Deck 5: Selecting a Methodology for Your Capstone Project

Question 1

In the context of data analysis, describe the nature of secondary data.

Answer 1

Secondary data are essentially data collected by another individual for a purpose other than intended by the nurse researcher.

Question 2

Disadvantages of using secondary data include issues stemming from which factor?

A) Lack of generalizability to multiple populations
B) Inability to analyze large amounts of information
C) Inclusion of a variety of data collection techniques
D) Lengthy institutional review board approval process

Answer 2

C
Explanation: Disadvantages of using secondary data analysis include the potential for capturing information that was obtained by way of multiple data collection techniques, including techniques that are not preferred. Studies that use secondary data analysis consisting of publicly available data tend to rapidly through the institutional review board approval process. Use of secondary data allows the researcher to analyze large amounts of information that may have taken years to collect, thus allowing access to data that can be rich in diversity and relatively easy to generalize to multiple populations.

Question 3

Discuss challenges related lack of familiarity with the data set when using secondary data analysis.

Answer 3

One aspect of the research process that is unique to secondary data analysis is the need for the researcher to get to know the data set. When primary data analysis is used, the investigator selects the study population and then selects study participants from the population. With secondary analysis, familiarity with study subjects is absent and thus significant time must be devoted to determining who initially captured the data, the purpose of the initial data collection, whether or not another researcher previously validated the data, and if obvious gaps in the data exist.

Question 4

Explain the value of incorporating a meta-analysis into a systematic review of research data.

Question 5

The DNP researcher is planning a systematic review and meta-analysis of research data. After developing the review question, which step does the DNP researcher complete next?

A) Identify key search terms
B) Create a title for the review
C) Retrieve relevant research study abstracts
D) Define inclusion criteria for research studies

Question 6

When using health policy development as the methodology for developing a research project, which consideration does the DNP researcher address first?

A) Determine the prevalence of the issue.
B) Identify best practices related to the issue.
C) Access background literature about the issue.
D) Locate existing research data related to the issue.

Question 7

Describe three primary desired outcomes when using a gap analysis as the methodology for a DNP research project.

Question 8

Describe potential constraints the DNP student may encounter when using curriculum development as the basis for the DNP project.

Question 9

Which is an example of a SMART goal?

A)By the year 2019, reduce the number of annual preventable harm events by 50%.
B)Increase patient outcomes through better use of electronic health records and clinical decision support tools.
C)Optimize interdisciplinary healthcare team performance immediately through improved communication and shared decision making.
D)By the next fiscal year, implement electronic health information systems that better support nurse workflows to optimize nurse-patient interaction.

Question 10

According to the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act prompted the emergence of several models of healthcare that may offer viable alternatives to the traditional fee-for-service healthcare system. When using a comparison of a fee-for-service healthcare delivery model with an alternative healthcare model as a basis for the DNP project, explain key factors that should be addressed.