and Methods | Walden University
The research study titled “The impact of an educational intervention on nursing staff attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention” by Park and colleagues aims to investigate the effect of an educational intervention on the attitudes of nursing staff towards pressure ulcer prevention. The following is an evaluation of the research questions and hypotheses.
Research Questions and Hypotheses:
- What is the difference in attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between the control and intervention groups immediately after the educational intervention?
- What is the difference in attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between the control and intervention groups four weeks after the educational intervention?
- What is the relationship between the attitudes of nursing staff and the incidence of pressure ulcers in the study setting?
- What is the effect of demographic variables on the attitudes of nursing staff towards pressure ulcer prevention?
The research questions are clear, specific, and related to the study’s aim. The questions aim to investigate the relationship between the attitudes of nursing staff towards pressure ulcer prevention and the educational intervention. The questions also investigate the impact of demographic variables on attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention.
The hypotheses are not explicitly stated in the study. However, it can be inferred that the null hypothesis is that there is no significant difference in attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between the control and intervention groups immediately after the educational intervention and four weeks after the intervention.
Quantitative Research Design:
The type of quantitative research design used in the study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The study has two groups, the intervention group, and the control group. The intervention group received an educational intervention on pressure ulcer prevention, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The RCT design allowed for the comparison of the attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between the two groups.
Alignment:
The theory, problem, purpose, research questions, and design are all aligned in the study. The study’s theoretical framework is based on the Health Belief Model, which suggests that behavior change is influenced by the perceived severity, susceptibility, and benefits of the action. The problem is pressure ulcer prevention, and the purpose is to investigate the impact of an educational intervention on nursing staff attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention. The research questions are specific to the study’s purpose, and the design allows for the investigation of the research questions.
In conclusion, the research questions are clear, specific, and related to the study’s aim. The type of quantitative research design used in the study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The theory, problem, purpose, research questions, and design are all aligned in the study. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of an educational intervention on nursing staff attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention.