A dimensional analysis of the “research training programs” construct

Initial nursing training programs in France have been included under the umbrella of university studies since 2009, when the ministry of higher education recognized an undergraduate program in nursing. The formal training system places great emphasis on research, and a teaching unit that enables nursing students to become acquainted with the research process has been introduced. Knowledge construction now involves the use of research approaches, and the interdependent practice–theory–research triad is implicitly recognized. Research training programs have thus far received little study. I chose to use Schatzman’s dimensional analysis method to clarify the meaning and use of the concept. From my results, nine dimensions of the “research training programs” construct emerged: 1) problematization of the situation, 2) different representations, 3) updating or developing knowledge and changing students’ relationship to knowledge and the world, 4) the development of a scientific culture, 5) the development of the reflective process, 6) identity transformation, 7) self-training, 8) writing as a tool for professionalization, and 9) the integration of various dimensions. Lastly, I present a visual representation of the construct that provides an overview of the results and acts as a conceptual basis for trainers and teachers, and as such helps to promote student nurses’ introduction to the research process in undergraduate nursing programs.