NON-INTRUSIVE RESEARCH: IDEAS AND GUIDELINES FOR EXPEDIENT THESIS COMPLETION

Abstract

This paper offers ideas and guidelines for timely completion of nursing theses by way of non-intrusive research - research with minimum impact or intrusion upon research participants. It arises from lessons learned in assisting nursing research students submit their theses within specified timeframes. Too often, students embark upon projects unnecessarily ambitious for the purpose of their degree, resulting in protracted finishing dates and disrupted careers. Different forms of non-intrusive data are addressed, their advantages, disadvantages and ethical considerations. Rigorous data analysis fitting to nonintrusive data - content analysis - is described: features, measures, category requirements and practical principles. Application to nursing theses is provided and the vexing issue of freedom given to nursing students in designing their research is raised.