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

In the view of the authors, students enrolled in their first research course should become aware of the different belief systems held by investigators about research. All nurse researchers, including faculty who teach undergraduate research courses, have either consciously or unconsciously adopted a belief system. That philosophy determines what the educator sees as appropriate nursing theory, research questions, research designs and methods for nursing inquiry. Students may be confused by the apparent discrepancies in the content and methods of teaching a research course between two and among faculty who possess divergent philosophical views. They should be aware of some of the important belief systems which can influence theory development and research in nursing in order to use nursing research in clinical practice. Two dichotomous belief systems influencing approaches to the study of the phenomenon of pain are discussed: Empiricism and Phenomenology. Teaching strategies which help students know and appreciate different philosophical orientations are proposed. Finally, a rationale for including this content within an undergraduate research course will be given.