Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
13:44
Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
4.2K
Can nursing epistemology embrace p-values?
Christine H K Ou1, Wendy A Hall1, Sally E Thorne1
1School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Summary
This study critically examines the uncritical use of probability values (p-values) in nursing and health care evidence. It argues for a deeper reflection on statistical significance testing
Area of Science:
- Nursing Research
- Health Sciences
- Statistical Methodology
Background:
- Correlational probability values (p-values) are widely accepted in nursing and health care for evidence evaluation.
- Significance testing, rooted in the natural science paradigm, is uncritically adopted in evidence-based practice.
- Nursing's engagement with the controversies surrounding significance testing as evidence has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine the entrenchment of p-values as the gold standard for scientific knowledge in the postpositivist paradigm.
- To explore the reasons behind the uncritical adherence to significance testing in nursing and health care.
- To advocate for a critical reflection on the limitations of p-values within nursing epistemology.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of the role of statistical significance testing in evidence-based practice.
- Examination of the historical and philosophical underpinnings of p-value usage in scientific research.
- Literature review focusing on the debate surrounding statistical evidence in health and social sciences.
Main Results:
- P-values have become an entrenched, yet uncritically accepted, mechanism for evaluating evidence in nursing and health care.
- The reliance on significance testing overlooks the complex and contextual factors inherent to nursing epistemology.
- Nursing has not sufficiently participated in the broader scientific discourse on the evidentiary value of p-values.
Conclusions:
- Nursing must critically reflect on the limitations of p-values as a measure of evidence.
- Rethinking the reliance on significance testing is crucial for advancing nursing knowledge.
- A more nuanced understanding of evidence is needed, considering nursing's unique epistemological landscape.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Decision Making: P-value Method
6.8K
The process of hypothesis testing based on the P-value method includes calculating the P- value using the sample data and interpreting it.
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can...
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can...
6.8K
01:10P-value
8.6K
P-value is one of the most crucial concepts in statistics.
P-value stands for the probability value. P-value is the probability that, if the null hypothesis is true, the results from another randomly selected sample will be as extreme or more extreme as the results obtained from the given sample.
A large P-value calculated from the data indicates to not reject the null hypothesis. But a higher P-value does not mean that the null hypothesis is true. The smaller the P-value, the more...
P-value stands for the probability value. P-value is the probability that, if the null hypothesis is true, the results from another randomly selected sample will be as extreme or more extreme as the results obtained from the given sample.
A large P-value calculated from the data indicates to not reject the null hypothesis. But a higher P-value does not mean that the null hypothesis is true. The smaller the P-value, the more...
8.6K
01:18The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
16.9K
The scientific method provides the foundation for any research. It is the most reliable and objective of all forms of gaining knowledge and guides in applying research-based evidence in practice and conducting future research.
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be...
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be...
16.9K
01:13Patient-centered Care
2.9K
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
2.9K
01:21Methods of Documentation III: PIE
2.0K
Problem-intervention-evaluation (PIE) is a systematic approach to documentation used in healthcare settings for clinical decision-making and patient care planning. It is a structured approach to organizing patient data based on problems, interventions, and evaluations. Here's a breakdown of its key features and considerations:
2.0K
01:30Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
17.2K
Theories play an essential role in organizing patient care. Theories refer to a proposed or followed belief, policy, or procedure that is the basis for action. Nursing theories are knowledge-based concepts that guide nurses' actions, influence nursing education and practice, and allow nurses to care for their patients.
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
17.2K