GNUR 360: EXAM 2
What can a nurse researcher address in a study using a survey design? (Select all that apply.) a. Interrelationships of variables b. Description of variables c. Assessment of differences between variables d. Determination of causation e. Prediction of treatment outcomes
A,B,C
Advantages to use of correlational design for a study include what? (Select all that apply.) a. Efficiency and effectiveness in data collection b. Flexibility for investigating complex relationships c. Multivariate manipulation of variables d. Strong potential for clinical (real-world) application e. Increased potential for generalizability
A,B,D
Which types of research designs are considered to be survey studies? (Select all that apply.) a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Correlational d. Developmental e. Comparative f. Cross-sectional
A,B,E
Which research designs could be classified as experimental? (Select all that apply.) a. Solomon four-group design b. After-only design c. Nonequivalent control group design d. After-only nonequivalent control group design e. One-group pretest-posttest design f. True experimental pretest-posttest control group design g. Time series design
A,B,F
A nurse researcher is planning to write a proposal for a research study using a quantitative design. To maintain control in the study, the nurse should include which elements? (Select all that apply.) a. Valid, reliable collection methods b. Subjects of all ages c. Trained data collectors d. Standardized data collection processes e. Analysis of data by words or text only
A,C,D
What features identify a study as methodologic in design? (Select all that apply.) a. A description of how the tools items were formulated b. A description of the experimental treatment c. A clear definition of how the construct was measured d. A reporting on the tools tested reliability and validity e. A statistical table showing the effect of the independent variable
A,C,D
Which types of research designs are considered to be developmental studies? (Select all that apply.) a. Cross-sectional b. Comparative c. Exploratory d. Longitudinal e. Prospective f. Cohort g. Descriptive
A,D,E,F
A nursing student is reviewing a research study in which researchers used a pretest/posttest design to examine the effect of an AIDS education intervention on teenagers knowledge about the condition over a school year. What threats to internal validity could be present? (Select all that apply.) a. Maturation b. Selection effects c. Reactivity d. Hawthorne effect e. Testing
A,E
A research study in a laboratory setting incorporates four groups (two control and two experimental) in which only one experimental group and one control group are pretested, while all four groups are posttested. Which descriptions of the design are accurate? (Select all that apply.) a. Experimental design b. After-only experimental design c. Real-world experimental design d. Quasi-experimental design e. Solomon four-group design
A,E
What should the nurse researcher consider when determining the feasibility of a research question? (Select all that apply.) a. Time b. Selection effects c. Reactive effects d. Measurement effects e. Subject availability f. Cost
A,E,F
Which action would increase the control of an experimental study? a. Establishing strict criteria for subject selection b. Allowing participants to decide whether or not to be in the experimental group c. Ensuring that subjects do not know the purpose of the experimental study d. Increasing the number of assistants involved in data collection
A. Establishing strict criteria for subject selection
Which are characteristics of quasi-experimental research designs that are considered weaknesses, compared with experimental designs? (Select all that apply.) a. Cost of implementation b. Confidence in making causal assertions c. Subject to contamination of internal validity d. Disruptive to the usual routine of the setting e. Difficult to perform in a particular clinical setting f. Findings due to interference of extraneous variables
B,C,F
A nurse researcher is planning a quantitative (experimental) research study to test the effect of a new wound product on wound healing. Which of these factors is necessary to implement an experimental pretest-posttest design? (Select all that apply.) a. Inclusion of a second control group b. Ability to collect pretest data c. Use of two posttreatment data collection times d. Subjects randomized to the control group only e. Random assignment of subjects to treatment and control groups
B,E
Why would a nurse researcher choose not to use a survey study design? a. Data analysis is limited with a survey design. b. Information collected is relatively superficial. c. Results are never applicable beyond the study population. d. More subjects are required to reach statistical significance than for other study designs.
