Surveys for clinical research in nursing

When we conduct research, we want to describe and explain a phenomenon. Sometimes, we can also predict a phenomenon and add knowledge onto the existing theory. The choice of research depends on the aim of the enquiry and the research questions to be answered. Quantitative research originates from positivism, and numerical data are collected. It is then analyzed by the statistical process under standard condition. Survey is one of the data collection methods commonly used in the clinical research. The survey design includes self-administered questionnaires, face-to-face interviews and interviews by telephone. This chapter will demonstrate a brief introduction of the research process, nature of the quantitative research, along with the survey designs. The advantages and disadvantages of using self-administered questionnaire and the situations of using the questionnaire for clinical research in nursing will also be reviewed.