Common Pitfalls in Conducting Quantitative Nursing Research: A Commentary and Suggestions to Facilitate Publication of Studies

Abstract

Background: This article is a commentary on some of the common pitfalls that many researchers (including nurse researchers) experience when developing and implementing studies which impede their ability to publish their work. Purpose: The goal is to provide a summary and recommendations to assist novice nurse researchers with respect to some aspects of methodology and statistical analyses that are often overlooked and limit the validity of studies’ findings and the reliability of the results. Discussion: Specific research design attributes, data management and analyses procedures are identified that can be used to improve a study’s integrity and appeal to academic journals for publication. Conclusion: This article attempts to assist nurse researchers of all levels and in a variety of capacities to improve the quality of research and the ability to publish their studies. Keywords: Quantitative, Research, Methodology, Publication