Determine the key elements in appraising various types of quantitative research designs, which might be useful for your own nursing practice. 4. Illustrate key concepts relevant to quantitative designs including experimental, non-experimental, causality, probability, control, manipulation, bias and randomization between variables.

2. Quantitative research utilizes numerical data of some form. There are four major types of quantitative research; descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental. Descriptive research is just as it sounds, descriptive. This type of research aims to describe the current status or standing of a specific topic or variable. Much research usually starts with a hypothesis of some form, typically with descriptive research, the hypothesis is formed after the analysis and synthesis of the data collected. Correlational research aims to find the relationship, or lack thereof, between two or more variables. This type of research is good and useful when trying to identify trends. Quasi-experimental research, also known as Causal-comparative research, is used to determine cause and effect relationships between two or more variables. Experimental research uses a scientific method to find cause and effect.

2. Evidence based practice has become an important factor in most, if not all, healthcare environments. Evidence based practice is the practice that results in the best outcome based on research and data that shows cause and effect or correlation between two variables. Quantitative research is used when developing evidence based practice. Quantitative research and data is broken down and analyzed to find the best and available scientific evidence that promotes or defeats a specific variable. For example in healthcare, quantitative data is analyzed and examined todetermine the effectiveness of specific healthcare interventions.