G3 Research

The Major Steps in
Quantitative Study:
Phase 2 - The Design
and Planning Phase
BSN 3-A; Group 3
Table of Contents
P6 Selecting a Research Design
P7 Developing protocols for the intervention
P8 Identifying the population to be studied
P9 Designing the Sampling Plan

Table of Contents
P10 Specifying methods to measure variables
P11 Developing methods to protect human/animal rights
P12 Finalizing and Reviewing the Research Plan

Introduction
The Design and Planning Phase is the second major step in a quantitative
study, playing a crucial role in shaping the overall research process. During
this phase, researchers develop a clear, structured plan for how the study will
be conducted. Key activities include formulating research questions or
hypotheses, selecting a research design (e.g., experimental or non-
experimental), determining the study population and sampling methods,
and identifying the variables to be measured. This phase also involves
choosing data collection methods and ensuring ethical considerations are
addressed, setting the foundation for reliable and valid research outcomes.
Phase 6:
Selecting a
Research Design
A research design is the blueprint of
the study. It outlines how researchers
will answer the research questions and
navigate potential challenges. This
framework ensures that the study is
methodologically sound and the
findings are valid and reliable.
Structured Nature in Quantitative Studies
✓ Quantitative research designs are typically highly structured to maintain

objectivity and consistency throughout the study. The structure helps guide
the study process, ensuring each step is logically followed and adhered to.
✓ To control external factors or "contaminating influences" that could skew

results, quantitative designs often incorporate strategies like randomization,
control groups, or blinding, especially in experimental designs.
Types of Research Designs
Experimental Designs:
✓ Involve the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe their

effects on dependent variables.
✓ Randomization and control groups are commonly used to establish cause-and-
effect relationships.
✓ Examples: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), Quasi-experiments.
Types of Research Designs
Non-experimental Designs:
✓ Do not involve direct manipulation of variables but instead observe relationships

and correlations between variables.
✓ These designs are often used when experimental designs are not feasible due to
ethical or practical constraints.
✓ Examples: Descriptive studies, Correlational studies, Cohort studies, Case-
control studies.
Phase 7:
Developing
Protocols for the
Intervention
In experimental research, researchers create the independent variable. This
involves exposing participants to two or more different treatments or
conditions to observe their effects.
The Intervention Protocol
An Intervention protocol must be developed to ensure consistency and clarity. This

protocol outlines what the intervention involves, including:
✓ The specific details of the treatment or condition.

✓ Who will administer the intervention.
✓ How frequently the intervention will be given.
✓ Duration of the intervention, specifying how long it will last.
✓ The alternative condition or control treatment for comparison
The Intervention Protocol
✓ The purpose of having well-articulated protocols is to ensure that all subjects in

each group are treated consistently and uniformly. This helps in reducing bias
and ensures that the results are due to the intervention itself rather than
variations in how it is applied.
✓ In non-experimental research, this step is not necessary, as the study does not
involve actively manipulating variables or administering interventions, focusing
instead on observing variables in their natural state.
Phase 8:
Identifying the
population to be
studied
A population refers to the complete set of individuals, groups, or objects
that share specific defining characteristics. These characteristics could be
demographic (such as age, gender, location), professional (such as job
roles), health-related, or any other criteria relevant to the study’s purpose.
Defining the population early on is crucial, as it helps the researcher stay
focused on who they intend to study and how the results can be
generalized beyond the specific sample.
For example, if a researcher wants to examine the
effect of a new educational intervention on high
school students, they need to specify whether
they are targeting all high school students,
students within a certain age range, or students in
particular regions. Additionally, they must consider
factors like academic performance, socio-
economic status, or other attributes that could
impact results. This step is foundational in
ensuring that the study results are applicable to
the correct group, enhancing both the credibility
and relevance of the research findings.
Phase 9:
Designing the
Sampling Plan
Researchers generally gather data
from a sample, which is a subset of
the larger population of interest.
This allows researchers to make
inferences about a population
without the need for costly or time-
intensive data collection from every
individual within the population.
The sampling plan outlines in detail how the sample will be selected before data
collection begins, ensuring consistency and transparency.
The plan specifies:

✓ Sampling method (e.g., random sampling, stratified sampling, or convenience
sampling).
✓ Sample size — the number of subjects that will participate, often determined
through statistical calculations to ensure sufficient power for analysis.
✓ Any inclusion and exclusion criteria that define who qualifies for the study,
ensuring relevance and clarity in sample selection.
Phase 10:
Specifying
methods to
measure variables
Methods to measure Variables
✓ In quantitative research, selecting accurate measurement methods for each

variable is essential to ensure data precision and reliability.
✓ Researchers rely on conceptual definitions to select or design methods that

effectively operationalize variables, transforming abstract concepts into
measurable data points.
Various quantitative data collection approaches can be utilized, with the primary
methods being:
✓ Self-reports: Data collected directly from participants through instruments like

surveys and structured interviews.
✓ Observations: Systematic recording of behaviors or events, often using

standardized observation checklists.
✓ Bio-physiologic measurements: Collection of objective biological or physical

