Answer

Evidence-based practice (EBP) entails implementation of findings of research that is well conducted. It is for these reason that nurses should have the skills for properly critiquing research articles before arrive on the most suitable article. For this to be done, nurses should first understand the difference between reliability and validity of research articles. Often, these terms, reliability and validity, are used interchangeably. However, there is a great difference between them. For instance, reliability is the measure of stability or consistency of research findings (Cypress, 2017). One can think of it as the ability for research findings to be repeatable. A good example of a reliable tool is a medical thermometer which gives the correct temperature whenever it is used or a mathematical test which will accurately gauge the mathematical knowledge for every learner that takes it. Similarly, research findings should be reliable in that if a certain study indicates that use of peer support services among mentally ill patients has positive outcomes, the subsequent research articles should also show consistent findings for the recommendation of the study to be adopted in any health center. 

Conversely, validity represents the extent to which a concept is accurately measured. All factors should be taken into consideration when conducting a study. Validity involves elimination of biases that may result in over-interpretation under-estimation of results (Spiers, Morse, Olson, Mayan & Barrett, 2018). For example, a study which is aimed at exploring depression but ends up measuring anxiety cannot be considered to be valid at all.

Why the reliability and validity of a study is important for translation

Reliability and validity are important parameters of any study. During translation, reliability is considered to ensure that the research articles that have been selected are reporting similar research findings. It can be detrimental for clinicians to adopt research findings from studies that have contradicting study outcomes.

Validity of research studies should also be examined. Nurses should look at the study sample and the environment and compare it to their own institution. If the nature of the study is similar to that of nurses’ environment, then they can adopt the suggested recommendations in their institution. 

References

Cypress, B. S. (2017). Rigor or reliability and validity in qualitative research: Perspectives, strategies, reconceptualization, and recommendations. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 36(4), 253-263.

Spiers, J., Morse, J. M., Olson, K., Mayan, M., & Barrett, M. (2018). Reflection/Commentary on a Past Article:“Verification Strategies for Establishing Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research” http://journals. sagepub. com/doi/full/10.1177/160940690200100202. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1), 1609406918788237.

Before selecting a qualitative or quantitative resources, it is important for one to understand the difference between these two terms. This is because most people who undertake a research projects find it difficult to separately. Qualitative research aims at gaining understanding of the underlying opinions, reasons as well as motivations. It offers insights into problems and helps in developing hypothesis for potential quantitative studies. Conversely, quantitative studies are used to generate numerical data which can be transformed into usable statistics (Brannen, 2017). It quantifies opinions, attitudes, behaviors, and other variables.

When selecting qualitative articles, one should consider the study population, the study tool that was used, and the method of analyzing data. Examples of qualitative study tools include interviews, questionnaires, discussions, and observations (Bryman, 2017). One should therefore go for research articles whose tools are easy for them to interpret. The method of data analysis is also a parameter that one should consider. In that, an individual should opt for articles whose method of data analysis is easy to comprehend. Other important parameters that influence the choice of qualitative articles include the year of publication, the qualifications of the authors, and if the articles are peer reviewed. Articles should be recent, relevant, and written by individuals who are qualified in the field being studied. Having peer reviewed articles is also an advantage since it shows the validity of the articles has been scrutinized by trained professionals.

With regards to quantitative research, the sample size should be sizable for the research to comprehend. The method of data analysis should also be easy to understand. Just like in qualitative research, the year, qualification of authors, and if the articles are peer reviewed are other parameters that are considered.

For my study, I will choose the qualitative method of study because of the nature of my study. The study aims at determining the impact of peer support on mentally ill patients. Qualitative study will help in understanding the opinions and views of the patients and the family members.

References

Brannen, J. (2017). Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research. Routledge.

Bryman, A. (2017). Quantitative and qualitative research: further reflections on their integration. In Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research (pp. 57-78). Routledge.