NURS 8200Week 8: Quantitative Methods: Non-parametrics

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NURS 8200/NURS 8200F/NURS 8200M/NURS 8200C/NURS 8200A: Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice | Week 8

Think back to the material you learned in Week 5 about t tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Recall that these two types of parametric tests are used to examine the differences in the means of data sets to determine the relationships between variables. For example, when diagnosed with diabetes, does participating in a nutritional program improve weight loss and reduce blood sugar levels? You may also recall that parametric tests assume normal distributions and equal variations among data sets. A limitation of parametric tests lies in the reality that not all experimental data follow these patterns.

Because of this, nonparametric statistical methods were developed to analyze data sets that do not follow normal patterns of distribution and do not have consistent variation. There are many types of nonparametric methods that are useful in different situations and for different purposes. This week, you examine the application of nonparametric statistical analysis methods.

You will also begin working to complete the CITI Program human subject’s protection training course. As you know, there are many ethical considerations when conducting research, and Walden University requires that all students complete this training prior to conducting any research activities.

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Analyze the use of nonparametric statistical tests in a research study
  • Assess a common type of statistical analysis in your practice area
  • Successfully complete the human protection in research training

NURS 8200Week 8: Quantitative Methods: Non-parametrics essay assignment

Researchers must make informed choices about the type of statistical analysis that best addresses the research question. For the past several weeks, you have been considering how and when a particular statistic should be employed. This week, you have focused on the use of nonparametric tests.

Nonparametric methods are useful to researchers in performing statistical analyses of quantitative data sets that do not follow normal distributions and that have inconsistent variation. Nonparametric methods are often applied when ordinal-level data are collected and, as such, rely on fewer assumptions than their parametric counterparts.

In this Discussion, you examine the two articles in this week’s Learning Resources, both of which employ nonparametric methods of statistical analysis. In addition, as the final week of exploring quantitative statistics, you consider which statistical method is most frequently used in your area of nursing practice.

Note: This Discussion takes place in small groups, which should have been assigned by your Instructor.

To prepare:

  • Review the articles presented in this week’s Learning Resources and analyze each study’s use of nonparametric tests.
  • Critically analyze each article, considering the following questions in your analysis:
    • What are the goals and purpose of the research study each article describes?
    • How are nonparametric tests used in each study? What are the results of their use?
    • Why are parametric methods (t tests and ANOVA) inappropriate for the statistical analysis of each study’s data?
    • What are the strengths and weaknesses of each study (e.g., study design, sampling, and measurement)?
    • How could the findings and recommendations of each study contribute to evidence-based practice in the health care field?
  • Reflect on the quantitative statistical analyses presented throughout this course in the research literature, the Learning Resources, media presentations, and those articles you reviewed for your abbreviated research proposal.
  • Ask yourself: Which method is most commonly used in research studies that pertain to my area of nursing practice, and why this might be so?

By Day 3

NURS 8200Week 8: Quantitative Methods: Non-parametrics essay assignment

Post a cohesive response in your small group that addresses the following:

  • Critically analyze each article, including the items noted above.
  • Identify one statistical analysis method that you found recurring in many of the articles you used in your literature review for your research proposal. This method does not necessarily have to be nonparametric.
  • Based on your area of nursing practice, which method of statistical analysis is most frequently used in the research literature? Why do you think other forms of statistical analysis are less frequently used? Provide a rationale for your response.

Read a selection of your colleague’s postings in your small group.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues in your small group in one or more of the following ways:

  • Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
  • Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
  • Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
  • Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
  • Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
  • Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and/or any insights you gained as a result of the comments made by your colleagues.

Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and any additional sources.

Post your responses to the Discussion based on the course requirements.