Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses

whether samples represent target populations. Nurses should expect detailed

accounts of sampling methods, sample sizes, and recruitment and retention

strategies. When critically appraising studies, nurses should look for discussion

about power analyses in quantitative studies and data saturation in qualitative

studies. By carefully examining attributes of samples and sampling methods,

nurses can make decisions about the applicability of findings to clinical practice

(Hopp, 2012).

Suppose you are in charge of designing recruitment materials for a study examining Hispanic

mothers’ attitudes toward breastfeeding. What factors would need to be considered when

designing these materials?

CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE 11-3

True/False

1. Attrition has little effect on the generalizability of study findings.


2. The best way to determine sample size for a quantitative study is through power analysis.


3. A study involving three groups needs a minimum of 30 subjects.


4. A group with elements having similar attributes would be considered heterogeneous.


5. Characteristics of the accessible population should be considered when creating
   recruitment materials.

How did you do? 1. F; 2. T; 3. F; 4. F; 5. T

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE 11-3

11.4 Keeping It Ethical

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

‹ Describe ethical considerations related to sampling

Individuals who participate in research have fundamental rights that must be

protected. The American Nurses Association (ANA) code of ethics and human

rights guidelines direct researchers to protect the rights of each and every subject

(ANA, 2001). The ANA code addresses five human rights that mandate protec-

tion when conducting research. These rights include the right to anonymity

and/or confidentiality, the right to self-determination, the right to privacy, the

right to fair treatment, and the right to protection from discomfort and harm.

302 CHAPTER 11 Using Samples to Provide Evidence