NURS 6052 WK9 DISCUSSION

Data Analysis—Small Group Discussion

As a nurse engaged in evidence-based practice, it is important to recognize how statistics and other data analysis tools are used to generate and assess evidence. Most nurses need only a foundational understanding of statistical tools and terminology to understand the majority of research studies. As a nurse, you should be able to recognize the most commonly used statistical tests, how and when they are used, and how significance is determined.

In this Discussion, you examine different types of statistics and statistical tests, when and why these particular tests would be selected for use, and, most importantly, what the results indicate.

To prepare: Read Multivariate Statistics, Chapter 18, focuss on – The Computer and Multivariate Statistics  (1 PAGE)

Textbook: Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012).  Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.).Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

• Review the information in your assigned chapter.

•  Develop a 1-page study sheet that includes the following:

  • The key concepts of the chapter: Focus on the basic concepts that are important for nurses to understand the basics of these statistical methods   as they review research studies.

  • A description of the statistical methods covered in the chapter, what they measure, and under what circumstances they are used. Identify examples of how the statistical methods have been used in research studies.

  • An explanation of the key statistical tests and how they measure significance (if applicable).