EBP

17. Which statement is true about validity? a. Validity evaluates an instrument for a specific group or purpose. b. Validity occurs when an instrument is valid across situations. c. Validity measures are absolute. d. Validity measures are independent of reliability.

A

21. In a study to examine motivational techniques to help adolescent smokers to quit smoking, the null hypothesis states that the intervention will have no effect on this population. The researcher establishes a level of significance of 0.01. When analyzing the data, the researcher concludes that there is a significant difference between subjects receiving the intervention and those who do not. In this study, a Type I error means there is a: a. 1% chance that the conclusion is wrong. b. 1% chance that the conclusion is correct. c. 99% chance that the conclusion is wrong. d. 99% chance that the null hypothesis is correct.

A

21. Which type of evaluation of research yields the most precise estimates of treatment effects when describing results? a. Meta-analysis b. Meta-synthesis c. Mixed-methods systematic review d. Systematic review

A

26. The median scores of two groups participating in a study are exactly the same for a particular variable. This suggests that the: a. average score is the same for both groups. b. the middle score is the same for both groups. c. the most frequent score is the same for both groups d. groups are very much alike in relation to the variable.

A

27. A researcher conducting a qualitative study knows that saturation of information has occurred when: a. additional sampling reveals redundant information. b. data collected confirms theoretical models. c. subjects participating are representative of the general population. d. the desired sample size has been reached.

A

27. An instrument that detects the presence of streptococcal antibodies is negative. Before reporting the absence of disease, the researcher must determine whether this result might be a: a. false negative. b. false positive. c. gold standard. d. true positive.

A

27. The methodology portion of the research report is used to: a. describe the study design. b. discuss the implications of the study. c. provide a theoretical framework for the study. d. summarize the purpose, methods, and results.

A

28. A researcher collects scores measuring weight among school-age children who are in an obesity prevention program and notes that several students are morbidly obese with the majority of students falling within or below the 85th percentile for weight. The scores from the morbidly obese children will affect which measure of central tendency the most? a. Mean b. Median c. Mode d. All of the above are affected equally.

A

28. In a quasi-experimental study design, the group that receives standard care is usually referred to as the: a. comparison group. b. control group. c. experimental group. d. treatment group.

A

29. During a study to measure the effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, the researchers learned that a portion of the subjects lived in homes with one or more alcoholic parents. In this study, the presence of an alcoholic parent is a(n): a. confounding variable. b. dependent variable. c. independent variable. d. unrecognized variable.

A

29. In a qualitative study, a sample may be too small if: a. the depth of information is low. b. the effect size is too large. c. the saturation of information is high. d. the scope of the study is narrow.

A

30. A researcher wishes to present data identifying pain scores for a group of subjects using a grouped frequency distribution table. Which is true about using this method? a. Each group must have equivalent ranges in scores. b. Ranges may overlap from one group to the next. c. Some data may not fit into any group. d. There should be no more than five groups of scores.

A

30. What standard may be applied to determine the strengths and weaknesses in a qualitative research study? a. Consistency of study methods with guidelines of expert researchers b. Determination of the generalizability of the study findings c. Reliability of scales of measurement used in data collection d. Validity of statistical analyses used in data analysis31. When critically appraising the dependability of qualitative research, the reviewer evaluates:

A

31. When critically appraising the dependability of qualitative research, the reviewer evaluates: a. documentation of decisions made during analysis of the findings. b. if interrater reliability has been determined. c. whether measurement tools have internal validity. d. whether statistical analysis has been performed.

A

31. When gathering data for a study using observational methods, it is important for the data collector to: a. be observant of all that is done and said and unsaid. b. direct subjects by setting the stage through structured questions. c. record those actions and words that are related to the focus of the study. d. participate directly with subjects in order to better understand them.

A

31. When using Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines to critically appraise a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the nurse will make sure that the study: a. is designed to definitively test a hypothesis. b. is conducted in a laboratory to minimize setting bias. c. uses subjects selected by the researcher for participation. d. uses a descriptive or correlational design.

A

32. In a critical appraisal, a reviewer conducts an audit of the transcripts of interviews and determines that the authors conclusions are correct. This is an example of: a. confirmability. b. credibility. c. dependability. d. trustworthiness.

A

34. Which statement is true about using a questionnaire to collect data? a. Questions are presented consistently with less chance for bias than with an interview. b. Questionnaires are generally more expensive than interviewing techniques. c. Subjects usually give more in-depth answers when responding to questionnaires. d. The response rate is generally higher than when using interviews to collect data.

A

34. Which type of variable is used in a summary of sample characteristics? a. Demographic variables b. Dependent variables c. Independent variables d. Research variables

A

35. To help determine the relevance of a study to practice, it is recommended that the reviewer read which two sections of the study initially? a. Abstract, discussion b. Conclusions, references c. Literature review, purpose d. Methods, results

A

35. Which type of scale is most commonly used in a survey of patient satisfaction? a. Likert scale b. Numeric rating scale c. Rating scale d. Visual analog scale

A

36. A researcher conducts a study and calculates a mean value of 100 in a set of scores ranging from 90 to 300. Which other measure will the researcher report when describing central tendency in this data set? a. Median b. Mode c. Range d. Variance

A

36. A researcher wishes to evaluate the reliability of a visual analog pain scale in a group of postoperative patients. The best way to do this is to compare results: a. to results of the test when given to another set of subjects. b. to results from the same subjects using the FACES rating scale. c. to results from a previous measure with a different visual analog scale. d. to results from a group of subjects who have minimal or no pain.

A

38. A researcher is analyzing the following data set. Which value represents the range? a. 43 b. 46 c. 46 d. 57 e. 67 f. 69 g. 78 a. 35 b. 46 c. 57 d. 58

A

2. A nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is prepared to do which of the following? (Choose all that apply.) a. Appraise and summarize research findings b. Assist with the implementation of evidence-based guidelines c. Conduct independent nursing studies d. Expand the body of nursing knowledge through independent research

A,B

2. According to the HIPAA privacy rules, which are covered entities that may use and disclose a limited data set to researchers for study? (Select all that apply) a. Health plans b. Health care providers c. Institutional Review Boards d. Researchers

A,B

1. Which patient information requires deidentifying in order to maintain privacy? (Select all that apply) a. E-mail addresses b. Full-face photographs c. State of residence d. Medical record numbers

A,B,D

1. Which are components of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)? (Choose all that apply.) a. Best research evidence b. Expert opinion consensus c. Patient needs and values d. Safe, cost-effective care

A,C,D

3. Which of the following represent some degree of risk of causing discomfort or harm to subjects in a study? (Select all that apply) a. Asking parents of children in a clinic waiting room to complete a patient satisfaction questionnaire. b. Assessing the number of males and females enrolled in nursing schools using enrollment data. c. Interviewing nursing home residents about their memories of the Great Depression. d. Using pathology reports from a hospital lab to gain data about the percentage of new patients who have anemia.

A,C,D

4. A researcher wants to study whether showing a video about car safety increases the likelihood of car seat use among a group of first-time parents. When obtaining informed consent, the researcher must include: (Select all that apply) a. an assurance of anonymity. b. a statement of the research purpose. c. consent to incomplete disclosure. d. voluntary participation.

A,C,D

6. A nurse researcher who wishes to use animals in a research study must include which elements in an animal use protocol? (Select all that apply) a. Animal living conditions and veterinary care b. Assurances that animals will be kept alive c. Justification for the use of animals over humans d. Procedures to minimize pain and distress

A,C,D

1. A researcher conducts a study which outlines the daily habits of women who are overweight. This study represents what type of research? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental

B

12. A researcher wishes to study the effects of antiseizure medications on adult subjects who have severe cognitive impairments. Which statement is true about using these subjects in research? a. Assent must be gained from the subjects and is sufficient for participation. b. A legally authorized guardian must give informed consent. c. These adults cannot be used as subjects for this study. d. The subjects physicians must give consent for participation in the study.

B

12. An intellectual critical appraisal differs from other kinds of critiques because it: a. focuses solely on the strengths of the study. b. evaluates the quality and meaning of empirical evidence. c. judges the researchers ability and credentials. d. regards both the work itself as well as the study author.

B

12. In a quasi-experimental study examining the effects of nonpharmacologic treatments on postoperative pain management, the researcher trains nursing staff so that all experimental group subjects receive the same types of treatments. This is an example of: a. bias. b. manipulation. c. reliability. d. validity.

B

16. A researcher studies the effects of a nursing intervention on a desired patient outcome and discovers a statistically significant difference between groups receiving the intervention and those not receiving the intervention. The researcher concludes that the intervention is effective. This researcher has made a: a. generalization. b. statistical inference. c. Type I error. d. Type II error.

B

16. A study that analyzes the effect of exercise on diabetes control among Native-American children with type II diabetes would most credibly be generalizable to which population? a. African-Americans with type II diabetes b. Native-American children with type I diabetes c. Children with type II diabetes d. All people with type II diabetes

B

2. The researcher wants to learn whether there is a relationship between parental education and emergency room use among children who have asthma. Which type of research study will this researcher use? a. Basic b. Correlational c. Historical d. Phenomenological

B

36. Which setting is the most highly controlled setting? a. A nursing home unit b. A research sleep lab c. A school-based clinic d. An intensive care unit

B

41. A researcher has calculated a variance of 9 for a data set. What is this data sets standard deviation? a. 1 b. 3 c. 4 d. 5

B

50. A review of demographic data shows that mothers with higher levels of education have fewer children. In this example, the r value is likely to be: a. = 0. b. <0. c. >0. d. not definable.

B

1. One reason for conducting a review of the literature other than for purposes of developing a research study is to: a. determine the expertise of researchers in the field of study. b. identify current theoretical frameworks. c. implement evidence-based practice guidelines. d. work in a Magnet-certified hospital setting.

C

11. A researcher studying children identifies the following age groups: Birth to age 12 months 12 months to 3 years 3 years to 5 years 5 years to 12 years 12 years to 18 years These categories are not: a. empirical. b. equal. c. exclusive. d. exhaustive.

C

17. A nurse researcher wants to know how well adolescent mothers can learn to manage their childrens asthma and develops an initial study to explore and define perceptions of asthma among this population. Which best describes this initial study? a. Correlational research b. Descriptive research c. Phenomenological research d. Outcomes research

C

17. To evaluate data collection methodology prior to conducting a large-scale study, a researcher might carry out a smaller-scale study. This smaller-scale study is known as a/an: a. abstract. b. exploratory design. c. pilot study. d. proposal.

C

17. When comparing a study with a level of significance of 0.05 with a study having a level of significance of 0.01, the researcher knows that the study with the level of significance of 0.05 is more likely to have a: a. correct null hypothesis. b. generalizable finding. c. Type I error. d. Type II error.

C

18. Which research technique would be used by a nurse researcher who wishes to compare bonding patterns of neonatal intensive care (NIC) infants to non-NIC infants to test various theories about infant-parent bonding? a. Experimental b. Exploratory c. Grounded-theory d. Quasi-experimental

C

19. Which type of study design is commonly used in outcomes studies? a. Phenomenological b. Qualitative c. Quasi-experimental d. Random-control trial

C

21. In the introduction to a study, the researcher explains why self-esteem is expected to affect obesity. The explanation of this relationship represents which aspect of the study? a. Concept b. Construct c. Framework d. Theory

C

21. When conducting research about the experiences of early advanced practice nurses, the researcher may consult which possible secondary source? a. A textbook history of early advanced practice nurses b. Currently practicing advanced practice nurses c. Former patients of early advanced practice nurses d. The scope of practice guidelines for advanced practice nursing

C

21. Which unethical study in previous history involved withholding a treatment from subjects in order to study the effects of a disease progression on subjects? a. The Jewish Chronic Disease Hospital Study b. The Nazi Medical Experiments c. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study d. The Willowbrook Study

C

23. A researcher evaluating the weight of subjects who are obese ensures that the scales used are maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturers recommendations. This is to ensure: a. accuracy. b. convergence. c. precision. d. validity.

C

23. A researcher gives healthy adult subjects a handout explaining the nature of a study and then obtains written consent from those who choose to participate. Which statement is true about this process? a. Subjects have given informed consent for participation in the study. b. Subjects have not given voluntary consent for participation in the study. c. The researcher has failed to determine comprehension of the study by participants. d. The researcher has not disclosed information about the study to the participants.

