title: Qualitative research: exploring new frontiers.
abstract: Qualitative research is an excellent strategy for exploring new areas of study. It is particularly appropriate for the field of gastroenterology nursing, a developing nursing specialty. In this article, the authors provide an introduction to qualitative research through a comparison of quantitative and qualitative perspectives, exploration of qualitative research designs, and discussion of qualitative analysis. Examples of qualitative research are used to illustrate the rich, vivid, and practical information gained using four different mehtodological approaches. Qualitative research topics appropriate for gastroenterology nurse researchers are suggested.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Arlington, School of Nursing 76019-0407, USA.
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmelzer
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D005762:Gastroenterology; D006801:Humans; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D013041:Specialties, Nursing