In the realm of nursing and healthcare research, qualitative analysis plays a pivotal role in understanding human behavior, lived experiences, and contextual nuances that quantitative methods often overlook. RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1 Developing a Research Question for Qualitative Studies at Capella University, especially crucial for doctoral-level nursing students aiming to become scholar-practitioners.

This course explores qualitative research design, data analysis, research ethics, and various methodological approaches. It is an essential component of Capella’s curriculum for students involved in evidence-based practice, organizational improvement, or DNP capstone projects. In this guide, we’ll unpack each major assignment—RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1, Assessment 2, Assessment 3, and Assessment 4—highlighting learning objectives, expectations, and strategies for success.

Overview of RSCH FPX 7868

RSCH FPX 7868 aims to develop your competence in qualitative research, focusing on:

·       Constructing meaningful research questions

·       Exploring qualitative research theory

·       Applying appropriate data analysis techniques

·       Evaluating different methodological frameworks

The course culminates in a deep understanding of how qualitative research informs nursing practice, policy, and education. Each of the four assessments builds on the previous one, encouraging learners to grow in skill and insight.

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1: Developing a Research Question for Qualitative Studies

The first assessment is foundational. It teaches students how to craft a focused and meaningful research question suitable for qualitative inquiry. In contrast to quantitative questions that seek measurable data, qualitative questions seek depth, meaning, and understanding.

Key Learning Objectives:

·       Understand what makes a research question "qualitative"

·       Identify a problem area relevant to nursing or healthcare

·       Frame a research question aligned with qualitative methodologies

·       Justify the need and significance of the study

How to Approach the Assignment:

Start by identifying a real-world problem or phenomenon you’re passionate about—something you’ve encountered in clinical practice or read about in nursing literature. Possible areas include nurse-patient communication, coping with chronic illness, or leadership experiences among novice nurses.

Then, draft a qualitative research question using exploratory verbs like:

·       "What is the experience of...?"

·       "How do nurses perceive...?"

·       "In what ways do patients describe...?"

Support your question with scholarly evidence and explain why a qualitative approach is appropriate. Be sure to address potential populations and settings.

Example Research Question:

“What are the lived experiences of ICU nurses providing end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic?”

Success Tips:

·       Avoid yes/no or numerical questions—stay descriptive

·       Use literature to highlight the knowledge gap

·       Align your question with known qualitative methodologies (phenomenology, grounded theory, etc.)

·       Follow APA guidelines and structure your paper clearly

Assessment 1 sets the tone for the rest of the course. A well-crafted question here leads to a more coherent project throughout RSCH FPX 7868.

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 2: Research Theory for Qualitative Studies

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 2 Research Theory for Qualitative Studies , students explore theoretical frameworks that underpin qualitative research. Unlike quantitative studies that rely on hypotheses, qualitative research is grounded in theory that shapes the research design, data collection, and analysis.

Objectives:

·       Examine different theoretical paradigms in qualitative research (constructivism, phenomenology, critical theory, etc.)

·       Align a theory with your previously developed research question

·       Justify how the theory will inform the study’s methodology

Core Components of the Paper:

·       Explanation of your chosen theory (e.g., social constructivism)

·       Discussion of how this theory shapes your understanding of the topic

·       Connection between the theory and the qualitative approach

·       Implications for research design and participant selection

For example, if you’re researching lived experiences, phenomenology is often the best fit. If your study investigates social norms or power dynamics, critical theory may be more appropriate.

Writing Recommendations:

·       Be clear on the epistemological and ontological assumptions of the theory

·       Use literature to back your theoretical choice

·       Ensure consistency between your research question and the theoretical lens

Assessment 2 deepens your understanding of why qualitative research is designed the way it is. It ensures that your study is rooted in scholarly theory, making it credible and methodologically sound.

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 3: Data Analysis Strategies for Qualitative Research

Assessment 3 shifts from design and theory to RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 3 Data Analysis Strategies for Qualitative Research. By now, you’ve developed your research question and identified your theoretical framework. The next step is to describe how you would analyze data collected in your study.