C

23. A researcher wishes to study the effects of effective sleep hygiene on sleep quality and behavior among children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. To minimize mono-operation bias, the researcher will: a. accurately describe conceptual and operational definitions. b. adequately discuss construct validity in the introduction. c. evaluate multiple sleep hygiene techniques. d. utilize a double-blind data collection methodology.

C

24. A researcher conducts a power analysis for a study in which there was no difference between control and experimental group scores and identifies a power level of 0.75 and a level of significance of 0.05. What will this researcher do? a. Alter measurement methods to detect larger changes in scores b. Conclude that the null hypothesis is true c. Consider repeating the study using a larger sample d. Lower the level of significance to 0.01.

C

24. A researcher tests a measurement tool in a pilot study and notes a wide variance in scores. To improve the significance of the studys findings in subsequent studies, the researcher will: a. apply quota sampling techniques. b. decrease the sample size. c. increase the sample size. d. use cluster sampling techniques.

C

29. What are the three steps of critical appraisal of qualitative research? a. Assess the study design, evaluate sampling methods, and review study conclusions. b. Determine the study purpose, review study data, and evaluate implications for further research. c. Identify the components of the research process, determine strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the trustworthiness of the study. d. Identify the steps in the research process, determine strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the credibility and meaning of the findings.

C

33. If a nurse wishes to critically appraise a studys sampling criteria and measurement tools, the nurse will read which part of the study report? a. Abstract b. Introduction c. Methods d. Results

C

34. A determination that findings in a qualitative study are applicable to other populations is an evaluation of a studys: a. generalizability. b. reliability. c. transferability. d. validity.

C

4. What is the purpose of the PRISMA statement? a. To help researchers develop a clinical question before a review b. To help determine whether studies reviewed should be replicated c. To improve reporting of meta-analyses and systematic reviews d. To outline the abstract when reporting on meta-analyses and other reviews

C

1. A researcher conducts a study to examine the effects of breastfeeding on infant weight at age 6 months. Which type of measurement is used to measure the infants weight? a. Direct b. Indirect c. Nominal d. Ordinal

D

12. A researcher evaluates a measurement tool by administering the tool to a group of subjects every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. This is a measure of the tools: a. alternate forms reliability. b. internal consistency reliability. c. interrater reliability. d. test-retest reliability.

D

13. A nurse researcher explains the relationships between research processes and the nursing process to a group of graduate-level nursing students. Which statement by a nursing student indicates the need for further teaching? a. Nursing research leads to evidence-based nursing practice guidelines. b. Nursing research has a broader focus than the nursing process. c. The nursing process helps to identify potential nursing research problems. d. The nursing process requires rigorous application of research methods.

D

15. In outcomes research, a Magnet-designated hospital is an example of which type of variable? a. Dependent b. Intervention c. Outcome d. Structural

D

19. In research, the probability that any data score will be within a certain range of a mean value is calculated based on the theory of: a. frequency. b. inference. c. levels of significance. d. the normal curve.

D

27. Which is true about a dependent variable in a research study? It is: a. manipulated by the researcher to test the research hypothesis. b. the cause of changes in other variables in a research study. c. the experimental variable in a research study. d. the outcome the researcher wishes to predict.

D

6. Which is the most important result of Florence Nightingales data collection and statistical analysis during the Crimean War? a. Bringing awareness of the rigors of war to the general public. b. Developing a process for statistical analysis and nursing documentation. c. Identifying and defining the role of nurses in modern health care. d. Using clinical research to evaluate the importance of sanitation, clean drinking water, and adequate nutrition.

D

6. Why might Wikipedia be a questionable reference for a study citation? a. It does not contain factual information. b. It does not provide ideas for other resources. c. It is an online resource.. d. It is an open, editable format.

D

7. To measure test-retest reliability of an instrument, a researcher may use the: a. Cronbach alpha coefficient. b. Fischers exact test. c. Kuder-Richardson score. d. Pearsons correlation statistic.

D

8. A nurse researcher conducts a study to determine whether women who breastfeed their infants experience better sleep in the first two postpartum months. This study will employ which type of research design? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Descriptive correlational d. Predictive correlational

D

8. When designing a study, which has the greatest influence as a researcher decides which type of qualitative study design to use? a. Funding and resources b. Literature review c. Population d. Research question

D

9. What are the steps used to evaluate quantitative research studies? a. Assess the study design, evaluate the sampling methods, and review the study conclusions. b. Determine the study purpose, review the study data, and evaluate the implications for further research. c. Evaluate the study methods, validate the measurement tools, and determine the quality of results. d. Identify the steps in the research process, determine the strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the credibility and meaning of the findings.

D

18. The goal of grounded theory research is to: a. develop theories and hypotheses based on research findings. b. establish an ethnographic perspective on subjects. c. provide validity checks for constructs. d. test theoretical constructs and hypotheses.

A

18. All of the following aspects of a research proposal are part of the research hypothesis except: a. methodology. b. outcomes. c. population. d. variables.

A

18. When a researcher concludes that study findings are applicable to the total population, this is an example of: a. generalization. b. inference. c. probability. d. significance.

A

18. When assessing the conclusions, findings, and implications of a study, the appraiser will: a. determine whether alternate hypotheses are possible. b. ensure that results are not based on past research. c. identify that findings are specific to the sample population. d. refute the study if limitations are identified.

A

1. The goal of appropriate sampling in research is to: a. accurately reflect the characteristics of the target population. b. completely define the traits of the accessible population. c. identify all attributes of the sample population. d. study an entire population.

A

1. Which best describes evidence-based-practice (EBP)? a. A combination of best research evidence, clinical expertise, and the needs and values of patients. b. A determination of the factors necessary to control patient responses to care. c. The development of population care guidelines applicable to all patients. d. The utilization of quantitative and qualitative studies to enhance patient outcomes.

A

10. A pilot study reveals a wide variation in measurement values among subjects with an overall mean value that is higher than among the general population. By increasing the sample size in a subsequent study, the researcher expects to: a. decrease the variation of scores among subjects. b. increase the variation of scores among subjects. c. decrease the mean value of scores among subjects. d. increase the mean value of scores among subjects.

A

10. When appraising the introduction section of a research study, what will the reviewer look for? a. Completeness and quality of the study abstract b. Evaluation of a comprehensive review of the literature c. Significance of the research problem to practice d. Study purpose and design

A

11. A study in which subjects are assigned by the researcher into experimental and control groups increases: a. bias. b. control. c. manipulation d. validity.

A

11. After a clinical drug trial to measure the effects of atorvastatin administration on low-density lipoprotein levels, which of the following conclusion statements is acceptable in the research report? a. Findings of clinical drug tests suggest that atorvastatin works to reduce low-density lipoprotein levels in study subjects. b. Results of this clinical drug trial demonstrate that atorvastatin works to reduce low-density lipoprotein levels in all adults over age 65. c. The negative correlation between atorvastatin administration and low-density lipoprotein levels indicates that atorvastatin causes a decrease in LDL levels. d. The study proved that atorvastatin decreases low-density lipoprotein levels.

A

11. What type of hypothesis is the following? Children with cystic fibrosis who use a cough assist device will experience less anxiety about their disease and have fewer inpatient hospital admissions per year. a. Complex, directional b. Complex, null c. Simple, associative d. Simple, nondirectional

A

11. Which is one of the indicators used by the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI)? a. Assessment, intervention, and reassessment of pediatric pain b. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) standards c. Protocols for monitoring biometric equipment used in hospitals d. The number of hours hospital residents work per week

A

12. A nurse is assisting with data collection for a study measuring the effects of a sleep aid medication on oxygen saturations. Subjects will sleep in a darkened room in a sleep lab while participating. Which type of research setting is this? a. Field b. Highly controlled c. Natural d. Partially controlled

A

12. A statement about the significance of a study describes the: a. influence of results on nursing practice. b. relationship among study variables. c. study design and methods. d. validity of the study measurement tools.

A

12. The lead agency designated to improve health care quality is: a. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). b. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). c. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). d. National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR).

A

12. When performing an external criticism of the documents used in historical research, the reviewer must determine whether the documents are: a. genuine or fraudulent. b. interesting or dull. c. well known or obscure. d. written by authors who are still living.

A

13. In a study about childhood obesity, the researcher discusses the concept of overweight in terms of weight for height measures, body mass index (BMI), body image, self-esteem, and social norms. When discussing body image, self-esteem, and social norms, the researcher is describing the: a. conceptual definition. b. dependent variable. c. independent variable. d. operational definition.

A

13. Some studies cited in a literature review may be decades old. The researcher may decide to use studies from this far back because these studies: a. are groundbreaking or landmark studies. b. are particularly well-written studies. c. are peer-reviewed, relevant studies. d. are still considered current studies.

A

13. To help fulfill the mission of the National Institute for Nursing Research to promote and improve the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations a study may be conducted which: a. assesses the effectiveness of strategies for weight management in patients with type 2 diabetes. b. compares the attitudes of nurses toward clients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. c. generates up-to-date nursing diagnoses reflecting the needs of clients with type 2 diabetes. d. reviews hospital nurses adherence to glucose-monitoring guidelines for patients with type 2 diabetes.

A

14. A researcher conducts a quasi-experimental study to determine whether there is improved weight gain among premature infants who are fed according to cue-based protocols. The researcher trained neonatal intensive care nurses to apply cue-based feeding to orally fed infants and notes a statistical difference in weight gain between infants fed according to cue-based protocols and those fed according to standard protocols. The reviewer notes that components of cue-based feedings are not clearly identified. This is a threat to: a. construct validity. b. external validity. c. internal validity. d. statistical conclusion validity.

A

14. A reviewer is critically appraising a studys variables. What will the researcher evaluate? a. Conceptual and operational definitions of variables b. Relationships of demographic variables to key concepts in the study framework c. Whether variables and key concepts are linked d. Use of all types of variables, including independent, dependent, and research variables

A

14. When obtaining informed consent from study subjects, the researcher will ensure that subjects freely choose whether or not to participate and will provide subjects: a. general knowledge and overview of the study. b. information about the study methods and design. c. reports about the study results and conclusions. d. the right to choose whether to be in the control versus the study group.

A

15. In a research proposal, the author describes what is already known about the research topic. This would be included in the discussion of the studys: a. background. b. feasibility. c. purpose. d. significance.

A

15. While critically appraising a study, a reviewer notes that the study includes an intervention. What will the reviewer assess? a. If the intervention is consistently implemented using a clearly described protocol b. How the intervention is administered to each subject in the study sample c. If the intervention is consistently administered to both experimental and control subjects d. Whether the intervention has been used in prior studies

A

16. When conducting a study in which it is not possible to determine the true number of subjects who meet eligibility criteria and obtaining a random sample would be time consuming and expensive, the researcher will use which sampling method? a. Cluster sampling b. Simple random sampling c. Stratified random sampling d. Systematic sampling

A

16. Which component of a research study is exemplified in the statement, This study identifies various themes associated with parenting children who have chronic disease? a. Aim or objective b. Hypothesis c. Research methodology d. Research problem

A

17. A researcher plans to utilize a systematic random sampling method from a population of 5000 eligible subjects, using a sample of 200 subjects. Beginning at a randomly selected point on the list of subjects, what is the gap between elements? a. 25 b. 50 c. 100 d. 200

A

17. A reviewer critically appraising a study about self-care behaviors of adolescents who have cystic fibrosis evaluates comparisons of this sample to those from studies of young adults with cystic fibrosis. This appraiser is evaluating the: a. credibility and meaning of the study. b. framework and key concepts of the study. c. limitations of the study. d. reliability and validity of the study.

A

17. What is the role of evidence-based practice in outcomes research? a. Evidence-based practice identifies practice standards that can be evaluated using patient outcomes. b. Evidence-based practice defines practice styles and patterns used in professional practice. c. The standards used in evidence-based practice clearly identify desired patient outcomes. d. There is a clear link between evidence-based practice and improved patient outcomes.

A

17. Which is the strongest source of research and evidence for developing evidence-based guidelines? a. Meta-analyses of specifically focused research questions b. Panels of experts sharing their opinions on best practices c. Quasi-experimental studies d. Rigorous experimental studies

A

18. A researcher evaluates whether a tool addresses the major elements of the construct being studied. This helps to ensure: a. content validity. b. equivalence. c. internal consistency. d. readability level.

