Author: Lenora Marcellus

Source: CJNR (Canadian Journal of Nursing Research), Volume 36, Number 3, 1 September 2004 , pp. 82-98(17)

Publisher: McGill School of Nursing

Abstract:

Attrition, or loss of participants over the course of a study, presents a significant threat to the integrity of a longitudinal research study and theory development resulting from the study. Although there has been a recent resurgence of interest in attrition, it is an underreported and understudied phenomenon despite its potential to introduce bias. Internal and external validity, reliability, and statistical validity are all impacted by a small sample and, most likely, a non-randomness in the study sample. Development of a theory of attrition will assist researchers in development of sampling strategies that will enhance the quality of their data in longitudinal designs. An ecological theoretical model of research participation is proposed and described.

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Keywords: RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS; PATIENT SELECTION; RESEARCH-PARTICIPANT RELATIONS; SAMPLE SIZE

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-09-01

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• CJNR is a peer-reviewed, quarterly journal published by the McGill University School of Nursing since 1969. With world-wide circulation, CJNR's primary mandate is to publish original nursing research that develops basic knowledge for the discipline and examines the application of the knowledge in practice. Research related to education and history is also welcomed, as are methodological, theoretical, and review papers that advance nursing science. Letters or commentaries about published articles are encouraged. Learn more.
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