Research Methodology: Epistemologic Considerations

Abstract

The selection of research methodology originates in assumptions regarding the nature of the phenomena under investigation, the appropriate means of inquiry regarding the phenomena, and the subject matter and end results sought. Consideration of constructivist methodology, with a focus on first degree constructs in the minds of participants in problem situations, is recommended as appropriate to inquiry into the phenomena of nursing.

Family Study and Nursing Research

“…Expansion needs to occur not only within nursing but also beyond our disciplinary borders. There is a growing recognition among nurse researchers of the importance of multiple theoretical perspectives and pluralistic methodologies in building our knowledge base (Bargagliotti, 1983;Goodwin & Goodwin, 1984;Silva & Rothbart, 1984;Smith, 1984;Tilden & Tilden, 1985), and family nurse scientists have much to gain from the experience of others working on similar questions from different viewpoints.…”

The Participant Philosophy in Nursing Science

“…The Participant Philosophy phenomenologist to study actors in the field, thereby making this style of research well suited to nursing (Davis, 1978;Oiler, 1982). Smith (1984) advised that research methodologies in the discipline of nursing should favor the perceptions of the actors within the practice environment over researcherdetermined measurement instruments. Regarding all perceptions as constructs, or analogs of the real world, participants within the environment have firstdegree constructs that are closer to Thus many nurses writing today maintain that, if research is to be relevant to the practice of nursing, nurse investigators should have personal involvement in the field.…”

Nursing Research and Social Control: Alternative Models of Science that Emphasize Understanding and Emancipation

“…D., is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, and Women's Studies Programs, University of Wisconsin, Madison. tions for the nature and impact of one's research (Munhall, 1983;Oiler, 1982;Smith, 1984). In other words, there are several emerging, and at times competing, ideas about what kind of science nursing science should be.…”