A

19. A researcher tests a measurement tools validity by administering it to a group of subjects who dont have health insurance and a group who have health insurance to examine attitudes about access to health care. The researcher is looking for evidence of validity from: a. contrasting groups. b. convergence. c. divergence. d. readability.

A

19. Which portion of a research report would the nurse initially read to get an overview of the study? a. Abstract b. Conclusion c. Framework d. Methodology

A

2. A researcher identifies a socioeconomic group of people to study. After developing a rapport with key members of the group, getting information about group members from the key members, and spending time working among group members, the researcher develops theories about the group based on this experience. Which type of qualitative research does this represent? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological

A

2. An important initial focus of the Declaration of Helsinki, developed in 1964, was to: a. differentiate therapeutic from nontherapeutic research. b. define the concept of informed consent of research subjects. c. prevent the use of placebos during clinical drug trials. d. prohibit nontherapeutic research to protect subjects from harm.

A

2. When critically appraising a research study, the reviewer will expect to find: a. identification of new research problems. b. implementation of a perfect research design. c. precise understanding of the real world. d. tools to control outcomes in nursing practice.

A

20. The section of a research report that describes the purpose of a research study will include: a. what relationships among key variables will be examined. b. which various theories provide context for the research problem. c. what is currently understood about the research problem. d. why the research is necessary to help close a gap in knowledge.

A

21. A nurse conducts a study to examine the effects of a new intervention on FEV1 levels in patients with COPD and uses all patients admitted to a hospital during a 2-month period. This is an example of which type of sampling method? a. Convenience b. Network c. Quota d. Random

A

21. A researcher administers two instruments known to measure opposite concepts and performs correlational analyses on the results. The original measure has a negative correlation of ?7?0.6 with the new measure. This indicates: a. both measures are valid. b. neither measure is valid. c. only the first measure is valid. d. only the second measure is valid.

A

21. During an initial review of a study, the reviewer will expect the methods section of the research report to include: a. a description of the study design and sampling methods. b. the limitations and generalizations of the study. c. tables and figures representing study results. d. the framework and definitions of study variables.

A

21. Which is true about a causal hypothesis? a. It describes the effects of independent variables on dependent variables. b. It predicts a negative or positive interaction between variables. c. It proposes positive or negative relationships among variables. d. It states that a relationship exists between variables without indicating direction.

A

22. A researcher wishes to widely disseminate findings of outcomes research in order to influence practice in a variety of settings. Which methods might this researcher use? a. A series of presentations and publications in professional and public forums b. An oral presentation at an international conference c. Publication in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals d. Writing about this research in a chapter of a nursing textbook

A

22. Which is an example of a directional, correlational hypothesis? a. Increasing hours spent in study groups is associated with an increase in GPA among nursing students. b. Increased use of study groups will result in an increase in GPA among nursing students. c. Nursing students who use study groups are among groups of students who have higher GPAs. d. Studying in study groups is related to GPA levels in nursing students.

A

23. A reviewer conducts a critical appraisal of a study and notes that the study abstract does not include key results. The reviewer will discuss this in which part of the appraisal? a. Introduction b. Literature review c. Problem d. Purpose

A

23. What role will a new nurse graduate who has a BSN expect to play in research? a. Appraising studies and implementing evidence-based guidelines and protocols. b. Developing, evaluating, and revising evidence-based guidelines and protocols. c. None, since the BSN affords limited education on the research process. d. Synthesizing findings and leading health care teams to make evidence-based changes.

A

25. In order to increase participation among potential subjects of a larger population, the researcher will: a. limit the time and effort required to participate in the study. b. provide demographic information about those who refuse to participate. c. provide instruments that are detailed to increase the amount of data collected. d. offer potential subjects a financial incentive to participate in the study.

A

25. Which statement differentiates research variables from research concepts? a. Concepts are more abstract than variables. b. Concepts are usually studied in quantitative research. c. Variables are less subject to manipulation and measurement. d. Variables cannot be concisely defined or clearly described.

A

29. When a researcher describes an instrument as being valid this indicates that the instrument: a. accurately measures a variable. b. consistently measures variables across studies. c. has been described as high quality by other researchers. d. has been routinely used in other, similar studies.

A

29. When appraising a study in which data was collected by interview, the reviewer will assess for: a. adequate length of time for each interview. b. evidence that prompts were not used to encourage responses. c. use of clinical setting for conducting interviews. d. utilization of payment for participation of subjects.

A

29. Which is true about a test that is highly specific? a. It is good at identifying patients who do not have a disease. b. It is good at identifying patients who have a disease. c. It results in an increased number of false negatives. d. It results in an increased number of false positives.

A

3. A nurse researcher wishes to identify rates of pertussis infection in children less than one year of age and then again at 6 years of age to examine the relationship of immunization status on infection rates in this population. This is an example of which type of study design? a. Correlational, longitudinal b. Correlational, cross-sectional c. Descriptive, longitudinal d. Descriptive, cross-sectional

A

30. A researcher may choose to use a focus group instead of one-to-one interviews in order to: a. encourage free expression of views of the participants. b. increase conformity and consistency of participants responses. c. reduce the time needed to collect data. d. allow more time for lengthy and complete responses.

A

30. A researcher reports that a measure is highly sensitive when diagnosing patients. The reviewer understands that this test: a. has a low percentage of false negatives. b. has a low percentage of false positives. c. has a high percentage of false negatives. d. has a high percentage of false positives.

A

31. Which is an example of a conceptual definition of a dependent variable in a study evaluating the effects of home nursing on coping among patients with chronic illness? a. Coping is a set of actions and strategies used by individuals to reduce the stressors associated with chronic disease management. b. Coping skills were measured using a five-point Likert scale with higher scores indicating higher coping skills. c. Home nursing can include registered nurse and nursing assistant management of treatments provided at home. d. Home nursing was measured in the number of hours per week and the number of hours per day of in-home care.

A

32. Which is true about an operational variable in quantitative research? a. It is developed so that the degree of its existence can be measured. b. It is often derived from a theoretical definition of a related concept. c. It is specific to the time and setting of the research study. d. It provides the theoretical meaning of a variable.

A

33. A researcher studying subjects who have pulmonary disease presents a data set to describe the different conditions the subjects experience and reports the following data. Which number represents the mode for this data set? Asthma 4 COPD 6 Chronic bronchitis 4 Pulmonary hypertension 7 a. 4.0 b. 5.25 c. 6.5 d. 7.0

A

33. A researcher uses a checklist of questions to ask participants while collecting data for a study. This represents which type of data collection? a. Structured interview b. Structured questionnaire c. Unstructured interview d. Unstructured questionnaire

A

33. When citing sources in a literature review, it is best if the author: a. paraphrases other authors ideas. b. points out any defects in other authors work. c. synthesizes the work of a group of authors. d. uses direct quotations as much as possible.

A

34. A researcher classifies words and phrases that occur in data collected in a qualitative study. This process is called: a. coding the data. b. describing the data. c. dwelling with the data. d. interpreting the data.

A

36. All nurses need to have expertise in which skill regarding research? a. Critical appraisal b. Interviewing techniques c. Literature review d. Statistical analysis

A

36. An examination of the researchers plan for using measurement tools to examine relationships among variables helps determine the: a. research hypothesis. b. research objectives. c. study feasibility. d. study purpose.

A

37. Which is true about a sample that is heterogeneous? a. It has a wide variation in scores. b. Scores will be clustered around the mean. c. The measure of range will be small. d. The standard deviation cannot be calculated.

A

40. In a study of adolescent children using a group of high school football players and junior-high school cyclists, researchers compared the length of recovery from concussion between those wearing brand X helmets and those wearing brand Y helmets. In this study high school football players represent which type of variable? a. Demographic b. Dependent c. Independent d. Research

A

40. Which is a type of probability sampling? a. Cluster b. Convenience c. Network d. Quota

A

40. Which is true about using data from an existing database? a. It allows larger sampling and complex analyses. b. The burden on participants is higher than when primary data collection is used. c. The researcher is able to draw upon data that are specific to a particular study. d. Research reports do not have to describe data collection procedures.

A

41. Which is a type of nonprobability sampling? a. Purposeful b. Simple random c. Stratified random d. Systematic

A

42. Which is true about phenomenological research? a. It is a method that views the person and the environment as integrated. b. It seeks to quantify human behavior and experience. c. It disregards the meaning of lived experiences. d. It is a single approach that uses quantitative research methods.

A

42. Which of the following is true about convenience sampling? a. It tends to be less expensive and easier to conduct. b. It requires fewer subjects to achieve a representative sample. c. It is used more often in quantitative research. d. It allows the researcher greater control over extraneous variables.

A

43. Based on study data, a researcher predicts that a population mean will fall within a specific range of data. This is called the: a. confidence interval. b. range. c. standard deviation. d. validity measure.

A

5. A nurse conducts a study to see whether there are differences in the number of books Latino parents and the number of books African-American parents read to their toddlers each week. Which type of study will this researcher utilize? a. Comparative descriptive b. Correlational c. Cross-sectional d. Longitudinal

A

5. A nurse researcher develops a study to assist patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to lose weight by altering eating patterns. The researcher states, Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus desire to control weight to gain better glycemic control. This statement is a(n): a. assumption. b. concept. c. philosophy. d. theory

A

5. A researcher studying the effects of an intervention on symptoms measures the time from intervention to absence of symptoms and reports this in the number of days. This measure represents which level of measurement? a. Interval b. Nominal c. Ordinal d. Ratio

A

5. A researcher wishes to study the effects of a nursing intervention on children with cancer and obtains a sample of school-age children hospitalized for cancer treatment in a local hospital. This sample represents the: a. accessible population. b. general population c. target population. d. theoretical population.

A

5. To develop a clinical question when reviewing the effectiveness of nursing interventions, the nurse will use which format? a. PICOS b. PRISMA c. Study design d. Systematic review

A

5. What is the main purpose of a literature review in grounded theory research? a. To explain, extend, and support the framework used for the study b. To identify gaps in current knowledge about the research topic c. To place research findings in context of what is already known. d. To support the need to study the selected research topic

A

6. A nurse studies the effects of teaching the MyPlate.gov materials to preschoolers by providing this education to preschoolers in a single day care center and then following their BMI scores over a 5-year period and comparing their scores to those of children from another day care center. In this study, which element is represented by the O in the PICOS acronym? a. BMI scores b. Five-year follow-up c. MyPlate.gov materials d. Preschoolers

A

6. A researcher studies the effect of asthma action plans on frequency of emergency department visits for asthma-related symptoms. The study would be described as: a. applied research. b. basic research. c. descriptive research. d. phenomenological research.

A

6. Which ethical principle protects human subjects from harm? a. Beneficence b. Ethics c. Justice d. Respect for persons

A

7. A researcher may use which strategy to reduce the potential for measurement error when evaluating obesity in study subjects? a. Measure weight, abdominal girth, and BMI on all subjects b. Train multiple data collectors to take measurements c. Use scales in several different clinical settings to obtain data d. Utilize a single measure, such as BMI, applied to all subjects

A

7. The benefit to using a sample that utilizesnarrow sampling criteria is that there is increased: a. control of extraneous variables. b. generalizability. c. heterogenicity. d. range of values and scores.

A

7. The nurse participates in data collection in a study in which two different pain management protocols are used with randomly assigned patients to measure differences in postoperative recovery time. Which method of study is this? a. Control b. Correlation c. Description d. Explanation

A

7. The nurse researcher plans to evaluate self-care and its effects on disease prevention. The nurse identifies various health promotion activitiessuch as proper diet, exercise, and hours of sleep per nightas components of self-care. In this example, self-care is a: a. concept. b. construct. c. theory. d. variable.

A

7. The statements in the introductory paragraphs of a research report that cite results of previous studies about a research problem represent the: a. problem background. b. problem significance. c. problem statement. d. research purpose.

A

7. Which government agency supports research to improve the outcomes and quality of health care? a. AHRQ b. ARRA c. CIHI d. FDA

A

8. What must a researcher describe to identify that a comprehensive, systematic literature search was conducted? a. All key search terms and databases used in the search b. A list of grey literature sources used in the review c. The date restrictions applied to the literature search d. The use of literature only from prestigious journals

A

8. When developing a study, a researcher establishes rules for measurement of independent and dependent variables in order to minimize the possibility of error. This is an example of: a. control. b. manipulation. c. precision. d. rigor.

