Assessing Evidence - NURS 7304 - State of the Science - LibGuides at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Expand the tabs below to view more about various evidence levels and types

> Research Evidence (Level I - III)

	Level	Types of Evidence
Research Evidence	I	• Experimental study, randomized controlled trial (RCT) • Explanatory mixed methods design that includes only a Level I quaNtitative study • Systematic review of RCTs, with or without meta-analysis
	II	• Quasi-experimental study • Explanatory mixed methods design that includes only a Level II quaNtitative study • Systematic review of a combination of RCTs and quasi-experimental studies, or quasi-experimental studies only, with or without meta-analysis
	III	• Nonexperimental study • Systematic review of a combination of RCTs, quasi-experimental and nonexperimental studies, or nonexperimental studies only, with or without meta-analysis. • Exploratory, convergent, or multiphasic mixed methods studies • Explanatory mixed methods design that includes only a Level III quaNtitative study • QuaLitative study • Systematic review of quaLitative studies with or without meta-synthesis

> Nonresearch Evidence (Level IV - V)

	Level	Types of Evidence
Nonresearch Evidence	IV	Opinion of respected authorities and/or nationally recognized expert committees or consensus panels based on scientific evidence. Includes: • Clinical practice guidelines • Consensus panels/position statements
	V	Based on experiential and non-research evidence. Includes: • Scoping reviews • Integrative reviews • Literature reviews • Quality improvement, program or financial evaluation • Case reports • Opinion of nationally recognized expert(s) based on experiential evidence

> QuaNtitative

Collection, analysis, and reporting of numerical data Numerical data (how many, how much, or how often) are used to formulate facts, uncover patterns, and generalize to a larger population; provides observed effects of a program, problem, or condition. Common methods are polls, surveys, observations, and reviews of records or documents. Data are analyzed using statistical tests.

> QuaLitative

Collection, analysis, and reporting of narrative data Rich narrative data to gain a deep understanding of phenomena, meanings, perceptions, concepts, and experiences from those experiencing it. Sample sizes are relatively small and determined by the point of redundancy when no new information is gleaned, and key themes are reiterated (data saturation). Data are analyzed using thematic analysis. Often a starting point for studies when little research exists; may use results to design empirical studies. Common methods are focus groups, individual interviews (unstructured or semi-structured), and participation/observations.

> Mixed Methods

Results reported both numerically and narratively A study design (a single study or series of studies) that uses rigorous procedures in collecting and analyzing both quaNtitative and quaLitative data. Note: QuaNtitative survey designs with open-ended questions do not meet criteria for mixed methods research because those questions are not approached using strict quaLitative methods. Mixed methods studies provide a better understanding of research problems than using either a quaNtitative or quaLitative approach alone.