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Evaluating the Quality and Validity of a Research

Taylor, B.J., Rush, K.L. & Robinson, C.A, (2014). Nurses’ experiences of caring for the older adult in the emergency department: A focused ethnography . International Emergency Nursing, 23(2), 185-189. doi: 10.1016/j.ienj.2014.11.003

The Quality and Validity of research are evaluated based on a number of factors which include credibility, authenticity, criticality, and integrity. Researchers are tasked with implementing effective techniques that ensure the quality of their study. This is important for reference by other studies. This discussion is a quality and validity examination of Taylor, Rush, & Robinson (2014) study, “Nurses’ experiences of caring for the older adult in the emergency department: A focused ethnography”, on experiences by nurses when caring for aged patients in the emergency department.

Among of the primary ways to evaluate the quality of a study is through examining the research question, sample, confounding variables, research designs, criteria used, data analysis and ethical consideration and importantly, quality of evidence (Anney, 2014). Taylor, Rush, & Robinson (2014) develop their research purpose from the theoretical background. While aiming at exploring the experiences of the ED nurses caring for the aged, these authors employ the ethnographic approach which provides them with the flexibility to focus on cultural aspect. Being a qualitative research, the authors use the interviewing and observation methodology which further enhances quality as sufficient information is obtained. The data analysis used is thematic where the obtained information is linked to developed themes. Quality is also promoted through preliminary analysis being demonstrated to four participants for clarification and verification

The validity of research is judged by the methodology where data collection and design are important. It is through the methodology that the conclusion based on the study’s purpose and findings is found to be credible.  Taylor, Rush, & Robinson (2014) employ the ethnographic approach as the study design which is recognized for its evaluation on culture dynamism. In addition, this approach allowed for specifically addressing the ED nurses’ experience when taking care of the aged patients. Data collection is through semi-structured interviews and observation approaches. For clarity of the data collected, a brief follow-up interview that took approximately 15 minutes was done. Interviewing and observation strategies based on research questions allow for a sound conclusion that nurses in the ED are aware of the disconnect between care for aged patients and ED culture and have developed a number of ways to counter these issue. The study is thus valid and can be trusted as a result of the appropriateness of the study design employed and the effectiveness of data collection methods.

Considering the authenticity of the research which is based on the participants, Taylor, Rush & Robinson (2014) selected their sample in a manner that the results can also be applied to other groups. The selection of the seven nurses followed a criterion that allowed a wide use or generalization of the results to the rest of the population of interest, making the research authentic in this regard. Among the criterion used included the nurse being registered, speaking English and having cared for an aged patient. Criticality of the study focuses on whether or not a study challenges the traditional knowledge. Taylor, Rush, & Robinson (2014) begin their study by evaluating other studies and identifying related challenges. Such include holding inpatients not being a new approach but has become problematic and has influenced nurses’ work. The authors further base their research on the deficit in the conventional knowledge that few studies have evaluated the challenges faced by nurses caring for aged patients in the ED.

The research methodology is central to ensuring its integrity where verifiable and honest methods of performing the research, reporting the results according to the rules and guidelines, and following the accepted professional norms and codes are important (Noble & Smith, 2015). From the design and setting ,to participants, sample, and data analysis, Taylor, Rush, & Robinson (2014) enhance the integrity of the study through following the accepted professional codes of employing the ethnographic approach, centering the study in an area where vast information can be obtained and using interviews and observations for data collection as the qualitative methodology. Further, data analysis is approached thematically to align it with the purpose. Ethical considerations are also ensured where the participants’ identity is protected, and as reflected in the discussion and conclusion, the alignment of the study’s purpose and method is achieved which shows its quality.

In conclusion, the study by Taylor, Rush, & Robinson (2014) has ensured quality and validity through a number of ways. Such include basing the aim of the research on conventional knowledge and other studies, using the professional accepted norms and codes in the methodology and aligning all sections of the study with its purpose.