A

8. Which describes an outlier? a. A data point with a value outside what is predicted by other data points b. Any data point far from the median point, but still within 2 standard deviations from the mean. c. A study result that is directly attributable to randomness. d. A study score from a subject lost to attrition after the study begins.

A

9. The greatest risk to a person confined to an institution who is a research subject is: a. diminished autonomy. b. discomfort. c. lack of information. d. lack of privacy.

A

a. Analysis of documents and interviews to identify themes and subthemes in data b. Bracketing of the researchers own perceptions for the duration of the study c. Description of phenomena without interpretation by the researcher d. Focusing solely on phenomena themselves without consideration of biases

A

2. What study design involves no intervention on the part of the researcher? (Choose all that apply.) a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental

A,B

5. A researcher has submitted a proposal to an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to evaluate the effects of a new drug on newborn infants. In this case, members of the IRB should include: (Select all that apply) a. an ethicist. b. a hospital pharmacist. c. a neonatologist. d. a pharmaceutical representative.

A,B,C

1. Which of the following are true statements about quantitative research? (Choose all that apply.) a. Correlational research involves the use of statistics to determine relationships among variables. b. Experimental research is the only type of quantitative research that is valid. c. Quasi-experimental research is a useful option when controlled conditions are not possible. d. Statistical tests are employed with quantitative research studies.

A,C,D

1. The goal of outcomes research is to: a. determine the most cost-effective nursing interventions in patient care. b. examine the end results of patient care from various health interventions. c. help providers make end-of-life decisions about patient care. d. improve patient satisfaction with nursing care.

B

1. What role does qualitative research play in evidence-based practice (EBP)? a. Because it does not involve random-controlled trials (RCTs), it does not contribute directly to EBP. b. It offers a systematic approach for yielding insights into human experience and behavior. c. It provides a way to measure and evaluate quality outcomes that affect patient care. d. It provides the basis for most EBP guidelines and patient care protocols.

B

1. Which is true about a study framework? a. It guides nurses in clinical practice. b. It explains a portion of a theory. c. It is one of the major ideas of a theory. d. It is the underlying methodology used in research.

B

11. When a researcher indicates that assent for participation was gained in a study involving 10 year-old children, this indicates which has occurred? a. The children gave informed consent to participate in the study. b. The children have agreed to be subjects in the study. c. The parents granted approval for their children to participate. d. The parents do not need to give consent because the children gave consent.

B

12. In a discussion that includes the analysis of data collected during a pilot study, the researcher discusses the relationships and differences in data sets and makes predictions based on this analysis. The researcher will use which process? a. descriptive analysis b. inferential analysis c. reliability testing d. validity testing

B

12. In a meta-analysis, the researcher displays a symmetrical funnel plot of the data from a group of studies. This indicates: a. heterogenicity of study samples. b. limited publication bias. c. methodological bias. d. reporting bias.

B

12. Which is an important finding in outcomes research about Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) practice? a. APNs provide care that is equivalent to that provided by doctors at a fraction of the cost. b. Care by APNs shows equivalent or improved outcomes to that provided by physicians. c. Hospital readmission rates are slightly higher for patients who use APNs for primary care. d. The level of patient satisfaction is greater with APNs regardless of clinical outcomes.

B

13. A nurse conducts a study to evaluate the likelihood that single adolescent mothers will breastfeed their newborn infants if they are given materials about the benefits of breastfeeding. The results show a p value of 0.18. The nurse may conclude that: a. the value is too low to be able to draw meaningful conclusions. b. there is an 18% probability that this population will breastfeed their infants. c. there is an 18% probability that this population will not breastfeed their infants. d. there is an 82% probability that this population will breastfeed their infants

B

13. A researcher enters a list of subject from a sampling frame into a computer and the computer randomly assigns subjects to control or treatment groups. This is an example of: a. cluster sampling. b. simple random sampling. c. stratified random sampling. d. systematic sampling.

B

13. A reviewer assesses a potential researchers credentials and experience, the availability of funding and resources, and ethical considerations of a potential study. This represents evaluation of a studys: a. expertise. b. feasibility. c. purpose. d. significance.

B

14. A researcher wishes to understand how inner-city Somali immigrants adapt health care practices into their experiences with the U.S. health care system. Which type of study approach will the researcher use? a. Descriptive-qualitative b. Ethnographic c. Grounded theory d. Phenomenological

B

14. Which best describes the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competency for evidence-based practice (EBP)? a. Adhering to published guidelines to provide care for a specific population. b. Empowering clients to choose among effective disease management strategies. c. Relying on expert knowledge to guide care plan development for an individual patient. d. Using evidence gained solely from experimental studies to guide care.

B

14. Which of the following is not one of the components of power analysis? a. Effect size b. Error type c. Power d. Sample size

B

15. A nurse appraising a research article should perform which action in order to critically evaluate the literature review? a. Locate and review sources and abstracts listed in the research article b. Note the number of data-based and theoretical sources cited in the reference list c. Perform a meta-analysis or meta-synthesis on the cited references d. Search the literature to determine whether other relevant sources exist

B

15. A researcher notes a reliability score of 0.75 between two observers in a clinical drug trial evaluating whether the drug decreases anxiety. This score means that: a. there is 25% random error. b. there is 75% random error. c. this is an acceptable measure of reliability. d. this measurement tool is not reliable.

B

15. A special concern when conducting research using terminally ill cancer patients as subjects is: a. an inability to randomly assign subjects to study groups. b. an increased risk of harm with decreased benefits. c. difficulty enlisting subjects for participation in the study. d. poor control of extraneous variables.

B

15. Statements that will be scientifically tested as part of a research study are called: a. assumptions. b. hypotheses. c. limitations. d. variables.

B

15. Which method will a researcher use to evaluate a group of qualitative studies? a. Meta-analysis b. Meta-synthesis c. Mixed-methods systematic review d. Systematic review

B

16. A researcher conducts a quasi-experimental study to determine whether there is improved weight gain among premature infants who are fed according to cue-based protocols. The researcher trained neonatal intensive care nurses to apply cue-based feeding to orally fed infants and notes a statistical difference in weight gain between infants fed according to cue-based protocols and those fed according to standard protocols. The reviewer notes that parents who gave consent to participate in the study were from a higher socioeconomic class than the population as a whole. This is a threat to: a. construct validity. b. external validity. c. internal validity. d. statistical conclusion validity.

B

16. A researcher evaluates scores of a paper and pencil instrument with dichotomous variables using the Kuder-Richardson formula. This is a test of: a. alternate forms reliability. b. internal consistency reliability. c. interrater reliability. d. test-retest reliability.

B

16. Which subject groups may feel especially coerced to participate in research studies? a. Children b. Institutionalized patients c. Pregnant women d. Terminally ill patients

B

17. A researcher develops a 7-point Likert scale to evaluate feelings of well-being in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. The researcher administers this measure to other, similar patients in other medical centers. This is done in order to: a. decrease mono-operation bias. b. improve the test-retest reliability. c. increase interrater reliability. d. strengthen the operational definition of constructs.

B

17. A researcher utilizes an emic approach in a research study in order to: a. gather data about lived experiences of individuals. b. trying to understand behaviors from within a culture. c. examine individual human behavior according to personal biases. d. use techniques such as bracketing and intuiting.

B

17. An initial step when preparing to conduct a literature review is to: a. choose the types of sources to use. b. clarify the purpose of the review. c. determine how many articles to review. d. select electronic data bases and keywords.

B

17. If a health care provider discloses information about a patient to a researcher for a study, the provider and the researcher must have a(n): a. agreement about the studys purpose. b. data use agreement. c. limited data set. d. written study proposal.

B

18. The nurse researcher is developing a study to examine the effects of asthma education on missed school days among grade school children. When defining the research problem in the research proposal, the nurse will discuss: a. the proposed methodologies for data collection. b. statistics about the number of school days missed by children with asthma. c. the costs and types of various medications to treat asthma symptoms. d. the need for future studies to examine asthma care for this population.

B

18. What type of sample is generally used in outcomes studies? a. Small sample b. Heterogeneous sample c. Homogeneous sample d. Volunteer sample

B

18. Which nursing theorist developed a grand nursing theory? a. Brennaman b. Orem c. Pender d. Swanson

B

19. A nurse researcher discusses a theory about the stigma of chronic illness in children and describes aspects of chronic illness including aesthetic qualities, causes of the condition, and concealability of the disease as dimensions of this stigma. In this case, aesthetic qualities, causes of the condition, and concealability of the disease are: a. concepts. b. constructs. c. theories. d. variables.

B

19. A researcher using a small sample of an easily distinguishable group of subjects wishes to use extensive quotes in the research report. This researcher risks: a. a loss of study validity. b. breaching confidentiality. c. losing objectivity. d. reduction of benefits to subjects.

B

19. A researcher wishes to examine the experiences and feelings of siblings of children who have cancer in order to gain information about this population. Which type of qualitative study method will the researcher use? a. Ethnographic b. Exploratory-descriptive c. Grounded theory d. Historical

B

19. In a study comparing the effects of complementary therapies on pain scores and narcotic analgesic use in homeless women and women who own homes, which of the following is a demographic variable? a. Complementary therapies b. Homeless women c. Narcotic analgesic use d. Pain scores

B

19. What type of study design would be used to evaluate patient satisfaction in an outpatient clinic? a. Exploratory-descriptive research b. Outcomes research c. Qualitative research d. Phenomenological research

B

2. A nursing researcher determines that there is little information about the use of complementary practices in treating obesity. This represents the research: a. design. b. problem. c. purpose. d. significance.

B

2. A reviewer reads a research report and notes that the number of subjects in the original sample is larger than the number in the final analysis. Besides attrition of subjects, this discrepancy is likely because: a. data from the control group are not included in the analysis. b. essential data is missing from subjects no longer included. c. subjects producing outlying data have been excluded from the results. d. the final analysis usually discusses data from the experimental group only.

B

2. The nurse is collecting data about the sleep patterns of breastfed babies as part of a larger research study. Which research method will the nurse use when collecting data for this study? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction

B

2. Which can be measured using direct measurement? a. Anxiety level b. Blood pressure c. Diagnosis d. Feelings

B

20. A researcher develops a new instrument to measure coping skills and conducts a pilot study to compare the new tool with an existing tool that measures this concept. This is an example of evidence of validity from: a. contrasting groups. b. convergence. c. divergence. d. readability.

B

20. A researcher identifies a group of Native American subjects who are at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus and follows this group over time to observe actual rates of acquiring this disease. This is an example of a: a. clinical database. b. prospective cohort study. c. qualitative study. d. quasi-experimental study.

B

20. A reviewer conducting a critical appraisal of a research study compares and contrasts study methods with those that are ideal, representing which step of the research process? a. Analysis b. Comparison c. Comprehension d. Evaluation

B

20. A subjects right to fair selection and treatment in a study is related to which ethical principle? a. Beneficence b. Justice c. Privacy d. Respect for persons

B

20. The nurse researcher wishes to review a body of qualitative studies about womens attitudes toward health care in order to develop an overall interpretation of these findings. Which type of review will the nurse researcher use? a. Meta-analysis b. Meta-synthesis c. Mixed-methods systematic review d. Systematic review

B

20. Which of these sampling techniques is least likely to produce findings that are generalizable to a larger population? a. Cluster b. Convenience c. Quota d. Systematic

B

22. In a qualitative study to describe stages of grief, the researcher asks parents who have lost a child to cancer to describe their experiences with grief at specific time intervals after their childrens deaths. Which assumption will the researcher make? a. Study subjects have knowledge about theoretical concepts about grief. b. Study subjects understand the concept of grief. c. Subjects will be able to articulate their feelings coherently. d. Subjects will be available for data collection at specific time intervals.

B

22. The nurse serves on a committee to develop a clinical protocol to guide dressing changes for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) abscesses. Which is the most important type of evidence to consider when formulating this protocol? a. Assertions from a panel of infectious disease physicians about existing protocols to treat this organism. b. A statistical review of experimental studies comparing various dressing change protocols and patient outcomes. c. A systematic review of all nursing and medical literature about the incidence of MRSA infection and various dressing change protocols. d. Studies identifying the correlations between variables such as dressing types and subsequent infection rates.

