Which of the following is NOT a use of qualitative research methods?

Qualitative research methods are primarily focused on exploring phenomena, understanding individuals' experiences, and generating insights that can inform practices and theories. They provide depth through interviews, focus groups, and observations, making them suitable for guiding nursing practice (by revealing patient perspectives) and for developing nursing theory (by creating frameworks based on qualitative findings).

Developing survey instruments can also benefit from qualitative research, particularly during the initial stages when understanding the focus group’s needs and perceptions allows for more relevant and effective surveys.

In contrast, studying the effects of medications typically involves quantitative research methods, which are designed to measure specific variables and analyze statistical data to determine the effects and efficacy of treatments. This approach provides numerical data that allows for comparisons and generalizations, which is not the primary aim of qualitative methods. Consequently, studying the effects of medications does not align with the strengths and uses of qualitative research.