Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
This presentation is part of : Nursing History and Model Development
Secondary Analysis of Qualitative Paradigm Studies
Yu-Ru Lin, MSN, RN, School of Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Learning Objective #1: Identify the steps of conducting a secondary analysis with qualitative paradigm studies
Learning Objective #2: Examine and discuss further applications of this research method to advance nursing knowledge
Objective: Secondary analysis is a research method that involves using previously collected research data a second time based on a new question or analytic approach. This paper aims to examine the current use of secondary analysis in qualitative paradigm research by reviewing published methodological papers and studies in this field. The purpose of this paper is to explore the practice of secondary analysis of qualitative studies and to invite a more scholarly discussion on this recently developed research method in the nursing discipline.

Method and Sample: A preliminary search in the major nursing database, CINAHL, combing the keywords of qualitative studies and secondary analysis was implemented and a total of 37 articles were selected for the literature review.

Findings and Conclusions: Through a review of the articles, a definition of qualitative paradigm secondary analysis (QPSA) was established. A series of steps in conducting QPSA, including devising research questions, implementing methods, selecting the data set assessment techniques, analyzing and managing the data set, considering ethical issues and scientific adequacy, and presenting findings, are discussed along with methodological challenges connected with each step. The strengths and weaknesses of QPSA are examined.

Implications: Applications and final products of a QPSA are discussed. Future directions of QPSA development include establishing a rigorous systematic method of conducting QPSA and sharing nurse scholars’ experiences of implementing this research method.

Back to Nursing History and Model Development
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004