B

22. What are subjects in qualitative research studies usually called? a. Experimental subjects b. Participants c. Primary sources d. Secondary sources

B

22. When conducting a literature search, which electronic product would a nurse researcher use to track and store reference information? a. Cumulative Index of Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL) b. EndNotes or Ref Works c. Google Scholar d. Science Direct

B

22. Which action will the researcher take to improve construct validity? a. Allow data collectors to know which subjects are assigned to which groups b. Ensure that operational definitions reflect theoretical constructs c. Make sure that the researcher is involved in data collection d. Utilize only one measurement method to measure study variables

B

23. How are subjects selected for qualitative research studies? a. As volunteers through advertising for subjects b. Based on knowledge or experience c. By random sampling methods d. Through convenience sampling

B

24. A job description for a nurse position in a teaching hospital includes coordinating research teams to facilitate studies to generate knowledge about nursing actions. Which type of advanced nursing degree would be required for this position? a. Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) b. Doctorate in Nursing (PhD) c. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) d. Post-Doctorate in Nursing

B

24. Multiple replications of an initial study conducted in different populations produce findings that do not match those in the initial study. The initial study may lack which type of validity? a. Construct validity b. External validity c. Internal validity d. Statistical conclusion validity

B

24. Once relevant studies have been identified, the researchers next step is to: a. determine the expertise of each studys authors. b. obtain full-text copies of each of these articles. c. review the study design and methodology of each article. d. write the literature review based on abstract information.

B

25. What type of data collection method is most common in qualitative research? a. Distribution and review of questionnaires from subjects b. Interviews with and observation of subjects c. Participation and immersion in the lives of subjects d. Review of historical documents and literature about subjects

B

25. When initially reading the relevant literature for comprehension, the researcher will: a. critically appraise the studies. b. highlight the main points of the studies. c. make decisions about paraphrasing quotes. d. review the abstract only.

B

26. A researcher conducts a survey of patients seen in an inner-city ambulatory clinic to determine barriers to receiving health care. The target population includes African-American, Hispanic, and Somali immigrant patients, as well as a variety of foreign-born students from a nearby university. The researcher chooses subjects from the African-American, Hispanic, and Somali immigrant populations to participate. This is which type of sampling? a. Network b. Purposive c. Quota d. Theoretical

B

26. During a qualitative research study, a researcher asks subjects a fixed set of questions to which the participants respond freely. This is an example of a(n): a. open-ended interview. b. semi-structured interview. c. structured interview. d. unstructured interview.

B

26. Prior to initiating a large-scale research study, the researcher conducts a small-scale study using similar subjects, methods, instruments, measurements, and analysis. This is done in order to: a. define the conceptual framework of the study. b. determine the quality of the study components. c. link study variables to one another. d. provide a study design.

B

27. What may characterize questions asked by the researcher during an exploratory-descriptive study? a. A focus on participants biographical information b. Using structured individual questions c. One main question with follow-up questions d. Open-ended questions with probes to follow up

B

28. When the researcher describes the population of a study, the research consumer understands that this represents: a. all members of the population at large. b. all people who meet inclusion criteria for the study. c. members of the study group and the control group. d. subjects selected for the study based on sampling techniques.

B

9. A researcher begins a study with 250 subjects, and 50 subjects drop out before the study is concluded. The researcher will declare 20% as the sample: a. acceptance rate. b. attrition rate. c. refusal rate. d. retention rate.

B

28. Which is most important in a critical appraisal of a body of literature? a. Counting the available resources to determine whether more information is necessary. b. Examining the quality and content of the resources to determine the credibility and validity of each. c. Reviewing the reference lists in each study to find other relevant studies and landmark studies. d. Searching the literature thoroughly using appropriate keywords to ensure that all relevant literature is included.

B

3. A researcher conducts a study to identify the relationship of lifestyle choices to the development of chronic diseases. The researcher surveys subjects and identifies diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and renal disease in study subjects. These measures represent which level of measurement? a. Interval b. Nominal c. Ordinal d. Ratio

B

3. A researcher is studying how anxiety affects coping with chronic disease and theorizes that measures to reduce anxiety will improve subjects ability to cope with day-to-day demands of self-care. In this example, anxiety and coping are: a. assumptions. b. concepts. c. philosophies. d. theories.

B

3. A researcher notes that 2 subjects in an experimental group had scores similar to those in the control group, while the other 20 experimental group subjects had scores far different from those in the control group. The researcher would consider the scores for the two subjects as: a. control group findings. b. outlier scores. c. unexpected findings. d. ungrouped participants.

B

3. The Tuskegee Syphilis Study violated several ethical principles in which way? a. Coercion of subjects to participate in the study in exchange for treatment b. Failing to inform subjects about the purpose and procedures in the study c. Failing to inform in the Centers for Disease Control about the results of the study d. Not informing the subjects physicians that they were in the study

B

3. Which is an example of a type of nursing service that might be evaluated in outcomes research? a. Application of wound care products b. Clinical care protocol implementation c. Glucose monitoring for newly diagnosed diabetics d. Using a Braden Scale for skin assessment

B

30. When noting the limitations of a research study, the nurse might make which observation? a. Abstract concepts were defined using concrete, consistent terms. b. Findings could not be generalized to a population not included in the study. c. The researcher included a discussion of the links between the studys variables. d. The subjects were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups.

B

31. During a study about nurses ability to teach lifestyle changes in patients with coronary artery disease, the researcher discovers that many nurses have negative attitudes about obesity. The researcher develops a survey to examine these attitudes. This is an example of: a. grounded theory research. b. intraproject sampling. c. saturation of information. d. verification of information.

B

32. In a study about concussion recovery in high school football players, which statement would be part of the introduction? a. The Functional Independence Measure was used to measure postconcussion symptoms. b. The purpose of this study was to determine average length of recovery time after a first concussion. c. The results of this study showed an average recovery time of 6 weeks among football players. d. The study included a convenience sample of high school football players in a five-county area.

B

32. To maximize collection of pertinent information when conducting an observational study, the researcher records field notes: a. after the observation has concluded. b. during or immediately after the observation. c. prior to beginning the observation. d. when writing the research discussion.

B

33. In a qualitative study, which is true about the definition of research concepts? a. They are measureable variables that help illustrate theoretical concepts. b. They are often defined or described as a result of the study. c. They are written to provide a concise measure of theoretical concepts. d. They must be clearly described to proceed with the study.

B

33. When establishing that a researcher has produced a result consistent with the views of the participants interviewed for a study, the critical appraiser has determined which strength of a qualitative study? a. Confirmability b. Credibility c. Dependability d. Trustworthiness

B

34. An author uses an electronic source in portable document format (PDF). Which is true about citing this source in a literature review? a. It is necessary to provide the URL used to retrieve the article electronically. b. It is not treated differently than a print version of the article. c. The original print article must be located. d. The page numbers will not be available for citation.

B

37. The goal of sampling theory is to: a. clearly define sample types used in research studies. b. determine the best way to achieve representative samples. c. develop methods for collecting data more efficiently. d. provide frameworks for data analysis.

B

37. Which generally is an advantage of using primary data in a research study? a. It allows researchers to conduct more longitudinal studies. b. It has greater specificity to the study purpose. c. It puts less burden on study participants. d. It reduces the cost of data collection.

B

38. What type of information is typically found in an administrative database? a. Data collected for a specific research study b. Demographic information about a population c. Journal accounts of subjects responses to surveys d. Statistical results of experimental studies

B

38. Which type of research study tends to require a larger sample size than the others? a. Case study b. Descriptive study c. Experimental study d. Quasi-experimental study

B

39. In qualitative research, the sampling plan is developed in order to: a. decrease systematic bias. b. increase the representativeness of the findings related to the phenomena. c. minimize the need for discussion of cultural elements of the study. d. reduce sampling error.

B

39. Which data represent the lowest form of measurement? a. Levels of anxiety on a scale from mild to severe b. Race and ethnicity classification c. Temperature of subjects after an intervention d. Weight, height, and body mass index

B

4. What will the reviewer do during the evaluation portion of a critical appraisal of a research study? a. Assess whether the measurement tools are consistent with the phenomena of interest b. Determine whether the study findings are meaningful and should be implemented in practice c. Discuss the statistical analysis of the studys findings including demographic and experimental data d. Review the components of the study to gain an overall understanding of the study report

B

4. Which type of study is least likely to include a review of the literature prior to initiating the study? a. Grounded theory b. Phenomenological c. Qualitative d. Quantitative

B

4. Which would be an example of an interdependent role for nurses in the Nursing Role and Effectiveness Model? a. Administering a medication to a patient b. Arranging for home health care services c. Initiating a fall risk protocol d. Performing an admission assessment

B

41. In a study involving multiple data collectors, the researcher helps to ensure consistency in data collection by: a. describing the study participant recruitment process in the research summary. b. detailing the training process of the data collectors in the research report. c. discarding data that includes even minor deviations in data collection methods. d. minimizing the influence of intervening forces on the study findings.

B

42. A data set is found to approximate a normal curve and has a mean of 72.5 and a standard deviation of 10.8. In which range of numbers will 99% of the scores fall? a. 35.8 112.6 b. 44.6 100.4 c. 51.3 93.7 d. 61.7 83.3

B

43. Which of the following is true about sample size in a qualitative study? a. It is determined by the sensitivity of the measurement tools. b. It is considered adequate when the researcher detects no new knowledge. c. It is influenced by the expected effect size and the probability of a type II error. d. It is determined by the number of variables and data analysis techniques.

B

49. A review of demographic data shows that mothers with higher levels of education have fewer children. This represents which type of relationship? a. Asymmetrical b. Negative c. Positive d. Symmetrical

B

5. A researcher develops a study to examine various phenomena that contribute to theory development. This is an example of which type of research? a. Ethnographic research b. Grounded theory research c. Historical research d. Phenomenological research

B

5. In an outcome study, a researcher demonstrates a link between the number of mothers who successfully breastfeed their infants and the number of maternal-child nurses who are baccalaureate prepared. This illustrates: a. interdependent nursing role functions. b. nursing-sensitive patient outcomes. c. patient-sensitive outcomes. d. the Nursing Role Effectiveness Model.

B

52. A researcher correlates self-confidence measures with obesity rates and determines an r value of 0.8. What can the reviewer conclude when evaluating this research? a. There is a 36% chance that variation in one score is the result of variation in the other score b. There is a 64% chance that variation in one score is the result of variation in the other score c. There is a 64% chance that variation in one score is the result of variation in something other than the other score d. There is a weak correlation between these two variables

B

56. A researcher conducts an experimental study on patients at different outpatient clinics, including clinics in inner city, suburban, and rural locations. To help ensure that differences in scores are not related to clinic location, the researcher will apply which technique? a. ANOVA b. ANCOVA c. Bivariate correlation analysis d. Factor analysis

B

6. A researcher wishes to conduct a correlational study to determine whether there is a relationship between stress levels and relapse rates among patients who have chronic conditions. In order to determine the existence of a relationship between these two variables, the researcher will attempt to: a. manipulate the level of stress in study subjects. b. obtain a large range of possible scores. c. provide lengthy descriptions of subjects behaviors. d. randomly assign subjects to study groups.

B

6. In a study of patients who have dementia, a researcher wishes to examine the effects of moderate exercise on patients abilities to perform self-care. The researcher decides to use subjects between 70 and 80 years of age who have been diagnosed with dementia for less than 1 year. A patient who is 65 years old meets: a. eligibility criteria. b. exclusion criteria. c. inclusion criteria. d. sampling criteria.

B

6. The statement in the introduction of a research study report while children who have higher asthma control scores tend to have fewer emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations, it is unclear how nursing interventions can impact these scores represents the: a. problem background. b. problem significance. c. research problem. d. research purpose.

B

7. Basic research seeks to: a. directly influence clinical practice. b. generate knowledge for knowledges sake. c. predict or control outcomes of variables. d. validate or test theoretical frameworks.

