Research Final

A study has internal validity if

Alternative explanations for its findings can be ruled out

What is a construct?

An abstract concept that cannot be directly observed; must be inferred

What is a research problem?

An area of concern or interest that needs investigation; identifies population of interest, why it needs to be studied, argument for conducting the study

Which of the following best represents the formal study framework?

Banduras' theory of self efficacy

Which of the following is an example of an in vivo biophysical measure? Select one: a. Urinalysis. b. Blood Pressure. c. Arterial Blood Gas.

Blood pressure

A research design is best described as a

Blueprint for designing the study

A reliability coefficient of 0.80 indicates Select one: a. 80% of the variation in scores is due to real differences. b. the consistency between two sets of scores is 80%. c. The measure is 80% reliable.

A. 80% of the variation in scores is due to real differences

A study has internal validity if: Select one: a. alternative explanations for its findings can be ruled out. b. its findings are replicated in further research c. its findings can be generalized to other study settings and samples d. alternative explanations shed light on the findings

A. Alternative explanations for its finding can be ruled out

A study framework reflects the: Select one: a. Conceptual underpinnings of the study. b. Data analysis strategy. c. Criteria for sample selection.

A. Conceptual underpinnings of the study

What type of research evidence is considered to be the highest level (Level 1) on the Hierarchy of Evidence and therefore the most useful in evidence-based practice? Select one: a. Meta-analysis or systematic review. b. Well-designed case control and cohort studies. c. A single descriptive or qualitative study.

A. Meta-analysis or systematic review

Identify the independent variable in the following hypothesis: "Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy." Select one: a. Music therapy b. Incidence of cancer c. Complaints of pain d. Pain medication use

A. Music therapy

A researcher is interested in studying stress and coping in caregivers of elderly stroke victims. The researcher designs a study in which data collection takes place in the caregiver's home. This would be an example of which type of research setting? Select one: a. Natural, field b. Highly controlled, laboratory c. Highly controlled, field d. Partially controlled, laboratory

A. Natural, field

Subject, or participant factors that could influence a study's findings can be controlled through decision about which of the following? Select one: a. Sampling. b. Study design. c. Data collection.

A. Sampling

Research should be: Select one: a. reliable and valid. b. close to the researcher's values. c. unbiased and subjective.

A. reliable and valid

A disadvantage of using homogeneity as a strategy to control extraneous variables is that it decreases

External validity

What needs to be controlled to make a study stronger?

Extraneous variables

Response rates tend to be higher with Select one: a. focus group interviews. b. telephone interviews. c. face to face interviews.

Face to face interviews

The focus of research is to

Generalize new or validate existing knowledge

A study analyzing the effect of exercise on diet control in Hispanic women with Type II Diabetes would be most generalizable to which population?

Hispanic women with Type II Diabetes

What 4 things can a framework explain?

How variables are linked Guide to what to measure How to measure How to interpret results

A researcher develops a hypothesis that says "There is no relationship between hand massage therapy and the level of anxiety experienced by adults receiving chemo."

Null hypothesis

A statistically significant finding means that

Obtained results are not likely to have been due to chance

A research reports states "Heart rate was recorded using a cardiac monitor." This statement is an example of a

Operational definition

Identify the level of measure represented by the response options to the following question: What is your level of education? 1=less than high school 2=high school completion or GED 3=some college 4=college degree Select one: a. Ordinal b. Nominal c. Interval d. Ratio

Ordinal

An example of a model commonly used in Quality Improvement Studies is

PDSA Model

Sample size in a quantitative study is best determined by

Power analysis

The procedure that should be used to calculate needed sample size in a quantitative study in order to show statistical significance is

Power analysis

A hypothesis is a statement of the

Predicted study outcomes

The independent variable in a study is considered a

Presumed casual factor

What is a dependent variable?

Presumed effect of the independent variable; outcome variable; can be observed, measured and described

How is internal validity met in quantitative data? Qualitative?

Quan=when researcher has controlled extraenous variables Qual=Meets credibility criterion and uncovers phenomenon as they are experience by participants

The research question "If I know X, to what extent can I predict Y?" is an example of a

Quantitative question

In quantitative research, a powerful tool for minimizing selection bias is

Randomness

The number of milligrams of medication is an example of what level of measure? Select one: a. Ratio b. Ordinal c. Nominal

Ratio

What is the purpose of control strategies in the research process?

Reducing the effects of extraneous variables

What is the purpose of control strategies in the research process? Select one: a. Monitoring the application of a theoretical framework. b. Structuring the process for research design decisions. c. Reducing the effects of extraneous variables.

Reducing the effects of extraneous variables

Research should be

Reliable and valid

The adequacy of a sample would be primarily based on which of the following criteria?

Representation of the population

What is quasi-experimental?

Same as experimental design or randomized controlled trial, but lacks the element of random assignment to treatment or control.

What is an independent variable?

Something presumed to create an effect; can be manipulated; may be naturally occuring; the intervention

Which of the following statistical indices is best for describing the heterogeneity of values in a data set?

