upon both quantitative and qualitative measures. In both
types of methods, it is imperative that the same rigor be
employed when collecting data.Planning for Data Collection
Researchers are often very excited to begin collecting
data. Most often they have spent months working on
their overall framework and/or research questions and
have organized pertinent literature to further support the
study at hand. They have also carefully selected and developed data collection
methods. This requires that researchers detail the data collection plan from the
time consent from subjects is obtained to the actual completion of the data
collection period. A timeline should be included along with a comprehensive
budget that accounts for costs such as salaries of research staff, mileage, meals,
data collection materials and instrumentation, fees related to the recruitment of
subjects, and data input and interpretation. A plan for how data will be managed
should also be included. A haphazard approach to collecting data, planning
the timeline and budget, and managing data can lead to serious problems for
researchers. Therefore, when appraising research studies, it is important for
nurses to carefully read and determine whether the data collection methods
support the framework and are appropriate for the study questions. If appropriate
data collection methods are not used, the findings can easily be challenged and
the evidence may not support the desired changes in practice (Havens, 2001).
Researchers begin by determining the type of data that need to be collected.
This includes when and how data will be collected, who will collect the data,
and what type of data collection methods, devices, or instruments will be used.
Many factors affect data collection. Such factors may include availability and
access to preexisting instruments, mobile devices (including personal digital
assistants [PDAs], tablets, phones, laptops, or netbooks) or data collection sites,
personnel needed to collect data, the amount of data to be collected, and the
sample size. Budget considerations are key because researchers are accountable
to stay within the planned budget. Data collection can be one of the most costly
parts of conducting a research project. With the growing use of technology for
data collection, the researcher must also consider the capabilities of mobile
devices such as connectivity, mobility, and software compatibility. Care must
also be taken to secure data (Drayton, 2013).Piloting Data Collection Methods
Many researchers conduct a pilot study using a scaled-back version of the data
collection method. This is very helpful to evaluate the instruments, devices,
and process so that unexpected problems can be identified. Additionally, aFYI
Nurses must have a solid plan for collecting
and managing data, because these methods
will be evaluated before practice decisions
are made based on the findings of the data.
Accurate data collection methods are more
likely to yield valid findings that provide or
support the evidence nurses can trust when
making EBP decisions.254 CHAPTER 10 Collecting Evidence