Experiencing the research process by using statistical software on microcomputers.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
B S Jacobsen
Publications and source records attributed to B S Jacobsen.
Randomized experiments in nursing: the quality of reporting.
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Clinical Trials as Topic↗
On the prevalence of causal search in illness situations.
The prevalence of causal search was examined in two samples, one of chronically ill patients, the other of acutely ill patients. In contrast to the assumption that causal search occurs in important or unexpected life events, the results indicated that such a search was reported by only about half of 296 long-term diabetic, hypertensive, and arthritic patients and 83 newly diagnosed myocardial infarction patients. Moreover, in both samples, affect and expectancies for the future were better for those who had not engaged in causal search. Further research to examine the questions used to elicit causal responses and to test the assumption that causal thinking takes place is suggested.
Acute Disease↗
Attributional analysis of chronic illness outcomes.
The Weiner et al. attribution model has generated a great deal of research on attributions for success and failure in academic achievement situations. Studies of success and failure attributions in real-life situations of high personal concern are limited. If the attribution model is to lead to a general theory of motivation, such tests in real-life situations are critical. In this study, causal attributions for success and failure outcomes of chronically ill patients were examined. Results indicated at least partial support for the model. Patients tended to attribute success internally and failure externally, but stability and expectations were not linked in this sample. Moreover, a tendency to respond with no cause to an open-ended measure and to hold little commitment to any causes on a closed-ended measure was characteristic of failure subjects.
Arthritis↗
The designs and methods of published nursing research: 1956-1983.
This study describes the relative frequencies over time of designs and methods used in nursing research articles published in three refereed journals. All articles published in 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, and 1983 were reviewed (N = 434); 83% were research articles. Methodological research comprised 11% and historical research 1% of the 362 research articles. The designs of the remaining 317 research reports were classified as experimental (27%) or observational (73%). Use of experimental designs peaked in the mid-1960s (41%) and appears to be on the decline (20% in 1983). Cross-sectional studies predominated throughout the period (49%). Methods, including types of subjects, sample selection, and data collection instruments, are described and analyzed for time trends. The findings are discussed in light of the designs and methods advocated in nursing texts and literature.
Clinical Trials as Topic↗
An exploratory investigation of causal thinking of arthritics.
Research in academic achievement situations suggests that the causes people give for achievement events are linked to subsequent behaviors, emotions, and expectations. An attributional analysis of the causes arthritics gave for their condition tested the limits of the attributional model in the situation of chronic illness. Results indicated that the assumption that causal thinking occurs needs further testing. Fifteen percent of the subjects did not give causes. Those not giving causes were significantly more anxious, more depressed, and more hostile than those who had constructed causes. In terms of the dimensions of attribution theory, the results suggest that when causes are given, they do not easily fit within the classification scheme currently proposed. Suggestions for testing of the attributional model in clinical situations are offered.
Activities of Daily Living↗
On the consequences of overturning turnover: a study of performance and turnover.
The possibility that turnover may have a good side has been given increased attention in recent literature. The purpose of this investigation was to study whether turnover, defined as voluntary exit from employment, among newly hired nurses displaces poor performers. Routine performance ratings of 92 leavers and 184 stayers were compared for differences in overall ratings and for ratings on 10 job factor subscales. Results indicated that those who left employment were judged as significantly lower on overall ratings and on 7 of the 10 job factors on which overall ratings were based. The performance factor that best discriminated between leavers and stayers was the variable of interest and motivation, with those leaving being lower on the scale than the stayers. Further study of the performance-turnover relationship and study of other possible consequences of turnover are suggested.
Adult↗