J Korean Acad Nurs.  2007 Oct;37(6):1013-1019.

Analysis of Research Papers Published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

• Suh YO
• Park JS
• Yang JH
• Kim HW
• Suk MH
• Shin HS
• Jang HJ
• Jung MS
• Chung MS

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was to determine the current trend of nursing research as exploring both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and to provide the explicit direction to improve the quality of published papers. METHODS: Total of 366 articles published between 2004 and 2006 was reviewed using the criteria of analysis. RESULTS: There was more number of quantitative studies than qualitative studies. More studies were conducted with subjects who had health problems, and studies that targeted women and elderly population have been significantly increased. In quantitative methodology, utilization of experimental and quasi-experimental designs has been increased, however descriptive study was dominant as yet. In qualitative methodology, studies using grounded theory and phenomenology were frequently published. It was noted that theoretical framework and rational for sample size were rarely presented in quantitative study. Philosophical position and the process of preparation for study, which guided the research, were not clearly described in qualitative study. CONCLUSION: The findings of this review suggest that published studies have been improved and diversified, however, detailed and clear evaluation tool that assesses study process and method should be developed as a way to further improve the quality of published papers.

Keyword

Review; Nursing research; Research design

MeSH Terms

Bibliometrics
Humans
Korea
Nursing Methodology Research/*standards
*Periodicals as Topic
Qualitative Research