NURS 6901 - Theoretical Foundations in Science and Research
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A06, CRN 43291,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Amy Weaver
Email: aweaver@ysu.edu
Course Description
6901. Theoretical Foundations in Science and Research. Analysis of health-related evidence to continuously improve quality of practice. Exploration of the significance of theory, research and research methods and strategies for translating evidence into practice. Research design, instrumentation, data collection methods, statistical analysis, data analysis and data interpretation will be discussed. Prereq.: Nursing graduate status. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | (2026). Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice (11th ed.). Elsevier. | LoBiondo-Wood, G. & Haber, J. | |
| Required | (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association: The official guide to APA style (7th ed.). American Psychological Association. | American Psychological Association |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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NURS 6901 Theoretical Foundations Course Schedule - The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are tentative and are subject to change by the instructor as necessary throughout the term to meet the needs of the class, and/or to ensure better learning.
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Read: LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Ch 1, 2, 3 & 4 Read: PICOT Information Folder | Introduction to Course Overview of Research & Evidence-based Practice Integrating research, evidence-based practice & quality improvement Research questions, hypotheses & clinical questions Gathering and appraising literature Theoretical frameworks |
Discussion Board Introduce Yourself -Sun 11:59pm EST Discussion Board PICOT Question -Thurs 11:59pm EST |
| 8/31 | Read: LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Ch 8, 9 & 10 Read: APA Resources Folder (in Getting Started) | Quantitative Research Introduction Experimental & quasi-experimental designs Nonexperimental designs | Quiz – APA 7 Format -Open Wed 11:59pm EST to Sunday 11:59pm EST Final Revision of PICOT from Module 1 (if needed) -Must be approved by Thurs 11:59pm EST |
| 9/7 | Read: LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Ch 11, 12 & 13 | Quantitative Research Systematic reviews Sampling Legal & ethical issues | Search Strategy Form -Sun 11:59pm EST Discussion Board Post – Research Ethics - Initial post Thurs 11:59pm EST, Response post Sun 11:59pm EST |
| 9/14 | Read: LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Ch 14, 15, 16 & 17 | Quantitative Research Data collection methods Reliability & validity Data analysis Understanding research findings | Literature Summary Table - Sun 11:59pm EST |
| 9/21 | Read: LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Ch 5 & 6 | Processes & Evidence related to Qualitative Research | Research Synthesis Paper - Sun 11:59pm EST |
| 9/28 | Read: LoBiondo-Wood & Haber Ch 19, 20 & 21 | Application of Research: Evidence-Based Practice & Quality Improvement | Narrated PowerPoint Presentation - Literature Review (post in Module 7 Discussion Board also) -Sun 11:59pm EST |
| 10/5 | Viewing of Classmates’ Narrated PowerPoint Presentations | Translating Evidence into Practice | Discussion Board Posts: Viewing of Classmates’ Narrated PowerPoint Presentations - Fri 11:59pm EST |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.