data, such as blood pressure or heart rate, using specialized equipment.
Phase 11:
Developing methods
to protect
human/animal rights
Human Subjects in Nursing Studies
Focus and Ethical Considerations in Human Research:
✓ The majority of nursing research centers on human subjects to enhance patient

care, understand health behaviors, and evaluate treatment outcomes. This
involves diverse groups such as patients, nursing staff, and individuals seeking
preventive care. The protection of these participants necessitates a robust
ethical framework, guided by principles of autonomy (ensuring informed
decisions), beneficence (minimizing harm while maximizing benefits), and justice
(ensuring fair treatment and resource distribution).
Informed Consent and Confidentiality:
✓ Researchers are required to obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring

they understand the study's purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits before
agreeing to participate. This process must be transparent and free from coercion,
allowing voluntary choices. Additionally, safeguarding participants' personal
information is paramount; researchers must implement confidentiality measures
such as anonymizing data and limiting access to sensitive information while
informing participants about how their data will be used, stored, and shared.
Role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs):
✓ Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play a crucial role in ensuring the ethical
conduct of research involving human subjects. They review research proposals
to assess potential risks and benefits, evaluate the adequacy of informed
consent procedures, and confirm the safeguards in place to protect participants’
rights. This oversight helps maintain ethical standards and fosters trust in the
research process.
Animal Subjects in Nursing Studies
Use of Animal Models and Ethical Guidelines:
✓ Nursing research may involve animal subjects, particularly in pharmacological

studies and treatment evaluations, providing vital insights into disease
mechanisms and treatment efficacy. Ethical guidelines ensure humane
treatment, guided by the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement),
which promotes minimizing animal use and distress.
Compliance with Animal Welfare Regulations:
✓ Researchers must comply with laws like the Animal Welfare Act, which sets
standards for humane care. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees
(IACUCs) review research proposals to ensure ethical standards are upheld and
animal welfare is prioritized.
Justification, Monitoring, and Reporting:
✓ Although informed consent is not applicable to animals, researchers must

provide a clear ethical justification for their use, explaining how the research
could benefit human health or advance scientific knowledge. Continuous
monitoring of animal welfare during the study is essential, with researchers
required to address any issues promptly. Transparency in reporting findings is
crucial, including details on animal welfare practices and adherence to ethical
guidelines, reinforcing accountability in the research process.
Phase 12:
Finalizing and
reviewing the
Research Plan
Finalizing and Reviewing the Research Plan, is a critical component in the Design
and Planning Phase of a quantitative study. Before data collection begins,
researchers should seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or advisers who can
provide valuable insights and constructive criticism. This collaborative review
process helps identify potential flaws or weaknesses in the research design,
methodology, or data collection procedures. Engaging with others who have
expertise in the field can reveal aspects that the researcher might have
overlooked and ensure that the study aligns with best practices and scientific
standards. Constructive feedback is instrumental in refining the research
questions, adjusting the sampling methods, or modifying data collection tools,
thereby enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the research.
In addition to obtaining feedback, researchers often conduct several
preliminary "tests" or pilot studies to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of
their plans. These tests can include trial runs of surveys or questionnaires, as
well as simulations of data collection processes. By implementing these trial
runs, researchers can identify any logistical issues, such as unclear questions,
technical difficulties, or challenges in participant recruitment. Addressing these
concerns prior to the full-scale study helps minimize the risk of errors and
ensures a smoother data collection process. Overall, the finalizing and
reviewing stage is essential for validating the research plan and increasing the
likelihood of producing meaningful and reliable results.
Thank
You!
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The Major Steps in

P6 Selecting a Research Design

P7 Developing protocols for the intervention

P8 Identifying the population to be studied

P9 Designing the Sampling Plan

P10 Specifying methods to measure variables

P11 Developing methods to protect human/animal rights

P12 Finalizing and Reviewing the Research Plan

✓ Quantitative research designs are typically highly structured to maintain

✓ To control external factors or "contaminating influences" that could skew

✓ Involve the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe their

✓ Do not involve direct manipulation of variables but instead observe relationships

An Intervention protocol must be developed to ensure consistency and clarity. This

✓ The specific details of the treatment or condition.

✓ The purpose of having well-articulated protocols is to ensure that all subjects in

The plan specifies:

✓ In quantitative research, selecting accurate measurement methods for each

✓ Researchers rely on conceptual definitions to select or design methods that

✓ Self-reports: Data collected directly from participants through instruments like

✓ Observations: Systematic recording of behaviors or events, often using

✓ Bio-physiologic measurements: Collection of objective biological or physical

Focus and Ethical Considerations in Human Research:

✓ The majority of nursing research centers on human subjects to enhance patient

Informed Consent and Confidentiality:

✓ Researchers are required to obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring

Role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs):

Use of Animal Models and Ethical Guidelines:

✓ Nursing research may involve animal subjects, particularly in pharmacological

Compliance with Animal Welfare Regulations:

Justification, Monitoring, and Reporting:

✓ Although informed consent is not applicable to animals, researchers must

infographics & images by Freepik

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