[An analysis of nursing research with a focus on concepts and methods (1961-1990)].

The purpose of this study is to summarize the trend and status of the nursing research in Korea during the last 30 years. Six hundred seventy three papers published in "The Korea Nurse" and "The Journal of Nurses Academic Society" from 1961 to 1990 were included for retrospective descriptive analysis. The questionnaire developed by Sigma Theta Tau was utilized for data collection. Nursing research in Korea in 1960's can be characterized by simple research methods, lack of team project, and lack of research funding. The nursing concepts used frequently were "person" and "nursing". In 1970's, the research method became more diversified. Also, funding was available from the government (Ministry of Education) and industry. Most often studied nursing concepts in 1970's were "person" and "nursing", but "health" was also important concept. Many papers published in 1980's were utilizing more sophisticated research methods and conceptual frameworks based on nursing theories. Also, the society recognized the importance of nursing research and more fundings were available from non-governmental agencies such as university research centers, industry, universities, and hospitals. These fundings allowed the larger scale nursing research projects which required team research. The important nursing concepts employed in nursing research in 1980's were similar to 1970's. the least investigated concept in last 30 years was "environment". The major improvement in nursing research from 1960's to 1970's is quantitative and from 1970's to 1980's is advancement in research methodology. Also, areas of research interest diversified from clinical practice to nursing education and community health care system. As a result of graduate nursing programs, nursing research in 1980's in Korea showed much improvement in quality and quantity. However, majority of nursing research in 1980's was still carried out by individual master's or doctorate student. Thus, main characteristics of nursing research in Korea during the last 30 years can be summarized as training and education of nurse researchers. Nursing research in 1990's should focus on development and expansion of our own unique knowledge. Included in this paper are strategies and plans for future nursing research.