title: Quantitative methods in nursing research.
abstract: This paper considers some of the general principles that are common to much of quantitative research in nursing. In particular, the role of hypothesis testing is considered, and the use of estimation is emphasized. Confidence intervals are advocated as a means of assessing both statistical and clinical significance. These principles and methods are illustrated using examples taken from the nursing literature. Finally, more complicated situations and the role of design are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Leicester, England. kra1@le.ac.uk
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Abrams
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Scragg
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design