B

7. What is the goal of an intellectual critical appraisal of a research study? a. To determine whether a study should be replicated b. To identify strengths and weaknesses in a study c. To determine whether a study should be implemented into practice d. To weed out and discard studies that are flawed

B

7. What is true about scientific rigor in qualitative nursing research? a. Studies are rigorous only when results are quantifiable. b. Study findings are considered trustworthy when rigor is applied. c. Scientific rigor is not applicable with qualitative studies. d. Scientific rigor is only used with random-controlled trials.

B

7. Which type of research literature would be included in grey literature sources? a. Book chapters b. Dissertations c. Journal articles d. Textbooks

B

8. The nurse researcher plans to evaluate self-care and its effects on disease prevention. The nurse identifies various health promotion activities such as proper diet, exercise, and hours of sleep per night as components of self-care. In this example, health promotion is a: a. concept. b. construct. c. theory. d. variable.

B

9. A researcher wishes to learn about the experiences that women have when breastfeeding their infants in the workplace. Which type of study design will the researcher employ? a. Ethnographic b. Exploratory-descriptive c. Grounded theory d. Historical

B

3. The nurse researcher submits a proposal for an initial study to evaluate the effects of regular moderate exercise on asthma control scores in adolescents with asthma. To achieve increased control in the initial study, the researcher will do which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Ask subjects to keep track of time spent exercising in a journal. b. Have subjects exercise on treadmills in the clinic three times weekly. c. Choose subjects classified as having moderate intermittent asthma symptoms. d. Limit participants to adolescent males who have asthma.

B,C,D

4. The nurse participates in data collection in a study comparing the effect of two antilipidemia medications on total cholesterol in patients with hyperlipidemia. Which are extraneous variables to consider in such a study? (Select all that apply.) a. Differences between the antilipidemia medications. b. Family history of hyperlipidemia. c. Individual patients weights. d. Other serum lipid values.

B,C,D

3. Which of the following is a research question for an experimental study? (Choose all that apply.) a. What is it like to live with asthma? b. Do children who have an updated asthma action plan have fewer missed school days caused by asthma? c. Which asthma triggers influence poor attitudes about chronic disease? d. Which bronchodilator medication has fewer side effects?

B,D

1. The goal of a critical appraisal should be to: a. determine where faults exist in the study design. b. evaluate whether a proposed study is feasible. c. identify the meaning and credibility of the study. d. review the credentials and expertise of the researcher.

C

1. The most important initial step when developing a research study is to: a. develop the problem statement. b. explore the background for the research problem. c. identify the research problem. d. state the research purpose.

C

1. Which type of research design focuses on implementation of a treatment by the researcher? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Longitudinal

C

10. A researcher conducts a study to examine possible contributors to glycemic control in a group of subjects who have type 2 diabetes mellitus in a local community. A convenience sample of patients includes patients from 28 to 65 years old who range in weight from normal to obese, with time since diagnosis ranging from several months to several years. To determine causality in this study, the researcher will: a. discuss outcomes in terms of the probability that education will improve glycemic control. b. increase the manipulation of the independent variable to allow greater control by the researcher. c. identify multicausal variables that may influence the outcome of glycemic control measures. d. limit the study to younger persons only to minimize the effects of extraneous variables.

C

10. A researcher designs a study to evaluate stress and anxiety associated with breastfeeding in which data collection takes place in the homes of mothers with premature newborns after discharge home from the NIC. This would be an example of which type of research setting? a. Highly controlled, field b. Highly controlled, laboratory c. Natural, field d. Partially controlled, laboratory

C

10. A researcher performs a series of pilot studies to evaluate whether a measurement tool produces consistent results. This is an evaluation of: a. accuracy. b. precision. c. reliability. d. validity.

C

10. A researcher who bases phenomenological research on Husserls philosophy will: a. incorporate personal biases into conclusions and discussion of the research. b. interpret subjects experiences according to the researchers own biases. c. place personal biases aside when considering and reporting research findings. d. use personal biases to look for hidden meanings in research data.

C

10. A researcher will have greater success gaining approval for a research study involving pregnant women if which provision is put into place? a. Care is taken to maintain strict confidentiality of subjects. b. Consent is given by the pregnant womens significant others. c. Subjects may experience therapeutic effects from the intervention. d. Subjects receive financial rewards for participation in the study.

C

10. An important goal of inferential statistical analysis is to: a. analyze and describe data collected during a study. b. determine whether theoretical constructs are valid. c. generalize results from the study to the target population. d. measure the reliability and validity of measurement tools.

C

10. The nurse researcher plans to evaluate self-care and its effects on disease prevention. The nurse identifies various health promotion activities such as proper diet, exercise, and hours of sleep per night as components of self-care. In this example, effects of self-care on disease prevention is a: a. concept. b. construct. c. theory. d. variable.

C

10. To help meet the requirements for Magnet recognition, which organization will a hospital participate in? a. The American Nurses Association (ANA) b. The Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) c. The National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) d. The National Quality Forum (NQF)

C

10. Which is true about the literature search criteria for a meta-analysis? a. They include only published works from refereed journals. b. They include the full range of related sources based on the topic. c. They usually are narrowly focused around the research question. d. They use works from a single database in order to remain consistent.

C

10. Which statement in a study about preoperative education and postoperative recovery times represents a research question? a. What are the types of preoperative education materials that may be used? b. What are the constructs that facilitate adult learning among patients? c. What preoperative teaching will shorten postoperative recovery time? d. What is already known about preoperative teaching and postoperative recovery?

C

11. To decrease the probability of systematic variation in a study to evaluate the effects of a teaching program on disease management, the researcher will use which sampling process? a. Cluster sampling b. Convenience sampling c. Random sampling d. Systematic sampling

C

11. When conducting a research study using a convenience sample of all first grade students from two classrooms in a nearby school, the nurse researcher may increase the sample control by: a. assigning one classroom to the experimental group and the other classroom to the control group. b. exposing all subjects to the treatment variable and then comparing the outcome data to pretreatment data. c. randomly assigning students from both classrooms to either the experimental group or the control group. d. using all of these subjects as treatment subjects and comparing outcomes to a group of subjects from a similar study.

C

12. A researcher wishes to identify all school-age children who have type 2 diabetes mellitus in a local community in order to develop a sampling methodology for a study of this population. Which might serve as a barrier to obtaining this information? a. Affordable Care Act (ACA) b. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) c. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) d. Institutional Review Board (IRB)

C

12. For a study to be considered current, it should be published within the last: a. year. b. 2 years. c. 5 years. d. 10 years.

C

12. Which is true about a conceptual definition in a research study? a. It defines how a concept can be manipulated in a study. b. It describes how a concept may be measured in a study. c. It is comprehensive and includes associative meanings. d. It is more specific than a dictionary definition.

C

13. A nursing professor administers three versions of a final exam to a class of students and compares the exams for reliability. This is a measure of: a. homogeneity. b. interrater reliability c. equivalence. d. test-retest reliability.

C

13. A researcher makes every effort to ensure that subjects may benefit from a research intervention while taking measures to minimize potential harm. This is an example of protecting a research subjects right to: a. anonymity and confidentiality. b. fair treatment. c. protection from discomfort and harm. d. self-determination.

C

13. What is an important aspect of outcomes research as defined by Donabedian? a. Selection of only proximal outcomes in order to streamline outcomes research b. The need for patients or recipients of care to define which outcomes are desirable c. The need to link outcomes with specific nursing processes d. The use of population groups rather than individuals for outcome studies

C

14. A researcher conducts a study using dependent and independent variables used in a previous study but uses a different population of subjects. What type of study is this? a. Landmark b. Pilot c. Replication d. Seminal

C

2. Which statement is true about theory and qualitative studies? a. Qualitative studies rely on conceptual frameworks and not on theory. b. Qualitative studies are not based on theory. c. Qualitative studies may be used to create theory. d. Qualitative studies use theory in the same way as quantitative studies.

C

14. A researcher who wishes to study the effects of a prenatal breastfeeding education program on the length of time African-American inner-city women breastfeed infants learns that 70% of women in the target population are unmarried. To achieve stratified random sampling in a sample of 50 subjects, the researcher will: a. conduct the study using unmarried subjects only. b. randomly assign all subjects to control versus experimental groups. c. select a random sample of 35 unmarried and 15 married subjects. d. select 25 subjects who are married and 25 who are not married.

C

14. In a pilot study to help train a group of data collectors who will evaluate childrens pain using a FACES rating scale, the researcher examines the reliability of the scores of each data collector. This is an example of which type of reliability measure? a. Alternate forms reliability b. Internal consistency reliability c. Interrater reliability d. Test-retest reliability

C

14. Research subjects in a study of body image after mastectomy will complete a questionnaire about body image after surgery. Which assumption would the researcher likely make when conducting this study? a. All mastectomy patients are likely to be negatively affected by the surgery. b. Body image and appearance are important to survivors of breast cancer. c. Subjects will be able to describe a personal awareness of body image. d. Subjects will complete every item on the questionnaire.

C

15. A researcher conducts a quasi-experimental study to determine whether there is improved weight gain among premature infants who are fed according to cue-based protocols. The researcher trained neonatal intensive care nurses to apply cue-based feeding to orally fed infants and notes a statistical difference in weight gain between infants fed according to cue-based protocols and those fed according to standard protocols. Which might be a threat to internal validity in this study? a. The concept of cue-based feeding is not well defined. b. The study sample is homogeneous. c. Some infants developed gastroenteritis. d. Not all nurses received cue-based protocol education.

C

15. A researcher discusses how endorphins released during aerobic exercise cause a heightened sense of well-being in subjects. This discussion is a: a. conceptual definition. b. operational definition. c. relational statement. d. theoretical framework.

C

15. In statistical analysis of data, the alpha value is used to: a. describe the degree of generalizability of the findings. b. determine the risk of a Type I error. c. reveal whether the p value meets criteria for statistical significance. d. speculate on the frequency distribution of study values.

C

15. Which is an example of an etic approach in an ethnographic study? a. A longitudinal study examining individual immigrants attitudes about health care b. A study about African tribal women and their feelings about HIV prevention c. A study comparing various ethnic groups folk health practices d. A study of differences between BSN- and AND-prepared nurses attitudes about health care

C

16. In which type of study design would a reviewer expect to find a discussion of extraneous variables? a. Ethnographic b. Qualitative c. Quasi-experimental d. Phenomenological

C

16. When a researcher analyzes data obtained from study variables for possible significant relationships among these variables, the researcher is testing the: a. abstract ideas. b. conceptual definitions. c. relationship statements. d. study assumptions.

C

16. Which study exemplifies qualitative research? a. A study that evaluates appetite among residents of a long-term care facility and correlates this data with whether or not residents are rooming together with their spouses. b. A study that defines levels of appetite based on residents descriptions of hunger in a long-term care facility. c. A study that observes the interactions of spouses during mealtimes in a long-term care facility. d. A study that observes the effectiveness of spousal encouragement to eat on the residents quality of appetite in a long-term care facility.

C

18. In a research study, ambulatory clinic nurses teach children with asthma how to monitor peak expiratory flow volumes and how to use metered-dose inhalers to determine whether asthma control scores improve. The researcher discovers inconsistencies in how these measures were taught and how well the children understood the concepts. This represents a lack of: a. control of extraneous variables. b. internal validity. c. intervention fidelity. d. precision of measurement.

C

18. In a study about pregnant womens use of tobacco, the researcher is able to link individual subjects identities to their responses on a questionnaire, but does not share this information with others. This is an example of: a. anonymity. b. breach of confidentiality. c. confidentiality. d. privacy.

C

18. When conducting a literature review for a thesis or dissertation and deciding how far back in the available literature to search, what will the student do? a. Ask the instructor to specify necessary publication years for articles cited. b. Base the decision on the number of articles necessary for the assigned task. c. Locate any seminal or landmark studies on the topic of research. d. Look for sources no older than 10 years prior.

C

18. When using the Stetler Model of research utilization, the nurse researcher reviews the risks, resources, and readiness of staff associated with making changes in practice based on evidence. Which part of the model is this? a. Phase I: Preparation b. Phase II: Validation c. Phase III: Comparative Evaluation d. Phase IV: Translation/Application

C

19. When developing evidence-based-practice guidelines, if a researcher wishes to identify studies that evaluate a specific intervention in quantitative research, the literature review should include: a. grounded theory research. b. only current research from the last 5 years. c. replication studies and meta-analyses. d. seminal and landmark studies about the topic.