B. Information obtained in a survey tends to be superficial.
The primary characteristic of a probability sample is considered to be what? a. Self-selection of subjects b. Random selection of the sample c. Subjects handpicked by the researcher d. Representation of proportional segments of the population
B. Random selection of the sample
Which of these research designs could be classified as quasi-experimental? (Select all that apply.) a. Solomon four-group design b. After-only design c. Nonequivalent control group design d. After-only nonequivalent control-group design e. One-group pretest-posttest design f. True experimental pretest-posttest group design g. Time series design
C,D,E,G
Which types of research designs are considered to be relationship-difference studies? (Select all that apply.) a. Descriptive b. Exploratory c. Correlational d. Developmental e. Comparative f. Cross-sectional
C,D,F
Which factors would be considered threats to internal validity? (Select all that apply.) a. Time b. Selection effects c. History d. Testing e. Subject availability f. Cost g. Selection bias
C,D,G
A research study is planned to determine the effect of nutritional supplementation and type of support surface on the rate of wound healing in sacral myocutaneous flap failures. Which is an independent variable in this study? (Select all that apply.) a. Rate of wound healing b. Sacral myocutaneous flap c. Retailer source of protein supplement d. Type of support surface e. Nutritional supplementation
D,E
When reviewing a research report, the nurse determines that all aspects of a study systematically and logically follow from the research problem. Which condition has been met? a. Accuracy b. Feasibility c. Internal validity d. External validity
a. Accuracy
Which of these situations describes a reactive (Hawthorne) effect? a. Control subjects in an intervention study to reduce anxiety also experience a reduction in anxiety. b. The subjects in an intervention support group continue the support group after the study has ended. c. Subjects become concerned after learning that they received a placebo, not the treatment, during the study. d. Study subjects want to know the outcomes of the study after it is completed
a. Control subjects in an intervention study to reduce anxiety also experience a reduction in anxiety.
Which type of study should be used when data are collected at only one point in time? a. Cross-sectional b. Retrospective c. Longitudinal d. Prospective
a. Cross-sectional
A study is examining the effect of a new antilipemic drug, compared with placebo, on lipoprotein levels in postmenopausal women. Which of these actions represents the researcherÕs attempt at constancy in data collection to control extraneous variables? a. Drawing the serum lipoprotein levels of all subjects at the same time of day b. Having the same phlebotomist draw serum lipoprotein levels of all subjects c. Using the same room for drawing blood for lipoprotein levels of all subjects d. Ensuring that all subjects are postmenopausal women taking lipid-lowering medication
a. Drawing the serum lipoprotein levels of all subjects at the same time of day
The longitudinal study and the prospective study are similar for which reason? a. Each moves forward in time. b. Each has an experimental focus. c. Each is able to establish causal relationships. d. Each selects different samples from the same population at various periods of time.
a. Each moves forward in time.
What action by a nurse researcher will help eliminate bias on the dependent variable? a. Establishing strict eligibility criteria for the study participants b. Ensuring that all data are collected by a single researcher c. Formulating at least two hypotheses for each research question d. Developing a strong theoretical framework for the study
a. Establishing strict eligibility criteria for the study participants
The issue of control would be less important in a quantitative study with which type of research design? a. Exploratory b. Experimental c. Correlational d. Randomized clinical trial
a. Exploratory
A nurse researcher should be concerned about establishing clear eligibility criteria for inclusion in a study sample because such criteria will do what? a. Increase the homogeneity of the sample b. Decrease the homogeneity of the sample c. Increase the size of the sample d. Decrease the size of the sample
a. Increase the homogeneity of the sample
The experimental treatment initiated by a researcher can be described as what kind of variable? a. Independent b. Dependent c. Extraneous d. Outcome
a. Independent
A nurse researcher would decide to use a longitudinal or prospective design for which reason? a. It is associated with data that are focused and deep. b. It allows the overall study to be more manageable for the researcher. c. It allows the issue of maturation to be avoided as a threat to internal validity. d. It allows the nurse researcher to avoid the use of tools or instrumentation.
a. It is associated with data that are focused and deep.
Why would a nurse researcher choose to use a correlational design for a nonexperimental study? a. It represents an efficient and effective method of collecting a large amount of data about a problem. b. Many questionnaires and instruments are already developed and have been determined to be valid and reliable. c. Generalizability is greater than for results of studies using experimental designs. d. It allows flexibility in the manipulation of more than one variable.
a. It represents an efficient and effective method of collecting a large amount of data about a problem.
A nurse researcher would hesitate to use nonprobability sampling because: a. It will result in reduced or limited generalizability. b. Informed consent must be obtained. c. It will require large, unmanageable sample sizes. d. Sample sizes are too small for most methods of statistical analysis.
a. It will result in reduced or limited generalizability.
Which statement about cross-sectional studies is most accurate? a. More than one group can be compared. b. Only descriptive data can be measured. c. Data are collected retrospectively rather than prospectively. d. Data collection and data analysis can occur simultaneously.
a. More than one group can be compared.
The nurse researcher is planning a study in which subjects will not be randomly assigned to groups. Which type of design would be appropriate for this study? a. Nonequivalent control group design b. Posttest only control group design c. Solomon four-group design d. True experimental design
a. Nonequivalent control group design
What is the process of selecting representative units of a population for study in a research investigation? a. Sampling b. Snowballing c. Delimination d. Random assignment
a. Sampling
Which factor should be the primary consideration when determining the validity of experimental study findings? a. The extent to which the researcher controlled intervening variables b. The number of subjects who dropped out of the control and experimental groups c The credentials and previous experience of the researcher d. The number of persons involved in the data collection process
a. The extent to which the researcher controlled intervening variables
A nurse researcher opts to use a stratified sample in a research study for which reason? a. The sample population is divided into subsets that are homogeneous for a particular trait or feature. b. The sample population is divided into subsets for random assignment into an intervention or a usual-care group. c. The sample population is randomly assigned to a specific subgroup that will vary from the others on the basis of type of treatment. d. The sample population is randomly assigned to a specific subgroup that will vary from the others on the basis of treatment duration.
a. The sample population is divided into subsets that are homogeneous for a particular trait or feature.
Which factor is most likely to be a mediating variable in a study to determine if high doses of vitamin C help reduce the subjects susceptibility to influenza? a. The subjects use of influenza vaccine b. The subjects knowledge of vitamin Cs functions c. The gender of the potential subjects d. The marital status of the potential subjects
a. The subjects use of influenza vaccine
A nurse researcher should be particularly concerned about having a small sample size for which reason? a. There is increased risk of obtaining a nonrepresentative sample. b. There is increased risk of a study subject interacting with another study subject. c. There is increased potential for loss of confidentiality. d. There is increased regression toward the mean.
a. There is increased risk of obtaining a nonrepresentative sample.
A nurse researcher can most accurately use the technique of power analysis to do what? a. To estimate sample size b. To establish sampling strata c. To assign subjects randomly d. To analyze sample representativeness
a. To estimate sample size
For which of these reasons would a nurse researcher choose to assign subjects randomly to groups in a study? a. To help ensure that all groups within a study are representative of the larger population b. To increase the chance that the study groups will be different from each other with regard to extraneous variables c. To help ensure that current events do not influence the outcomes of the study d. To eliminate the need for establishing specific study criteria and subject eligibility
a. To help ensure that all groups within a study are representative of the larger population
How would a nurse researcher ensure that the sample used in a quantitative study is homogeneous? a. Use eligibility criteria to limit extraneous variables relevant to the study. b. Randomly assign subjects to either the experimental or the control group. c. Assign one research assistant to collect data from all subjects. d. Collect data from all subjects at the same time of day.
a. Use eligibility criteria to limit extraneous variables relevant to the study.
In which way is the independent variable handled differently in a study with a true experimental design compared with a study with a quasi-experimental design? a. An experimental design requires an independent variable, whereas a quasi-experimental design neither identifies nor requires an independent variable. b. Although both designs identify an independent variable, the nature of the groups (randomized versus nonrandomized) means that manipulation may result in different results. c. Experimental designs demonstrate that the independent variable is related to the outcome, and quasi-experimental studies allow for independent variables that stand alone. d. Although both designs identify an independent variable, experimental designs identify it before the research is initiated, whereas quasi-experimental designs identify it after the data are analyzed.
b. Although both designs identify an independent variable, the nature of the groups (randomized versus nonrandomized) means that manipulation may result in different results.
How could a nurse researchers use of a homogeneous sample weaken a research study? a. By decreasing the reliability of the findings b. By decreasing the generalizability of the findings c. By increasing the number of subjects needed to reach statistical significance d. By increasing the risk that the findings were the result of chance alone
b. By decreasing the generalizability of the findings
In which of these ways does the nurse researchers literature review help select the appropriate study design? a. By enlarging the scope of the studys hypotheses b. By objectively assessing available knowledge of the area c. By comparing current findings with previous study findings d. By ensuring faithfulness to the studys purpose
b. By objectively assessing available knowledge of the area
A study of a program to help people quit cigarette smoking had three groups of subjects. The first group received one supportive phone call 10 days after attending a program on strategies to resist smoking. A second group received a supportive phone call every week for 6 weeks after attending the program. A third group received no supportive phone calls after attending the program. What is the dependent variable in the research scenario? a. Program on strategies to resist smoking b. Elimination of cigarette smoking c. Weekly supportive phone call d. No supportive phone call
b. Elimination of cigarette smoking
A nurse is designing a study to determine whether a videotape or a written pamphlet is more effective in teaching young women how to perform breast self-examination (BSE). Which of these actions would provide the best control for a mediating variable? a. Include identical content in both BSE teaching methods b. Exclude subjects who already perform BSE on a regular basis c. Limit the study subjects to women who are heterosexual d.Determine what breast cancer means to the individual participants
b. Exclude subjects who already perform BSE on a regular basis
Control is important in an experimental research study for which of these reasons? a. It ensures maintenance of participant confidentiality. b. It introduces one or more constants into the experimental situation. c. It prevents data collection from extending beyond the original time specified for the study. d. It ensures a cause-and-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables.
b. It introduces one or more constants into the experimental situation.
What threat to internal validity is most closely associated with a longitudinal design? a. Instrumentation effects b. Mortality effects c. History effects d. Selection bias
b. Mortality effects
The researcher used word of mouth to accrue a sample of participants. This is most accurately referred to as what? a. Referral b. Networking c. Recruitment d. Quasi-probability
b. Networking
A nurse researcher is designing a quantitative research study involving a specific group of patients admitted to local hospitals. Which factor would negatively affect the feasibility of this study? a. The local region has a high percentage of families that could participate in the study. b. Potential study subjects represented less than 1% of hospital admissions during the year previous to the study. c. Study participants who were hospitalized children younger than 5 years could not give direct informed consent to participate in the study. d. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed no studies were conducted that examined this question during the past 15 years.
b. Potential study subjects represented less than 1% of hospital admissions during the year previous to the study.
What type of research will assist a nurse researcher in focusing on the theory and development of measurement instruments? a. Meta-analysis b. Psychometrics c. Methodology d. Data management
b. Psychometrics
In a true experimental study, the control group is the group that does what? a. Receives the experimental treatment b. Receives the placebo treatment c. Experiences the adverse results d. Experiences the reactive effects
b. Receives the placebo treatment
A nurse researcher should attempt to clearly specify exclusion criteria for a study sample because such criteria will do what? a. Limit the time needed to complete the study b. Reduce the effect of extraneous variables on the accurate evaluation of the outcome variable c. Eliminate the outside influences and inferences regarding the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention d. Ensure that an adequate sample size is accrued to meet assumptions for accurate statistical analysis
b. Reduce the effect of extraneous variables on the accurate evaluation of the outcome variable
The nurse is critiquing a research study that used an experimental design. How can the nurse determine if the studys results are able to infer causality? a. The relationship between independent and dependent variables must be reciprocal. b. The relationship between independent and dependent variables must not be explainable by any other variable. c. Both independent and dependent variables should be characterized by reactive effects. d. Both independent and dependent variables should change as a result of the treatment.
b. The relationship between independent and dependent variables must not be explainable by any other variable.
Which of these criteria is most important when evaluating the results of an experimental research study? a. The size of the experimental group compared with the size of the control group. b. The validity that the experimental treatment caused the desired effect on the outcome. c. The congruence of research questions to the purpose and hypotheses. d. The ability of the researcher to apply the findings to clinical or practice settings.
b. The validity that the experimental treatment caused the desired effect on the outcome.
Which statement is most accurate regarding inclusion and exclusion criteria? a. These criteria are not needed when the population being studied is composed of events. b. These criteria serve to ensure that the characteristics of the sample and the population are congruent. c. Inclusion criteria are used to define the independent variables, and exclusion criteria are used to define dependent variables. d. Inclusion criteria are used to define the dependent variables, and exclusion criteria are used to define independent variables.
b. These criteria serve to ensure that the characteristics of the sample and the population are congruent.
A nurse researcher should consider mortality a threat to the studys internal validity for which of these reasons? a. There is concern that the intervention may have harmful effects on subjects. b. Those who dropped out of the study may be different than those who remained in the study. c. Those who participated in the study may have died as a result of being in the study. d. There is concern that the design is inappropriate for the study question if a large number of participants drop out of a study.
b. Those who dropped out of the study may be different than those who remained in the study.
An after-only nonequivalent control group design would be appropriate to study which of these research questions? a. What is the effect of the cause of spousal death on widows self-esteem? b. What is the effect of preoperative teaching on vascular complications after orthopedic surgery? c. What is the effect of a mentorship program on improvement of students clinical performance in a baccalaureate nursing program? d. What is the effect of a videotaped teaching method on knowledge of adolescent males about the warning signs of testicular cancer?
b. What is the effect of preoperative teaching on vascular complications after orthopedic surgery?
What is the first question that should be asked in determining whether a cross-sectional design or a longitudinal design should be used in a quantitative study? a. Is there an independent variable? b. What is the nature of the problem being studied? c. Will a measurement tool or instrument be needed? d. Can statistical analysis be applied to the study data?
b. What is the nature of the problem being studied?
When should a nurse researcher include an extraneous variable as part of a studys design? a. When excluding the variable would limit the studys generalizability b. When the variable is an important consideration for the studys outcome c. When the researcher is limited by time or monetary constraints d. When it would not make a difference in the overall study outcome
b. When the variable is an important consideration for the studys outcome
A nurse researcher will choose to use a developmental study design to do what? a. Allow comparison of the results of qualitative studies of a phenomenon to the results of quantitative studies of the same phenomenon b. Allow reanalysis of existing data for a secondary purpose not stated in the original research c. Allow exploration of the changing nature of relationships between variables over time d. Allow development or refinement of a tool or instrument
c. Allow exploration of the changing nature of relationships between variables over time
The measures used by a nurse researcher to maintain uniformity of conditions in a quantitative research study refer to which aspect of the study? a. Accuracy b. Methods c. Control d. Validity
c. Control
Random assignment of subjects to experimental and control groups has which of these effects? a. Minimizes mortality within groups b. Maximizes variance between groups c. Decreases systematic bias d. Increases selection bias
c. Decreases systematic bias
What can a nurse researcher use to restrict the study population to homogeneous groups of subjects? a. Sampling b. Self-selection c. Eligibility criteria d. Defining study limitations
c. Eligibility criteria
Why should a nurse researcher want to limit or eliminate extraneous variables in a study? a. More research questions would be required to account for the extraneous variables. b. Extensive statistical analysis would be required to justify the presence of extraneous variables. c. Extraneous variables compete with the independent variables as explanations of the studys outcome. d. Manipulation of the extraneous variables increases the risk for researcher bias in the studys outcomes.
c. Extraneous variables compete with the independent variables as explanations of the studys outcome.
A study was conducted to determine if videotaped instruction was more effective than written instruction (a pamphlet) to teach menopausal women the benefits of regular mammograms. Which condition would be considered an antecedent variable? a. There were 38 subjects in the pamphlet group and 34 subjects in the videotape group. b. During the study, 50% of the videotape group received flu shots, whereas 25% of those in the pamphlet group received flu shots. c. Four members of the pamphlet group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but no members of the videotape group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. d. While participating in the study, five members of the videotape group began performing breast self-examination (BSE), while two members of the pamphlet group began performing BSE.
c. Four members of the pamphlet group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but no members of the videotape group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The nurse researcher selects matching as a technique in a research study. What does the technique of matching in a sampling strategy contribute to the research? a. Improved overall design of the study b. Elimination of the need for a control group c. Increased equivalency of the comparison group d. Reduced sample size; subjects serve as their own controls
c. Increased equivalency of the comparison group
Data collection instruments were sent to the same sample of women at six different times during the first year of living with breast cancer. What type of study design does this exemplify? a. Cross-sectional b. Retrospective c. Longitudinal d. Correlational
c. Longitudinal
How does an experimental research design differ from a nonexperimental research design? a. Experimental designs allow observation of a phenomenon as it naturally occurs, and nonexperimental designs permit environmental manipulation. b. Nonexperimental designs manipulate the dependent variable, and experimental designs manipulate the independent variable. c. Nonexperimental designs attempt to test differences among variables, and experimental designs attempt to establish cause-and-effect relationships. d. Experimental designs are scientific, and nonexperimental designs have no scientific basis.
c. Nonexperimental designs attempt to test differences among variables, and experimental designs attempt to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Which situation represents a threat to internal validity in an experimental study measuring the effect of a videotape of discharge instructions for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery? a. Both men and women undergoing CABG surgery were included as subjects in the study. b. Two new surgeons began performing CABG surgery during the study period. c. Patients in the experimental group discussed aspects of the videotape with patients in the control group. d. Data collection for the videotape and control groups took 1 year.
c. Patients in the experimental group discussed aspects of the videotape with patients in the control group.
A nurse researcher assigns subjects to experimental and control groups in such a manner that each subject in a population has an equal chance of being selected. What is the researcher using? a. Selection bias b. Convenience sampling c. Randomization d. Internal validity
c. Randomization
What type of threat to validity is minimized by the use of a Solomon four-group design? a. Mortality b. Selection bias c. Testing d. Antecedent variable
c. Testing
A nurse researcher has made a generalization on the basis of the experience of a small number of participants. What will the result of this be? a. The small sample will invalidate the hypotheses. b. The researcher will be unable to eliminate his or her bias. c. The data obtained from a small number will inadequately represent the phenomenon. d. The small number of participants will increase the threat to internal validity influenced by history.
c. The data obtained from a small number will inadequately represent the phenomenon.
The nurse is critiquing a research study that involves subjects undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Which finding would meet a criterion for inferring causality between performance of exercise and adaptive behavior of the subjects receiving chemotherapy? a. Adaptive behavior began before the exercise program was initiated. b. Adaptive behavior occurred in the control group over time. c. The level of adaptive behavior increased in direct proportion to an increase in the intensity of the exercise. d. No difference in adaptive behavior was observed between subjects in the experimental group and subjects in the control group.
c. The level of adaptive behavior increased in direct proportion to an increase in the intensity of the exercise.
A planned quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group design has several extraneous variables that threaten its internal validity. The nurse researcherÕs actions should be based on which understanding? a. The results of the study will not be statistically significant. b. The random assignment of subjects to groups will nullify the intervening variables. c. The study should be strengthened by controlling intervening variables. d. Because observation rather than causation is the purpose of the study, no action is necessary.
c. The study should be strengthened by controlling intervening variables.
A nurse researcher will choose an ex post facto design over more a correlational design for which reason? a. It is easier to implement. b. The independent variable can be manipulated. c. There is a greater degree of control in the design. d. There is increased flexibility when variables relationships are complex.
c. There is a greater degree of control in the design.
How are threats to validity affected when studies are conducted in laboratory settings? a. Threats to both internal and external validity are increased. b. Threats to both internal and external validity are decreased. c. Threats to internal validity are decreased, whereas threats to external validity are increased. d. Threats to internal validity are increased, whereas threats to external validity are decreased.
c. Threats to internal validity are decreased, whereas threats to external validity are increased.
A nurse researcher would choose to use a correlational study of multiple variables for which purpose? a. To identify the independent variable b. To test whether one variable causes another variable c. To examine relationships between or among variables d. To distinguish how different one variable is from another variable
c. To examine relationships between or among variables
A nurse researcher can control for selection bias in a study by taking which of these actions? a. Allow subjects to self-select into an experimental or a control group b. Handpick the subjects for group assignment c. Use defined selection criteria for approaching potential subjects d. Have someone other than the researcher select the subjects for the study
c. Use defined selection criteria for approaching potential subjects
A study of a program to help people quit cigarette smoking had three groups of subjects. The first group received one supportive phone call 10 days after attending a program on strategies to resist smoking. A second group received a supportive phone call every week for 6 weeks after attending the program. A third group received no supportive phone calls after attending the program. In the above scenario, which of these properties of experimental research is evident? a.Quasi-experimental design with no control group b.Random assignment to research groups c.Manipulation of the treatment dose d.Control of extraneous variables
c.Manipulation of the treatment dose
How should a nurse researcher expect a sample to differ from a population? a. A sample can mean objects or events, whereas population refers to individuals or groups of people. b. A population has a broad set of defining characteristics, and a sample has a narrow set of defining characteristics. c. A population is a representative segment of a defined sample. d. A sample is a representative segment of a defined population.
d. A sample is a representative segment of a defined population.
Which type of sampling is most at risk for sample bias? a. Quota b. Random c. Purposive d. Convenience
d. Convenience
A quasi-experimental research design would be preferable to an experimental design in which of these situations? a. A smaller sample size is sufficient to obtain significant results. b. Demonstration of a cause-and-effect relationship is the desired outcome. c. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data. d. Data will need to be collected in a real-world setting.
d. Data will need to be collected in a real-world setting.
A nurse researcher is investigating the effect of type of operating room mattress and surgical position on tissue interface pressures in healthy young adults. Which component of research is most affected by the choice of subjects? a. Mortality b. Instrumentation c. Internal validity d. External validity
d. External validity
A quasi-experimental study design would be a better choice for a research study than an experimental study design in which of these situations? a. The study is to be conducted in a laboratory setting. b.An experimental treatment is not part of the study. c. The researcher has not conducted research before. d. Full experimental control is not possible.
d. Full experimental control is not possible.
The nurse researcher designed a study examining anxiety among elementary school children. If a widely publicized murder of a child occurred in the city during the time frame of the study, what type of threat to internal validity would the murder represent? a. Maturation b. Instrumentation c. Selection bias d. Historical
d. Historical
Randomization strengthens an experimental study in which of these ways? a. It reduces the risk that a subject will be harmed by participation in the study. b. It ensures that the experimental group and the control group have the same number of participants. c. It allows the study to proceed without the researcher knowing which group is the experimental treatment group. d. It increases the likelihood that the differences in outcomes between the groups are not related to chance alone.
d. It increases the likelihood that the differences in outcomes between the groups are not related to chance alone.
What study design allows study participants to serve as their own controls, allowing early trends in the data to emerge? a. Cross-sectional b. Ex post facto c. Retrospective d. Longitudinal
d. Longitudinal
Which method of data collection is most appropriate for a nurse researcher to use in a survey study? a. Videorecording of people-to-people interactions b. Direct participant observation c. Unstructured interview d. Questionnaire
d. Questionnaire
Compared with a quasi-experimental design, which of these characteristics should a nurse expect to see only in a true experimental design? a. Experimental treatment b. Informed consent c. Hypotheses d. Random assignment
d. Random assignment
In a study using a true experimental design, which of these methods would control for antecedent variables? a. Manipulation of the independent variable b. After-only data collection c. Intervention fidelity d. Random assignment to groups
d. Random assignment to groups
The nurse researcher knows that a sample is representative of a population when which statement is true? a. The sample is homogeneous. b. All units of a population are included. c. The most readily accessible persons are used as subjects. d. The characteristics of the sample closely approximate those of the population.
d. The characteristics of the sample closely approximate those of the population.
External validity refers to which of these issues? a. The relationship existing between the independent variable and the study outcomes b. The influence of a specific event on the independent variable c. The degree to which extraneous or mediating variables interfere with the study outcomes d. The degree to which findings are generalizable to populations beyond those studied
d. The degree to which findings are generalizable to populations beyond those studied
A nurse researcher would decide to use a retrospective or ex post facto study for which reason? a. Obtaining informed consent is not an important issue. b. There is maximal opportunity to manipulate the independent variable. c. The dependent variable is measured at multiple times to examine maturation. d. The dependent variable has already been affected by the independent variable.
d. The dependent variable has already been affected by the independent variable.
The nurse researcher can most accurately determine sample size by considering what? a. The stamina of the researcher in data collection b. The importance of the independent variable c. The age of the potential subjects d. The design of the study
d. The design of the study
How can a nurse researcher tell the difference between an accessible population and a target population? a. The accessible population meets the inclusion criteria, and the target population meets the exclusion criteria. b. The target population meets the inclusion criteria, and the accessible population meets the exclusion criteria. c. The accessible population represents the entire set of cases the researcher wishes to study, and the target population represents that part of the accessible population that could feasibly be included in the study. d. The target population represents the entire set of cases the researcher wishes to study, and the accessible population represents that part of the target population that could feasibly be included in the study.
d. The target population represents the entire set of cases the researcher wishes to study, and the accessible population represents that part of the target population that could feasibly be included in the study.
Why would a nurse researcher choose to use research studies that examine the associations or relationships between variables? a. A causal relationship can be determined between the variables. b. Greater manipulation of the variables is possible in this type of study. c. Randomization of participants allows for increased generalizability. d. There is application in clinical settings and a foundation for future experimental studies.
d. There is application in clinical settings and a foundation for future experimental studies.
How are threats to validity affected when studies are conducted in real-world settings? a. Threats to both internal and external validity are increased. b. Threats to both internal and external validity are decreased. c. Threats to internal validity are decreased, whereas threats to external validity are increased. d. Threats to internal validity are increased, while threats to external validity are decreased.
d. Threats to internal validity are increased, while threats to external validity are decreased.
What is the overall purpose of the research design in a quantitative research study? a. To determine sample size b. To identify the problem statement c. To assist the researcher in identifying gaps in the knowledge base d. To provide the plan for answering the research question
d. To provide the plan for answering the research question
A nurse researcher assigns half a study sample to an experimental group and the other half to a control group. What does this action represent? a. Instrumentation of the independent variable b.Manipulation of the mediating variable c. Elimination of the mediating variable d.Manipulation of the independent variable
d.Manipulation of the independent variable
