Evidence Based Practice
Discussion: Validity in Quantitative Research Designs D6
Validity in research refers to the extent researchers can be confident that the cause and effect they identify in their research are in
fact causal relationships. If there is low validity in a study, it usually means that the research design is flawed and the results will
be of little or no value. Four different aspects of validity should be considered when reviewing a research design: statistical conclusion
validity, internal validity, constructs validity, and external validity. In this Discussion, you consider the importance of each of these
aspects in judging the validity of quantitative research.
To prepare:
•Review the information in Chapter 10 of the course text on rigor and validity.
•Read the method section of one of the following quasi-experimental studies (also located in this week’s Learning Resources). Identify at
least one potential concern that could be raised about the study’s internal validity.
•Metheny, N. A., Davis-Jackson, J., & Stewart, B. J. (2010). Effectiveness of an aspiration risk-reduction protocol.Nursing Research, 59
(1), 18–25.
•Padula, C. A., Hughes, C., &Baumhover, L. (2009). Impact of a nurse-driven mobility protocol on functional decline in hospitalized older
adults. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24(4), 325–331.
•Yuan, S., Chou, M., Hwu, L., Chang, Y., Hsu, W., &Kuo, H. (2009). An intervention program to promote health-related physical fitness in
nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18(10), 1,404–1,411.
•Consider strategies that could be used to strengthen the study’s internal validity and how this would impact the three other types of
validity.
•Think about the consequences of an advanced practice nurse neglecting to consider the validity of a research study when reviewing the
research for potential use in developing an evidence-based practice.
Post the title of the study that you selected and your analysis of the potential concerns that could be raised about the study’s internal
validity. Propose recommendations to strengthen the internal validity and assess the effect your changes could have with regard to the
other three types of validity. Discuss the dangers of failing to consider the validity of a research study.