Standard deviation

What does informed consent imply?

Study participants understand the information about a study before agreeing to participate

What is respect for persons?

The concept that all people deserve the right to fully exercise their own rights in decision making and discloseure

What is beneficence?

The ethical maximum to do no harm; protection from harm, protection from explotation, and balancing study's risks and benefits

What is justice?

The fair selection of research participants; right to privacy and fair treatment

What is a framework?

The foundation of the research process that helps guide the design and interpretating the results

The instrument used to collect data in qualitative research is: Select one: a. Audiotape and/or video recorder. b. a variety of valid and reliable questionnaires. c. the researcher.

The researcher

What is autonomy?

The state of being self-governing; the state of being in control of making voluntary decisions about study participation

What is a research purpose?

The study's goal or specific aim indicating the population of interest and setting

What is an extraneous variable?

Things that can interfere with results of a study thus limiting the study's usefulness or validity

What is evidence based practice?

Use of current best evidence in making decisions about patient care

The data analysis from a randomized control trial of a new drug showed a statistical significance of p <0.00001. Would this be enough information for the nurse to make decisions about using the research in practice? Select one: a. No, significant results do not necessarily provide information about the importance of the findings to clinical practice. b. Yes, the significance of the findings was very strong. c. Yes, these types of studies are expensive and yield valuable results. We should be using them to guide practice.

a. No, significant results do not necessarily provide information about the importance of the findings to clinical practice.

A reliability coefficient of 0.80 indicates Select one: a. the consistency between two sets of scores is 80%. b. 80% of the variation in scores is due to real differences. c. The measure is 80% reliable.

b. 80% of the variation in scores is due to real differences.

If a researcher sets the level of significance at <0.05, the research hypothesis is supported if the p-value associated with the test statistic is: Select one: a. <0.06 b. <0.04 c. <0.10

b. <0.04

In statistics, the probability that a particular event will occur is represented by: Select one: a. Cronbach's alpha b. P-value c. Pearson's correlation coefficient d. ANOVA

b. P-value

In hypothesis testing there can be two types of errors--Type I or Type II. What type of error could lead to the result of an ineffective drug being used to treat disease? Select one: a. Type II b. Type I

b. Type I

Which of the following are true statements about what research means? (Choose all that apply.) Research: Select one or more: a. and experiment are synonymous terms. b. has specific protocols and steps to follow. c. helps us know about new situations and concepts. d. proves the "true reality" of a situation.

b. has specific protocols and steps to follow. c. helps us know about new situations and concepts.

A confidence interval for the mean is a range of values within which a population value is expected to lie with a specified degree of certainty. Which of the following levels gives the highest level of confidence? Select one: a. CI 95% b. CI 75% c. CI 99% d. CI 90%

c. CI 99%

How can the researcher deal with a respondent who tends to select the middle or neutral response option in a Likert scale rather than take a position on the issue? Select one: a. Reverse wording of the items. b. Include positively and negatively worded versions of the same statement. c. Use an even number of response options.

c. Use an even number of response options.

The mean is the: Select one: a. the most frequent occurring value b. middle value in a distribution of values c. the average d. the sum of the data minus the number of data

c. the average

In descriptive statistics a normal distribution would be: Select one: a. a pie chart b. multimodal c. asymmetrical d. a bell-shaped curve

d. a bell-shaped curve

The Pearson's r or Correlation Coefficient is used to describe the relationship between two interval or ratio level data. Which of the following indicates the strongest level? Select one: a. r +/- 0.30 b. p <0.001 c. p<0.90 d. r +/- 0.90

d. r +/- 0.90

How does a study framework differ from a theory? A framework...

is a testable theory used by the researcher

The purpose of a research hypothesis is to: Select one: a. define the theoretical framework for the study. b. clarify the concepts used in the study. c. identify the source of the problem under study. d. predict the expected results or outcomes of the study.

D. Predict the expected results or outcomes of the study

The adequacy of a sample would be primarily based on which of the following criteria? Select one: a. Size of the total population b. Willingness of subjects to participate c. Method chosen for sample selection d. Representativeness of the population

D. Representativeness of the population

A research question focuses on: Select one: a. the framework for conducting the investigation. b. the characteristics of a variable. c. the framework for conducting the investigation, which variables are to be manipulated. d. what relationships might exist among variables.

D. What relationships might exist among variables

What is internal validity?

Concerned with the accuracy of a study's findings

A researcher who is studying the effect of an intervention to decrease back injury asks 20 nurses to participate in a study and randomly assigns 10 to the experimental group and 10 to the control group. This method of sampling is referred to as

Convenience sampling

Which approach would be preferred for assessing the reliability of a self report measure of mod state that is made up of 29 Likert scale items?

Cronbach's alpha

What is a descriptive design?

Cross sectional or longituinal; Surveys; Any study that is not truly experimental; can provide information about the naturally occurring health status, behavior, attitudes or other characteristics of a particular group

Cross sectional studies usually are conducted for the purpose of studying a phenomenon at

A fixed point in time

What is a theory?

