title: Exploring the process of data acquisition: methodological challenges encountered and strategies employed.
abstract: Data acquisition marks the first phase of the problem-solving process. Little research exists, however, on data acquisition amongst nurses despite its centrality in the problem-solving process. In part, this is a reflection of the inherent challenges and difficulties posed by this area of research. This paper discusses methodological issues raised during a recent study exploring the process of data acquisition amongst student nurses. The research forms part of a larger comparative study of the outcomes of preregistration nurse education programmes, funded by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Studies, King's College London, University of London, England.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: While
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D004510:Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011340:Problem Solving; D012107:Research Design; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology