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A Primer of Data Cleaning in Quantitative Research: Handling Missing Values and Outliers

ABSTRACT

Aims

This paper discusses data errors and offers guidance on data cleaning techniques, with a particular focus on handling missing values and outliers in quantitative datasets.

Design and Methods

Methodological discussion.

Results

This paper provides an overview of various techniques for identifying and addressing data anomalies, which can arise from incomplete, noisy, and inconsistent data. These anomalies can significantly affect data quality, leading to biased model parameter estimates and evidence-based decisions. Data cleaning, particularly the appropriate handling of missing values and outliers, is essential to improving data quality before analysis. Data cleaning includes screening for anomalies, diagnosing errors, and applying appropriate corrective measures.

Conclusion

Proper handling of missing values and the identification and correction of outliers are crucial aspects of data cleaning in ensuring data quality and the reliability of statistical analyses. Effective data cleaning enhances the validity and accuracy of research findings for evidence-based decision making that leads to optimal patient outcomes.

Implications for the Profession

The quality of study results depends on how a dataset and its complexities are processed or handled before the analysis. Nursing researchers must use a framework to identify and address important data anomalies and produce reliable results.

Impact

This paper describes data cleaning, often overlooked during the data mining process, as a crucial step before conducting data analysis. By addressing missing values and outliers, identifying and fixing data anomalies, and enhancing data quality prior to analysis, data cleaning techniques can produce precise research findings for evidence-based decision making.

Reporting Method

In this methodological paper, no new data were generated.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Challenges of Cross‐Cultural Validation of Clinical Assessment Measures: A Practical Introduction

ABSTRACT

Aims

This paper explores the methodological challenges associated with cross-cultural validation of clinical assessment measures and proposes strategies to enhance the validity and reliability of these assessments.

Design and Methods

Methodological discussion.

Results

Three main phases require consideration in the cross-cultural validation of assessment instruments: (1) Linguistic translation of the assessment instrument and confirmation of its equivalence, which includes conceptual, item, semantic and operational equivalence; (2) Empirical validation of the translated version's accuracy; (3) Adjusting the scores to fit the cultural context.

Conclusion

Achieving cross-cultural equivalence of assessment instruments is a complex and challenging process that can only be achieved through methodological rigour. It requires interdisciplinary collaboration of both linguistic and subject experts with strong statistical knowledge and a willingness to explore the nuances of the target population. By enhancing methodological rigour, we can improve the validity of clinical assessment measures across cultures, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for diverse populations.

Implications for the Profession

The implications of cross-cultural validation of clinical assessment measures/tools for nursing are significant and multifaceted. Overcoming challenges to cross-cultural validation contributes to the professional growth of nurses by equipping them with greater cultural awareness and confidence in the tools' reliability for patient assessment and evaluation. This not only aids in their clinical practice but also fosters a commitment to evidence-based practice, enhancing their overall effectiveness as healthcare providers. Reliable and valid assessment tools enable nurses to confidently engage in research literature that reflects the realities of diverse populations. This can inform healthcare policies and practices, ensuring they are inclusive and equitable.

Impact

While researchers endeavour to reach a consensus on the definition of cross-cultural equivalence and how it should be determined, this practical introduction discusses challenges and proposes strategies to enhance the validity and reliability of these measures/tools.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Placement Poverty and the Politics of Nursing Education

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Volume 82, Issue 2, Page 980-983, February 2026.

Constructive Resistance: Essential to Optimise Workplace Quality

Journal of Advanced Nursing, Volume 81, Issue 10, Page 6071-6073, October 2025.
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