Rationale underpinning postgraduate student nurses' choice of research methods used for their masters' theses.

Abstract

Many nurses in Taiwan use quantitative research for their master's thesis. However, qualitative research explores humankind in depth providing a more holistic approach relating to nursing. The purpose of this study was to explore the rationale postgraduate students used to choose the research methods for their masters' theses in Taiwan. A descriptive qualitative research design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of sixteen nursing students studying a master's from seven different Universities in Taiwan in 2016. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Finding revealed three themes (1) Students' personal and professional backgrounds; (2) Myths about quantitative research; (3) Misperceptions about qualitative research. Nurse educators could use these findings as a reference to design post-graduate nursing courses. It is essential to provide a balanced educative experience between delivering qualitative and quantitative modules to enhance respect of research method, knowledge and skills. Further, this could facilitate students' choice in research methods when designing their master's theses.