Assignment Goals:

·       Choose a qualitative data analysis strategy (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis, grounded theory coding)

·       Explain each step of the analysis process

·       Discuss tools or software used in qualitative data analysis (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti)

·       Address how you will ensure rigor, validity, and trustworthiness

Example Strategy: Thematic Analysis

1.     Transcribe interviews verbatim

2.     Familiarize yourself with the data

3.     Generate initial codes

4.     Identify themes

5.     Review and define themes

6.     Write the final report

Key Considerations:

·       How will you maintain credibility (e.g., member checking)?

·       How will you ensure dependability (e.g., audit trail)?

·       How will you address transferability (e.g., thick description)?

If you plan to use software tools, include how they will support data organization and analysis—not replace human interpretation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

·       Using quantitative terms like “statistical significance”

·       Failing to describe the entire analytic process

·       Ignoring ethical considerations like de-identifying data

Assessment 3 is crucial for developing the skills to turn raw qualitative data into meaningful insights. It's where you begin to think like a qualitative researcher—patient, observant, and reflective.

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 4: Analyzing Methodological Approaches to Apply in Qualitative Research

The final assessment, Assessment 4, asks students to take a step back and critically analyze various methodological approaches to qualitative research. The goal is to compare different methods and determine which one is most suitable for their specific research topic.

Key Requirements:

·       Compare at least two qualitative methodologies (e.g., ethnography vs. grounded theory)

·       Evaluate the philosophical underpinnings, data collection techniques, and analysis methods

·       Determine the best-fit approach for your proposed study

·       Justify your choice with evidence from the literature

Common Methodologies:

·       Phenomenology – Focuses on lived experiences

·       Grounded Theory – Develops new theories from data

·       Ethnography – Studies cultural practices in natural settings

·       Case Study – Investigates a specific individual or group in depth

·       Narrative Inquiry – Explores individual stories and meaning-making

Example Application:

If your research question is about nurses' personal experiences, phenomenology would likely be the best approach. However, if you aim to build a theory about nurse burnout progression, grounded theory would be more suitable.

Paper Outline Suggestions:

1.     Introduction to qualitative methodologies

2.     Side-by-side comparison of at least two approaches

3.     Strengths and limitations of each

4.     Application to your research question

5.     Final justification of selected methodology

Assessment 4 wraps up your journey through RSCH FPX 7868, solidifying your ability to design, analyze, and evaluate qualitative research.

Final Tips for Succeeding in RSCH FPX 7868

To navigate this course successfully, here are several tips:

1. Stay Consistent Across Assessments

Your research question, theory, and methodology should align. Avoid switching topics mid-course.

2. Engage With Qualitative Literature

Read studies that have used the methodology you're interested in. This gives insight into how real researchers frame their studies and conduct analysis.

3. Use Capella’s Research Resources

Capella provides a rich academic library with databases like CINAHL, ProQuest, and Sage. Use them to support your papers with current and credible sources.

4. Reflect, Don’t Rush

Qualitative research requires deep thought and analysis. Set aside time to reflect on readings and feedback.

5. Get Support if Needed

If you feel overwhelmed, seek help from academic coaches, peer mentors, or writing centers. Avoid unethical practices like outsourcing your work—success comes from engagement, not shortcuts.

Conclusion: Embrace the Art of Qualitative Research

By completing RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 4 Analyzing Methodological Approaches to Apply in Qualitative Research, you’re not only fulfilling academic requirements—you’re becoming a qualitative thinker, capable of interpreting human experiences, leading meaningful research, and influencing nursing practice.

Each assessment—whether it’s developing a research question, applying theory, analyzing data, or comparing methodologies—adds depth to your understanding and prepares you for future roles as a nurse leader, researcher, and advocate.

Qualitative research is not just about collecting data—it’s about understanding the human story behind the numbers. Let that guide you as you grow in your scholarly journey.