C

19. Which statement is true about systematic sampling? a. A nonrandom starting point is used when selecting subjects. b. It can be used when the desired sample size is unknown. c. It provides a random chance for inclusion as a subject. d. Subjects have an equal chance for inclusion in the study.

C

2. Which standards were developed to help nursing students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to continuously improve quality and safety? a. EBP b. IRB c. QSEN d. Magnet

C

20. A researcher reviews demographic characteristics of potential study subjects, such as age and gender, to determine whether these characteristics may influence the outcome of the study. This is done to help ensure: a. construct validity. b. external validity. c. internal validity. d. statistical conclusion validity.

C

20. In the following APA-formatted reference, what is indicated by the italicized words? Maxwell, S. E., & Delaney, H. D. (2004). Designing experiments and analyzing data: A model comparison perspective (2nd ed.). Mahway, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. a. Abstract information b. Article title c. Book title d. Publishing company

C

20. The statement, In this study, elevated blood glucose is a value greater than 110 mg/dL, is an example of a(n): a. associative hypothesis. b. conceptual definition. c. operational definition. d. problem statement.

C

21. A step just prior to beginning a literature search using an electronic database is to: a. decide how many articles are needed. b. determine the type of study. c. identify keywords for the search. d. perform a Google search.

C

22. A researcher administers a scale measuring self-confidence and one measuring self-doubt to a group of subjects and performs a correlational analysis of the results. This is a test of validity from: a. contrasting groups. b. convergence. c. divergence. d. readability.

C

22. A researcher develops a study to examine the effects of Keep Yourself Safe Screening (KYSS) on the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study level of significance is 0.05. The null hypothesis, that KYSS will have no effect on IPV, is found to be true. When reviewing the study for Type II errors, the reviewer understands that: a. a level of significance of 0.01 would decrease the risk of a Type II error. b. the level of significance does not affect the chance of a Type II error. c. there is a 5% chance that the null hypothesis is false. d. there is a 5% chance that the null hypothesis is true.

C

22. A researcher wishes to examine whether a teaching program for parents increases adherence to a drug regimen among children with seizure disorders. A convenience sample of children in a large teaching hospital is proposed. In order to prevent confounding of the results by socioeconomic status and type of health insurance, the researcher will utilize which additional sampling technique? a. Cluster b. Network c. Quota d. Theoretical

C

22. Which will the researcher use to display the concepts and relationships in a theoretical framework? a. Construct b. Graph c. Model d. Theory

C

23. How is theory tested in quantitative research? a. Assumptions about the theoretical framework are evaluated. b. Concepts become more clearly defined as they are tested. c. Relationships among concepts are tested. d. The entire theory is proven or disproven.

C

23. In a data set that has a normal distribution what percent of scores will be within two standard deviations above or below the mean? a. 34 b. 68 c. 95 d. 99

C

23. Prior to initiating a research study, a researcher conducts a power analysis to determine the sample size necessary for a power level of 0.8 and an alpha of .05. The researcher will: a. apply a quota sampling technique to improve generalizability. b. decrease the sample size to minimize costs. c. increase the sample size to avoid a Type II error. d. use stratified random sampling to minimize error.

C

24. An operational definition of a variable or concept ensures that the variable or concept will be: a. given theoretical meaning. b. linked to other variables or concepts. c. measured or manipulated. d. understood in context of a theoretical framework.

C

24. What is the researcher-participant relationship in qualitative research? a. Attaching personal meanings of the researcher to subjects responses b. Controlling subjects responses by stating the aims of the study c. Creating empathetic and honest relationships with study subjects d. Keeping a distance to avoid skewing research findings

C

24. Which situation may allow waiving the need to obtain written consent for participation in a research study? a. The researcher is conducting an informal study about heart disease. b. The researcher is using questionnaires to collect data about suicide risk. c. The subjects do not want documentation linking them to the study. d. The subjects desire complete anonymity in the study.

C

25. A researcher will conduct a qualitative study about partners of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases. This researcher will use which sampling technique to achieve the best representation of this population? a. Accidental sampling b. Cluster sampling c. Network sampling d. Simple random sampling

C

25. In a research proposal, when describing a research design, the researcher would include: a. discussion of a theoretical framework. b. evaluation of the researchers expertise. c. methods for measurement of variables. d. purpose of the study.

C

25. The concept of degrees of freedom refers to: a. the level of significance for a study. b. the standard deviation from the mean among data. c. the variability of a given score based on other scores. d. whether statistical analysis is one- or two-tailed.

C

26. A researcher performs a critical appraisal of a group of studies measuring the effects of a home care education program on confidence levels of caregivers of elderly family members. The critical appraisal will include: a. determining the theoretical frameworks used for defining confidence. b. identifying sampling and inclusion criteria used in the studies. c. making value judgments about the credibility and validity of concepts. d. recording quotations relevant to the concept of confidence.

C

26. In a study measuring oxygen saturation levels in infants, the researcher notes that data collectors record low saturation levels that occur when the heart rate is erratic and the infants are irritable and actively moving around. This will likely result in which type of measurement error? a. Environmental b. Equipment c. Interpretation d. User

C

26. In order to attribute causality of a posttest measure in an experimental study, the independent variable will be: a. administered to control group subjects only. b. administered to subjects selected by the researcher. c. administered to treatment group subjects. d. defined loosely to avoid bias.

C

26. Which is true about the evaluation of study variables in a critical appraisal of a research study? a. It is not necessary to identify whether the measures are nominal, ordinal, ratio, or interval. b. The reviewer will be concerned only with the reliability of measures in the current study. c. The reviewer will identify the names and authors of the measurement strategies. d. The reviewer will make sure research variables are defined conceptually but not operationally.

C

27. Which is an example of falsification in research? a. Citing work by another researcher and claiming it as ones own. b. Making up statistics about the incidence of reactions to an intervention. c. Omitting data about a subject that disproves the researchers hypothesis. d. Using data gained without the consent of the research subjects.

C

28. A researcher investigates how nurses in a rural hospital regard the importance of asthma education using an ethnographic approach. Why was this approach appropriate? a. To find out what it was like for nurses to provide this education b. To explore the theoretical basis of asthma education c. To improve understanding of how these nurses define asthma education d. To look at the history of asthma education to shed light on current practice

C

28. What is the focus of a critical appraisal of qualitative research studies? a. Completeness of the literature review b. Conceptual and operational definition of variables c. Integrity of study design and methods d. Validity of study measures

C

28. Which is true about a test that is highly sensitive for detecting a disease? a. There is a high probability of having a false negative result. b. There is a high probability of having a false positive result. c. There is a low probability of having a false negative result. d. There is a low probability of having a false positive result.

C

28. Which type of variable is used in a descriptive study? a. Dependent variable b. Independent variable c. Research variable d. Treatment variable

C

29. In a literature review, the author identifies themes present in articles under review and describes connections among these themes. This is an example of: a. analysis. b. appraisal. c. synthesis. d. theorizing.

C

29. In a quasi-experimental study using a convenience sample of subjects from a local high school, the researcher asks potential subjects to volunteer for placement in either a low sugar diet program or a regular sugar diet program. This technique for assigning participation may compromise: a. construct validity. b. external validity. c. internal validity. d. statistical conclusion validity.

C

3. A researcher wishes to conduct a survey of attitudes about illness among young adults with cystic fibrosis. The researcher contacts a nearby regional medical cystic fibrosis clinic, where 250 young adults who have cystic fibrosis are seen. A group of 50 young adults are selected to complete the survey. These 50 people are the: a. accessible population. b. elements of the population. c. sample population. d. target population.

C

3. A reviewer reading a proposal for a qualitative research study notes that the author has not included a literature review. The reviewer understands that a literature review may have been omitted in this case because: a. it is not necessary to conduct a literature review for qualitative research. b. qualitative research is conducted to study areas where there is no previous knowledge. c. some researchers feel that previous studies may bias data collection in qualitative studies. d. the researcher was not adequately prepared to conduct this research study.

C

3. How do practicing nurses participate in critical appraisal of research? a. By adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines and best practices b. By presenting findings from their own outcomes research c. By questioning the quality, credibility, and meaning of studies d. By reading research journals to keep current in knowledge and practice

C

3. What is true about phenomena in qualitative research? a. Human behavior is generally the result of the direct influence of independent variables. b. Knowledge gained by qualitative research is concrete and derived from statistical data. c. Multiple realities are possible based on meanings created by individuals and groups. d. Time and context have very little influence on individual or group perspectives.

C

3. When writing a proposal for a research study, the researcher includes a problem statement that serves to: a. define the specific focus of a study. b. describe what is known about the research problem. c. identify a gap in knowledge needed for practice. d. indicate the importance of the problem to nursing.

C

30. A researcher begins with a registry of all patients with HIV in the United States. The researcher uses a computer to generate a random sample from the list, and then those individuals agree to participate in a study. What kind of sample has been created? a. Cluster b. Convenience c. Simple random d. Stratified random

C

30. To reduce or eliminate the influence of environmental variables on study results, the researcher may: a. completely describe all environmental settings encountered in the study. b. discuss these variables in the study results. c. use a research unit in a hospital or laboratory. d. use a qualitative study design to conduct the study.

C

31. A screening test has a specificity of 92%. This means that there is a(n): a. 92% chance of a true positive. b. 92% chance of a false positive. c. 8% chance of a false positive. d. 8% chance of a true positive.

C

31. The purpose of a study abstract is to: a. describe the reason for conducting the study. b. outline the theoretical framework that defines the study. c. summarize a study concisely and capture the readers attention. d. summarize previous research about the studys topic.

C

36. A researcher describes phrases and terms discovered in a qualitative study and describes and links these with various themes. This is an example of: a. coding the data. b. describing the data. c. dwelling with the data. d. interpreting the data.

D

31. When developing the outline for a literature review, the researchers first step is to: a. describe the focus or purpose of the review in the discussion section. b. include a statement about what is known in the literature. c. make notes about which sources to site in each section. d. use a standardized format to outline subsections in the discussion section.

C

32. In a study investigating type 2 diabetic patients ability to make lifestyle changes, the researcher randomly selects a sample from a list of all patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the United States. The researcher also selects the sample by randomly selecting patients diagnosed for 3 years or longer and those who are newly diagnosed. What sampling technique is used in this study? a. Cluster b. Quota c. Stratified random d. Systematic

C

34. A researcher collects the following scores on a set of ranked data. Which is the median score? a. 2 b. 5 c. 6 d. 7 e. 10 f. 15 g. 18 h. 21 a. 7 b. 10 c. 8.5 d. 10.5

C

34. Which type of setting is most commonly used in qualitative research? a. Controlled b. Multiple c. Natural d. Partially controlled

C

35. Once a qualitative study has been evaluated for credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability, the study is considered to be: a. generalizable. b. reliable. c. trustworthy. d. valid.

C

35. What is the mean value in the following set of scores? a. 128 b. 128 c. 130 d. 135 e. 144 a. 128 b. 130 c. 133 d. 132.8

C

35. Which type of research uses a less formal method of reporting data? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological

C

37. While reviewing transcripts of interviews conducted for a qualitative study, the researcher appraises the data for congruence with the philosophical perspective of the study. This is an example of: a. perspective. b. reliability. c. rigor. d. validity.

C

38. In a research proposal, a statement about expected relationships among variables is the: a. conceptual definition. b. operational definition. c. research hypothesis. d. research problem.

C

38. What is the purpose of qualitative research? a. To allow researchers to interject their own values into studies b. To describe data that cannot be measured or quantified c. To describe experiences and insight from the subjects perspective d. To establish causal relationships among subjective data

C

39. Which type of variable is manipulated by the researcher? a. Demographic b. Dependent c. Independent d. Research

C

4. Among subjects with coronary artery disease, a researcher identifies three levels of symptoms which can be categorized by severity. This represents which level of measurement? a. Interval b. Nominal c. Ordinal d. Ratio

C

4. The nurse reviews a study in which adherence to an asthma action plan is compared among groups of adolescents who received different asthma education. Which research method does this represent? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction

C

4. Which statement is true about a descriptive study design? a. It is not possible to operationally define variables in this type of study. b. Sample selection and size cannot be controlled in descriptive studies. c. This type of design is used to identify problems occurring in practice. d. Variables may be manipulated to avoid bias in this type of study.