A general representation of the relationship between concepts or phenomena and how they fit together

What is correlational design?

A study determining whether or not two variables are related.

What is a meta-analysis?

A subset of systematic reviews; a method for systematically combining pertinent qualitative and quantitative study data from several selected studies to develop a single conclusion that has greater statistical power

What is a concept?

A term or label for an object or phenomenon; gives distinct meaning to the object

What is experimental design?

Characterized by the manipulation of the independent varible; interested in detecting a cause and effect relationship or association between the independent/dependent variable; has a control group and randomization

A researcher describes a study as correlational. Which of the following would not be typically found in a research report of the study? Select one: a. A description of the variables b. A report of strength of association c. A hypothesis indicating a causal relationship between the variables d. A correctly stated purpose of the study

B. A report of strength of association

A research design is best described as a: Select one: a. methodology used only in quantitative studies. b. blueprint for conducting the study. c. model showing two or more concepts and their proposed relationships. d. mechanism to guarantee validity of study findings.

B. Blueprint for conducting the study

In the literature report of a study on quality of life, the researcher describes two previous investigations suggesting that spirituality is related to quality of life. This information suggests that the current study is significant because it: a. addresses multidisciplinary concerns. b. builds on previous research. c. challenges existing theory. d. influences theology.

B. Builds on previous research

The question "Is there a relationship between caffeine intake and intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma?" is an example of which type of research? Select one: a. Phenomenological b. Correlational c. Historical d. Basic

B. Correlational

In which type of research is there high researcher control, random sampling, and controlled setting? Select one: a. Correlational b. Experimental because of the rigorous control of variables. c. Quasi-experimental d. Descriptive

B. Experimental

Which of the following would be most appropriately measured with a visual analog scale? Select one: a. Episodes of domestic violence. b. Fatigue. c. Annual income.

B. Fatigue

The research process differs from the nursing process on which of the following? Select one: a. Identifies new information b. Has a broader focus c. Involves abstract, critical thinking d. Uses complex thinking

B. Has a broader focus

The following statement "Obesity is recorded as BMI > 30" is an example of which of the following: Select one: a. dependent variable. Incorrect b. operational definition. c. intervention protocol.

B. Operational definition

Evidence-based practice relies heavily on research findings and expert opinions, but best evidence also includes which of the following? Select one: a. Clinical tradition. b. Patient values and beliefs. c. Physician preferences.

B. Patient values and beliefs

Sample size in a quantitative study is best determined by Select one: a. the Central Limit Theorem b. power analysis c. feasibility considerations

B. Power analysis

A hypothesis is a statement of the: Select one: a. study design. b. predicted study outcomes. c. subproblems of a study.

B. Predicted study outcomes

The dependent variable is defined as a: Select one: a. characteristic or element of the human subjects involved in the study. b. response or outcome that the researcher wants to understand. c. stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher. d. quality, property, or characteristic identified in the problem.

B. Response or outcome that the researcher wants to understand

The researcher uses which portion of the research report to capture the reader's attention? Select one: a. Conclusion b. Framework c. Abstract d. Methodology

C. Abstract

Which approach would be preferred for assessing the instrument reliability of a self report measure of mood that is made up of 28 Likert scale items? Select one: a. Test-retest reliability b. Split-half reliability c. Cronbach's alpha

C. Cronbach's alpha

What are the building blocks of theories?

Concepts and constructs

The two types of frameworks are

Conceptual and theoretical

A researcher uses the instrumental support, emotional support, and number of support sources as the organizing schema for a study about social support during pregnancy. This reflects a

Conceptual framework

A study framework reflects the

Conceptual underpinnings of the study

A research problem is defined as a/an: Select one: a. statement that specifically indicates the study focus. b. intended or desired result of a specific action. c. general area of concern requiring study. d. topic of personal interest.

C. General area of concern

The primary purpose of nursing research is to: Select one: a. fund nursing education. b. bring prestige to the discipline. c. generate scientific knowledge to guide nursing practice. d. promote the importance of nursing in society.

C. Generate scientific knowledge to guide nursing practice

The sentence, "The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health beliefs and breast self-examination," would most likely be found in which section of a research report? Select one: a. Methods b. Discussion c. Introduction d. Results

C. Introduction

In quantitative research, a powerful tool for minimizing selection bias is Select one: a. validity b. correlation c. randomness d. reliability

C. Randomness

A nurse reads a research report published in a professional journal. The nurse notes that a convenience sample was used, and data were gathered from several clinical sites. Overall the nurse was impressed with the quality and credibility of the study. The nurse demonstrated which critical thinking skill related to reading research reports? Select one: a. Highlighting key components of the research report b. Quickly reading through the report for a broad overview c. Reading the entire study through carefully to focus on major concepts d. Analyzing a research report

D. Analyzing a research report

Read the following statement and answer the question: "Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support." What type of variable is "Perception of pain"? Select one: a. Independent b. Attribute c. Extraneous d. Dependent

D. Dependent