Introducing Statistics for the DNP
A research problem statement identifies an area of need in which there is a gap in knowledge or practice and interest by a nurse researcher. Either from a hypothetical or real-world experience, nursing research problem statements help to focus the research purpose and guide the study of the problem.
In this discussion, you will identify a nursing problem to analyze the potential impact for positive change and explore tools used to examine it in the selected research.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2025). Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model and guidelines (5th ed.). Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Chapter 1, “Evidence-Based Practice: Past, Present, and Future” (pp. 4–13)
Chapter 4, “The Practice Question Phase: The EBP Question” (pp. 54–62)
Question Development Tool (pp. 210–215)
Emsden, C., Schäfer, U. B., Denhaerynck, K., Grossmann, F., Frei, I. A., & Kirsch, M. (2020). Validating a pain assessment tool in heterogeneous ICU patients: Is it possible?Links to an external site. Nursing in Critical Care, 25(1), 8–15. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/nicc.12469
Salkind, N., & Frey, B. (2025). Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics (8th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Chapter 1, “Statistics or Sadistics? It’s Up to You” (pp. 5–23)
Chapter 4: “Reliability and Validity: Tell the Truth, Precisely the Truth (pp. 75–95)
Document: Hicks, T. (2024). Quality evaluation of a central line associated bloodstream infection Download Quality evaluation of a central line associated bloodstream infection. Walden University CAO Repository.
Required Media
Niedz, B. (2024). Basic research principles: Introducing statistics [Video]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
PowerPoint Presentation
Document: Introducing Statistics (PowerPoint presentation)Download Introducing Statistics (PowerPoint presentation)
To prepare:
Review the “Fall” articles from Week 1.
Complete the Week 2 Basic Research Principles: Introducing Statistics Quiz.
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post a response to the following prompts:
Identify nursing problems implicit in the nursing research study and the QI DNP project.
Describe how the nursing problems define the gap in knowledge (research) and the gap in practice (QI and DNP projects). Compare and contrast how the problems are presented and potentially influence a positive nursing practice change.
Identify one key measurement/variable used in each of the three studies/projects.
Critique the question development tool presented in terms of the problem, the EBP question, and the measurement (Hicks, 2024).
By Day 6 of Week 2
Read a selection of your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two of your classmates on two different days by expanding upon their reflections, making connections to your perceptions, and offering additional insights.
Note: Your responses to classmates should be substantial (250 words minimum), supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources, and properly cited using APA Style. Personal anecdotes are acceptable as part of a meaningful response, but cannot stand alone as a response. Your responses should enrich the initial post by supporting and/or offering a fresh viewpoint, and be constructive, thereby enhancing the learning experience for all students.
* Additionally, you must respond to your professor if they ask a question or comment on your post.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained because of your classmates’ comments.