Belief systems which influence research in nursing: implications for preparing future investigators

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Research Philosophy
• Scientific Inquiry

Background:

• Nurse researchers and educators hold distinct philosophical belief systems influencing research approaches.
• Divergent faculty views can create confusion for students in undergraduate research courses.
• Awareness of these belief systems is crucial for students to effectively utilize nursing research in practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform students about varying investigator belief systems in research.
• To highlight how philosophical views shape nursing theory, research questions, designs, and methods.
• To prepare students to critically analyze and apply nursing research by understanding underlying philosophies.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of two dichotomous belief systems: Empiricism and Phenomenology.
• Analysis of how these philosophies influence the study of pain.
• Proposal of teaching strategies to foster appreciation for different philosophical orientations.

Main Results:

• Students can become confused by faculty with divergent philosophical views on research.
• Understanding belief systems aids in navigating discrepancies in research course content and methods.
• Awareness of philosophies like empiricism and phenomenology enhances critical appraisal of nursing research.

Conclusions:

• Integrating content on research belief systems is essential for undergraduate nursing curricula.
• Educating students on philosophical diversity improves their ability to engage with and use nursing research.
• Appreciating different viewpoints, such as empiricism and phenomenology, strengthens research utilization in clinical practice.