Emphasis is placed on the role of logical analysis and critical thinking in the development of theory for nursing practice. Approaches to developing clinical nursing research using qualitative strategies will be the focus of this course. NUR 790 or consent of instructor. Approaches to developing clinical nursing research to test clinical hypotheses using quantitative strategies will be the focus of this course. The psychometric properties of instruments and assessment methods appropriate to the theoretical and conceptual demands of selected frameworks are evaluated.
Students plan, implement, and report the results of pilot research related to the dissertation area.
An examination of the logical and epistemological foundations of empirical science, including fundamentals of concept formation, criteria of cognitive significnce, issues of explanation, interpretation, and prediction, and testing and confirmation of theories and laws. Lecture three hours, laboratory, two hours. Offered the first or second half of each semester.