Conducting Qualitative Nursing Research: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Mary De Chesnay, a renowned qualitative research scholar, this practical resource provides a concise, step-by-step guide to conducting qualitative nursing research using various forms of data analysis. As part of a unique series of books devoted to seven different qualitative designs and methods in nursing, this book is written for both novice researchers and specialists seeking to develop or expand their competency.

Comprehensive Methodologies for Nursing Research

This guide encompasses a range of methodologies, including:

• Content analysis: a means of organizing and interpreting data to elicit themes and concepts
• Discourse analysis: used to analyze language to understand social or historical context
• Narrative analysis: in which the researcher seeks to understand human experience through participant stories
• Focus groups and case studies: used to understand the consensus of a group or the experience of an individual and his or her reaction to a difficult situation such as disease or trauma

Philosophical Basis and Practical Strategies

The book describes the philosophical basis for conducting research using data analysis and delivers an in-depth plan for applying its methodologies to a particular study. It covers:

• Appropriate methods for data collection and analysis
• Ethical considerations in qualitative research
• Potential challenges and how to overcome them

Real-World Case Examples and Author Analyses

The book presents a rich array of case examples from published nursing research, including:

• Data security in qualitative research
• The image of nursing in science fiction literature
• The trajectory of research in several nursing studies throughout Africa
• And many others

Author analyses are also included to support readers in decision-making regarding their own projects.

Benefits for Nursing Professionals and Students

This book is valuable for:

• Health institution research divisions
• In-service educators and students
• Graduate nursing educators and students

By focusing on the needs of both novice researchers and specialists, this guide provides a comprehensive resource for conducting qualitative nursing research.

Key Features:

• Explains how to conduct nursing research using content analysis, discourse analysis, narrative analysis, and focus groups and case studies
• Presents state-of-the-art designs and protocols
• Focuses on solving practical problems related to the conduct of research
• Features rich nursing exemplars in a variety of health/mental health clinical settings in the United States and internationally