NR 505 Week 5: Data Collection

NR 505 Week 5: Data Collection

The PICo question for my evidenced based practice research project is: Are post war veterans (P) at a greater risk for suicide (I) as they reintegrate into society (Co)? I have chosen the qualitative research design approach because I want to better understand how the post war veteran is feeling and understand their lived experiences as they return from combat. A qualitative study allows the researcher to understand the participants characteristics and lived experiences when the participant is allowed to speak freely (Polit & Beck, 2017). I feel the qualitative study has the potential to create further avenues of researcher as themes develop throughout the interview process.

In-depth interviews are my data collection method of choice with permission received to audio tape the session and take notes in the anticipation that themes and commonalities emerge from the data. Clark and Veale (2018), discussed how images or words will consistently emerge during in-depth interviews showing a connection with individual participants and the research being accomplished. The collection of data retrieved from the in-depth interview process will provide adequate information to answer my PICo question and is considered a strength in my research process. A weakness to this type of data collection would be allowing my own personal feelings, bias, or opinions interfere with the appropriate interpretation of data. Often, we see things through the lens of our own personal experiences and that could inhibit the subjective nature of the data.
The actions I plan to incorporate into my qualitative study is to ensure my sample size is appropriate to gather appropriate information but not too large so that the information becomes diluted or deters from the main objective outlined in the PICo statement. Secondly, I plan to write out a personal belief statement and establish a baseline of personal opinion and bias and ensure my interpretation of data is not being occluded or misrepresented through my own experience. My objective is to ensure the data is in its most raw and authentic form in the hopes that further studies will emerge as a result of the information provided.

Clark, K. R., & Vealé, B. L. (2018). Strategies to Enhance Data Collection and Analysis in Qualitative Research. Radiologic Technology, 89(5), 482CT-485CT.
Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2017). Essentials of nursing research: Appraising evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.