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The purpose of this article is to demonstrate application of a new framework, the validation framework (VF), to assist researchers in evaluating mixed research studies. Based on an earlier work by Dellinger and Leech, a description of the VF is delineated. Using the VF, three studies from education, health care, and counseling fields are evaluated. The three mixed research studies differed in design and implementation. Elements of the VF were examined and evaluated for each study, and a picture of the quality of each study was captured textually. In presenting the VF and its potential for practical application in evaluating mixed research studies, pragmatic researchers can use this tool to increase the quality of their evaluations of mixed research studies.

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Objectives:The focus of this study was to examine the relationship among precursors to physical activity, including exercise self-efficacy, perceived exertion, stress, and demographic factors, among college students. Design: This study employed an associational design. Setting: The study population was college freshmen in southeast Louisiana who were between the ages of 18 and 24 years. Method: A path analysis was used to examine the strength and directional relationship among variables depicted in Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM) and to determine the structure of the relationships among the variables in the conceptual map. Path coefficients were used to determine whether the independent variables (exercise self-efficacy, stress, perceived exertion, demographic factors) as depicted in the path diagram made a unique contribution to predicting physical activity (dependent variable) or if the relationships between stress, perceived exertion, and physical activity, are mediated by exercise self-efficacy. Results: Study results portrayed a relationship between perceived exertion and exercise self-efficacy and a relationship between a person's belief in their ability to stick to an exercise programme (self-efficacy) and their level of activity. Compared to their counterparts, this study's population had lower levels of usual physical activity, but heightened levels of physical activity immediately following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Conclusion: This study adds to the body of knowledge related to predictors of physical activity and the applicability of Pender's HPM to such studies. The study also provides insight into the impact of a natural disaster on physical activity.

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In any professional practice such as nursing, a career trajectory begins at the point of entry into practice, is built upon the nurse's prior experience, education, and expertise, and is influenced by numerous external and internal components. Attainment of an advanced degree may accelerate a career trajectory but only if it is accompanied by development of unique talents, clinical competency, professional growth, and the ability to network with leaders in the profession. Understanding career trajectory as a synergy of multiple personal and external influences is critical for all nurses who want an active role in shaping their career path. Further, appreciating what trajectory entails in relation to overall professional expectations is important for appropriate professional development in nursing. The importance of understanding career trajectory is presented, including definition, related frameworks, and practical points to demonstrate the principles, process, and examples. Information will be drawn from published literature, and the experiences of the authors.

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