What is lay literature ? Lay literature refers to sources of information that are not peer-reviewed , such as popular media , news articles , and blogs . While these sources can be useful for gaining a broader understanding of a topic or for generating ideas for research questions , they should not be relied upon as the primary sources of information for a literature review . Additionally , you can review the reference section of an article to identify references that might be relevant and of interest .
Why is sample size important ? Sample size refers to the number of participants in a research study . The sample size is an important consideration in evaluating the quality and relevance of a study , as larger sample sizes are generally considered to be more representative and reliable . We , as students , should critically evaluate the sample sizes of studies identified in our review and consider whether the sample size is appropriate for the research question being addressed . Small sample sizes can limit the generalizability of study findings and may indicate a need for additional research with larger sample sizes .
Who is funding the study ? Funding refers to the financial support provided to a research study . Funding sources can potentially influence the study findings , so students should consider the sources of funding for studies that they identify . It is important to critically evaluate the potential biases or conflicts of interest that may arise from certain funding sources , such as pharmaceutical companies or advocacy organizations .
When was the study published ? The date of publishing is an important consideration when conducting a literature review . Ideally , focus on the most recent studies in your review , as these are more likely to reflect the current state of knowledge on a particular topic . However , older studies should also be considered as they may have had a significant impact on the field or have contributed to the development of current research . It is generally recommended to focus on studies published within the last 5-10 years , but this can vary depending on the research question and the field of study ( Greenbaum , 2021 ).
Step 4 : Synthesize the Findings Once the relevant literature has been identified and critically evaluated , the next step is to synthesize the findings . This involves identifying common themes and patterns across the literature and drawing conclusions about the current state of knowledge on the topic . It can be easy to confuse summarizing and synthesizing , but the two are quite different from one another . Summarizing focuses on condensing and restating the main points of a single source , whereas synthesizing involves combining and integrating multiple sources to generate a broader and more comprehensive understanding or perspective . Both skills are valuable in academic and research contexts , but synthesis goes beyond summarization by creating connections and adding analytical depth .
Conclusion As nursing students , we have a responsibility to stay up to date with the latest research in our field and to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge . Science and nursing practice are constantly evolving , so students must have the necessary skills to review the literature in order to keep up with the dynamic nature of our field . It is critical to ensure that our practice is in-step with the needs of the patients we care for and based on the science that is out there . By following these steps and critically evaluating the literature , we can gain a deeper understanding of the current state of knowledge on a particular topic and positively impact the nursing profession while enhancing the quality of patient care .
44 NSNA IMPRINT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 • www . nsna . org