Generalization in quantitative and qualitative research: Myths and strategies

Generalization, which is an act of reasoning that involves drawing broad inferences from particular observations, is widely-acknowledged as a quality standard in quantitative research, but is more controversial in qualitative research. The goal of most qualitative studies is not to generalize but rather to provide a rich, contextualized understanding of some aspect of human experience through the intensive study of particular cases. Yet, in an environment where evidence for improving practice is held in high esteem, generalization in relation to knowledge claims merits careful attention by both qualitative and quantitative researchers. Issues relating to generalization are, however, often ignored or misrepresented by both groups of researchers. Three models of generalization, as proposed in a seminal article by Firestone, are discussed in this paper: classic sample-to-population (statistical) generalization, analytic generalization, and case-to-case transfer (transferability). Suggestions for enhancing the capacity for generalization in terms of all three models are offered. The suggestions cover such issues as planned replication, sampling strategies, systematic reviews, reflexivity and higher-order conceptualization, thick description, mixed methods research, and the RE-AIM framework within pragmatic trials

Nursing research: generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice

Buku ini menekankan hubungan antara penelitian dan praktek berbasis bukti, buku ini menyajikan metode untuk melakukan studi berkualitas tinggi. Buku disertai Pedoman meliputi latihan aplikasi, model penelitian yang komprehensif, dilengkapi dengan CD-ROM, yang berisi alat-alat yang terkait dengan penelitian (misalnya, formulir persetujuan, kuesioner demografi, tabel statistik)

Nursing research : principles and methods (7e_2003)

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The effects of multimodal exercise on cognitive and physical functioning and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in older women: a randomised controlled trial

Objective: to test the effect of a 16-week multimodal exercise program on neurocognitive and physical functioning and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Design: a single-blinded, parallel-group randomised controlled trial. Settings: university campus and community-based halls. Subjects: forty-nine women aged 65 to 75 years, with no cognitive impairment and not undertaking more than 1 h of formal exercise training per week. Methods: the intervention group attended a 60-min multimodal class twice each week which included cardiovascular, strength and motor fitness training. The primary outcome was neurocognitive functioning and secondary outcomes were physical functioning and plasma levels of BDNF. Results: twenty-five participants were randomised to the intervention group and 24 to the control group. One control participant withdrew before follow-up data collection. The intervention group performed significantly better than the control group at follow-up (when controlled for baseline) in the Trail Making test A and B, the California Older Adult Stroop test (Word, Interference and Total scores), Controlled Oral Word Association test and the Timed Up-and-Go test, Six-Minute Walk test, One-Legged Stance test and plasma BDNF. Conclusion: this multimodal exercise program resulted in neurocognitive and physical performance improvements and increased levels of plasma BDNF, in older women, when compared with controls. This RCT provides evidence that a multimodal exercise intervention can achieve larger effect sizes than those generally resulting from single modality interventions. Increases in BDNF levels imply neurogenesis may be a component of the mechanism underpinning the cognitive improvements associated with multimodal exercise. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration Number: ANZCTR12612000451808