¶ … Nursing Handoff Communication

The use of the mixed method approach for this study implies that data analysis should be effective in examining descriptive data obtained from participant observation, interviews, surveys, and focus groups. The data analysis plans for this research will incorporate identifying and utilizing appropriate methods for examining demographic variables and study variables. This will help in ensuring the researcher effectively analyzes descriptive data from the various data collection methods and study variables. Given the nature of the phenomenon under investigation, data analysis for demographic variables and of study variables is vital in order to generate accurate results or findings. When analyzing data, the researcher will utilize SPSS software and establish the alpha level for all statistical analyses at 0.05 (O'Connell, Macdonald & Kelly, 2008, p.5).

In relation to data analysis for demographic variables, the researcher will conduct descriptive statistical tests. This is primarily because the data collection methods will generate descriptive data that needs to be interpreted in order to understand obstacles and contributing factors to effective nursing handoffs. The use of descriptive statistical tests for demographic variables is because it would help generate a precise summary of data that can be summarized graphically or numerically ("What are Descriptive and Inferential Statistics?" n.d.).

With regards to data analysis for study variables, the researcher will conduct descriptive and inferential tests. Descriptive and inferential statistics are suitable for analyzing study variables because they not only provide a summary of data but also entail the use of a random representative sample to describe and make inferences regarding the population in the study. Through these methods, the researcher will be able to generate accurate results and draw conclusions regarding the various variables in the study and the research topic.

References

O'Connell, B., Macdonald, K. & Kelly, C. (2008, August). Nursing Handover: It's Time for a Change. Contemporary Nurse, 30(1), 2-11.

"What are Descriptive and Inferential Statistics?" (n.d.). Minitab. Retrieved January 29, 2016, from http://support.minitab.com/en-us/minitab/17/topic-library/basic-statistics-and-graphs/introductory-concepts/basic-concepts/descriptive-inferential-stats/