Building knowledge through qualitative research: the road less traveled

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Qualitative Research Methodology

Background:

• Nursing knowledge development is influenced by various research methodologies.
• Understanding the philosophical underpinnings of research methods is crucial for advancing nursing science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate ontological, epistemological, and methodological aspects of borrowed qualitative methods versus established nursing research methods.
• To distinguish between nursing-specific knowledge and generalizable knowledge applicable to nursing practice.
• To highlight the importance of theoretical integration in building nursing knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of qualitative research methods and nursing research methods.
• Examination of philosophical assumptions (ontology, epistemology) and methodological approaches.
• Literature review and conceptual analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified key differences in ontology, epistemology, and methodology between borrowed qualitative and nursing research methods.
• Differentiated nursing knowledge from general knowledge, emphasizing the former's theoretical basis.
• Established a clear link between building nursing knowledge and utilizing existing nursing theories and frameworks.

Conclusions:

• Borrowed qualitative methods possess distinct philosophical and methodological characteristics compared to nursing research methods.
• Nursing knowledge is distinct and requires grounding in nursing theories for its development.
• Effective advancement of nursing knowledge depends on the integration of extant nursing theories and frameworks into research practices.