Measurement in Nursing Research

Abstract

Editor's note: This is the fourth article in a series on clinical research by nurses. The series is designed to give nurses the knowledge and skills they need to participate in research, step by step. Each column will present the concepts that underpin evidence-based practice—from research design to data interpretation. The articles will be accompanied by a podcast offering more insight and context from the authors. To see all the articles in the series, go to http://links.lww.com/AJN/A204.

Secondary Data in Nursing Research

“…As discussed previously in this series, selection bias is systematic preferential inclusion or exclusion of subjects in the study sample. 2 For example, suppose a secondary data source collected data on the prevalence of psoriasis, surveying patients in an outpatient primary care practice. The research team called patients' landline home telephone numbers between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a period of two weeks.…”

Diagnostic Studies: Measures of Accuracy in Nursing Research

“…The previous article in this series, "Measurement in Nursing Research," reviewed the concepts of reliability and validity at length. 1 For a diagnostic tool to be useful for nurses in research and practice, the tool must be both reliable and valid. A measurement instrument cannot be valid if it is not reliable.…”

“…There are a variety of factors that affect the reliability and validity of measurement tools; the reader is again referred to our previous article on measurement for a review of these research concepts. 1 In this article, we will consider the concepts of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value as they relate to the validity of measurement tools in diagnostic studies.…”

“…Returning to our discussion of measures of oxygenation, an analysis of instrument validity would consider how accurately the measure of SpO2 through pulse oximetry reflects oxygen saturation in hemoglobin in the blood. There are a variety of factors that affect the reliability and validity of measurement tools; the reader is again referred to our previous article on measurement for a review of these research concepts 1. In this article, we will consider the concepts of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value as they relate to the validity of measurement tools in diagnostic studies.…”

Selection and Implementation of Outcome Measurements

“…As discussed in the fourth column in this series, "Measurement in Nursing Research," in quantitative studies statistical techniques are used to analyze numerical data in order to evaluate associations between research variables and to evaluate effects (outcomes). 1 In comparison, qualitative studies analyze nonnumerical data sources, such as text-based sources, to assess experiences or to understand processes for the population under study. This column continues the discussion of outcome measures, focusing on questionnaire formats and guidelines for selecting and administering these measures in clinical research.…”