C

40. A researcher uses film footage to collect data in which type of research? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological

C

40. Which is true about the variance for scores in a data set? a. A larger variance value usually indicates a smaller dispersion of scores. b. It can be calculated for nominal scores. c. The calculated score has no absolute value. d. The variance indicates the range of scores.

C

41. Which is true about rigor in qualitative research? a. Data should be interpreted according to the initial expectations of the researcher. b. Findings of the study should be generalizable to a larger population. c. Studies are evaluated based on design detail and thoroughness of evaluation. d. There is no method for judging rigor in qualitative research.

C

44. A researcher analyzes scores from two studies in which patients temperatures were measured after antipyretic medications are given. One study measures temperatures in centigrade and the other in Fahrenheit. The researcher will: a. calculate standard deviation measures for each study using their scale values. b. compile all data regardless of scale and calculate measures of central tendency. c. determine a Z-score and then calculate measures of central tendency. d. realize that studies using different measures cannot be compared.

C

45. Which is true about a Z-score? a. It identifies the confidence interval for a group of data. b. It is a method for calculating variance . c. It is a standardized score used when data measures use different scales. d. It represents the median data point in any set of data.

C

46. A researcher presents data to examine the relationship between income and weight and uses a scatterplot to display the results. The researcher places income level intervals along the vertical line in the graph. The reviewer knows that: a. data about income represent the independent variable b. income data are presented along the X axis. c. the plot will show whether the relationship is negative or positive. d. weight values will occur along the Y axis.

C

47. A researcher wishes to display scores representing the relationship between two variables. Which will the researcher use? a. Grouped data table b. Pie chart c. Scatterplots d. Z-score

C

48. Which is true about a correlational analysis technique? a. It is most desirable for small samples with homogeneous scores. b. It is used to determine cause and effect among sets of variables. c. It measures the relationship among variables. d. It usually involves comparing data from two subjects.

C

5. The ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice are considered essential elements in research involving human subjects. In which document are these principles identified? a. Declaration of Helsinki b. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare regulations c. National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects in the Belmont Report d. Nuremberg Code

C

5. The nurse participates in data collection for a clinical drug trial in which subjects are randomly assigned to either a treatment or a placebo group to measure the effects of the drug on a specific outcome. This is which type of study? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental

C

51. A researcher calculates a Pearson product-moment coefficient of 0.2. The reviewer understands that this value represents: a. a moderate positive correlation. b. a moderate negative correlation. c. a weak positive correlation. d. a weak negative correlation.

C

53. Clinicians now can calculate a persons myocardial infarction risk by evaluating several known risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and diabetes. This is possible because of: a. bivariate correlation analysis b. factor analysis. c. multiple regression analysis. d. simple linear regression analysis.

C

55. Which circumstance will call for the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA)? a. A researcher wishes to compare differences in means between four groups b. A researcher wishes to compare the difference in variance between two groups c. A researcher wishes to compare the difference in variance among four groups d. A researcher wishes to compare the difference in correlation between two groups.

C

57. In a study comparing weight gain between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants who were breastfed and SGA infants who were fed formula, researchers noted increased weight gain in infants who were held more regardless of how they were fed. This finding is an example of a: a. mixed result. b. nonsignificant result. c. serendipitous result. d. significant result.

C

6. A nurse researcher will measure the effects of infant and parent bonding on infant weight gain in the first 6 months of life. The nurse will evaluate the number of times each day that the parent holds the infant. This measure is an example of a(n): a. abstract idea. b. concept. c. concrete idea. d. penomenon

C

6. An appropriate level of significance for nursing research is either: a. 0.5 or 0.1. b. 0.03 or 0.003. c. 0.05 or 0.01. d. 0.005 or 0.001.

C

6. The development of the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set and the Universal Minimum Health Data Set was helped by: a. establishing guidelines for outcomes research. b. identifying the contribution of nursing care to patient outcomes. c. prescribing data elements to be monitored in outcomes research. d. reporting financial and statistical data from hospitals.

C

7. If a researcher wishes to describe variables and to examine many relationships in a study, which type of study design will the researcher employ? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Descriptive correlational d. Descriptive cross-sectional

C

7. When conducting research to study medical devices for human use, the nurse researcher must comply with the Department of Health and Human Services human subjects regulations as well as regulations put forth by the: a. American Nurses Association b. Code of Federal Regulations c. Food and Drug Administration d. Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethics

C

7. Which source of information is rarely cited in academic publications? a. Conference proceedings b. Dissertation or thesis c. Encyclopedia d. Textbooks

C

8. How are study results utilized to develop evidence for practice? a. Only evidence and data from strong studies are used. b. Only quantitative studies are used to build evidence c. Strong points from multiple studies are used to build evidence. d. Studies must be replicated successfully to be used for evidence.

C

8. To safeguard the right to self-determination among research subjects, the researcher will ensure that subjects: a. are afforded anonymity to the researcher and the reader. b. are allowed to choose whether to be in a control or a study group. c. may choose whether or not to participate in a study. d. receive a large monetary reward for participating in the study.

C

8. When determining the reliability of a website resource in a literature review, it is important to determine: a. accessibility of the website information. b. costs of retrieving website information. c. sponsorship of website information. d. whether website information is also published conventionally.

C

9. A researcher theorizes a set of relationships among concepts used to describe why patients with chronic illness are often depressed. To test the accuracy of these hypothesized relationships, which type of study will be used? a. Descriptive correlational b. Grounded theory c. Model testing d. Predictive correlational

C

9. A review of empirical literature will yield information obtained from: a. concept analyses. b. descriptions of models and frameworks. c. research studies. d. theories.

C

9. In which type of research study does the researcher have the most control? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental

C

9. The nurse researcher states that a research purpose is to measure the effects of bar code medication administration on medication errors. This is a study purpose for which type of research? a. Correlational b. Grounded theory c. Outcomes d. Quasi-experimental

C

9. Under Ada Sue Hinshaw, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) began to change its focus to: a. funding nursing rather than medical research. b. evaluating outcomes rather than process studies. c. increasing the status and funding for nursing research. d. supporting the dissemination of nursing research.

C

9. What is the purpose of using exploratory analysis in a research report? a. To compare control and experimental groups b. To develop testable hypotheses c. To examine and describe data d. To identify theoretical constructs

C

9. What is true about a meta-analysis? a. It helps to determine whether studies should be replicated. b. It identifies and appraises previous research. c. It pools results from previous studies into a single quantitative analysis. d. It replicates previous studies to confirm statistical results.

C

13. What will the reviewer assess when critically appraising a study framework? a. How the variables and concepts are evaluated and measured b. What the research hypothesis is and how it was developed c. Whether the literature review is complete d. Whether the study variables link to key concepts

D

36. The author of a research report describes the research problem in order to: a. conceptualize the research project. b. guide the development of the study methods. c. determine the goals and focus of the study. d. identify gaps in knowledge.

D

1. The purpose of an institutional review board (IRB) in a university or clinical agency is to: a. approve funding for studies based on ethical standards. b. critically appraise ethical aspects of published studies. c. define ethical standards for the institution. d. protect the human rights of subjects in proposed studies.

D

1. Which is true about evidence-based practice? a. Evidence-based guidelines are unrelated to accreditation regulations. b. Evidence-based practice is determined only through experimental studies. c. Most nursing interventions are based on evidence-based principles. d. The use of evidence-based practice results in improved patient outcomes.

D

1. Which situation will involve the use of inferential statistics? a. A comparison of independent variables in a quasi-experimental study b. A discussion about demographic data c. An analysis of demographic variables of the target population d. An examination of the differences between control and experimental group scores

D

10. An emphasis of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Hospital Designation Program for Excellence in Nursing is: a. research and development of clinical practice guidelines. b. putting qualitative research into practice in clinical settings. c. using standard nursing care plans based on outcomes research. d. utilizing evidence-based practice in nursing.

D

10. What is an important limitation of secondary sources in literature reviews? a. The authors do not have high levels of expertise. b. They are usually not peer-reviewed sources. c. They do not contain unique or original information. d. They may contain misinterpreted information.

D

11. A study yielding negative results is withheld for publication for several years, contributing to which type of bias? a. Citation bias b. Location bias c. Outcome-reporting bias d. Time-lag bias

D

11. In a position statement in 2006, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) identified a need to: a. acquire clinical knowledge and expertise. b. focus on evidence-based practice. c. fund academic nursing research. d. prepare a workforce of nurse scientists.

D

11. What is important to assess when critically appraising a literature review? a. If previous studies support the research problem b. If textbooks are included in the reference list c. What sources are used to provide study funding d. Whether relevant studies are discussed

D

11. When reviewing articles in a peer-reviewed publication, the reader is assured that the articles are: a. landmark studies. b. primary sources. c. seminal studies. d. trustworthy sources.

D

11. Which is an important characteristic of a variable? a. It is broad and encompasses several ideas. b. It is constant from one instance to another. c. It is less specific than a concept. d. It is measurable and changeable.

D

13. A researcher conducts a quasi-experimental study to determine whether there is appropriate weight gain among premature infants who are fed according to cue-based protocols. The researcher trained neonatal intensive care nurses to apply cue-based feeding to orally fed infants and notes a statistical difference in weight gain between infants fed according to cue-based protocols and those fed according to standard protocols. The reviewer critiquing the study notes that not all nurses completed the cue-based feeding module. This would affect which type of validity? a. Construct validity b. External validity c. Internal validity d. Statistical conclusion validity

D

13. What is true about grounded theory research? a. It is a method used to quantify theoretical constructs in theory development. b. It is used to further research in areas where much concrete data is already known. c. Study designs use a theoretical basis to develop the research questions. d. Theory is developed from the data collected during the research.

D

13. What is true about reporting the mean difference between two groups in a meta-analysis? a. It is a measure of differences between nominal data for the two groups. b. It is an estimate of the effect of differences between the two groups of subjects. c. It is not used to examine differences in ratio-level data. d. It is appropriate only when the same scale is used to measure outcomes.

D

8. A researcher uses a sample whose members have characteristics similar to those of the population from which it is drawn. This is an example of a: a. cluster sample. b. purposive sample. c. random sample. d. representative sample.

D

14. Identify the independent variable in the following hypothesis: Mothers of infants born with spina bifida who participate in support groups report higher levels of confidence when caring for their infants than do mothers who do not participate in support groups. a. Confidence in caring for their infants b. Infants with spina bifida c. Mothers of infants with spina bifida d. Support group participation

D

14. In a meta-analysis, a researcher wishes to examine differences in temperatures of subjects in two groups but notes that one study uses a centigrade scale and the other study uses a Fahrenheit scale. Which statistic will the researcher apply in this case? a. Dichotomous data reporting b. Funnel plot c. Mean difference d. Standardized mean difference

D

14. In a study about childhood obesity, the researcher discusses the concept of overweight in terms of weight for height measures, body mass index (BMI), body image, self-esteem, and social norms. The researcher states that a BMI > the 95th percentile represents overweight. This statement is a(n): a. conceptual definition. b. dependent variable. c. independent variable. d. operational definition.

D

14. Which is an example of a distal outcome in outcomes research? a. Glucose monitoring skills in patients receiving diabetic teaching b. Hospital readmission rates in patients admitted for myocardial infarction c. Pain scores before and after pain medication d. Patient perception of tobacco advertising among COPD patients

D

15. Through knowledge gained from her phenomenological qualitative study identifying levels of experience of professional nurses, Patricia Benner would identify which nurse as an expert? a. A hospice nurse who values the unique wishes of each patient when providing palliative care. b. A medical-surgical nurse who organizes care for a group of patients to ensure timely administration of medications. c. A neonatal intensive care nurse who is skilled in inserting peripherally inserted central catheters. d. A pediatric nurse who notes subtle changes and intervenes to prevent respiratory failure.

D

15. When using stratified random sampling, the researcher is able to: a. achieve greater control over subject selection. b. avoid discussion of the effects of extraneous variables. c. lower the costs associated with sampling. d. use a smaller sample size.

D

16. A nurse uses a care map to guide nursing interventions for patients with COPD. This is an example of using: a. evidence-based practice. b. practice patterns. c. practice styles. d. standards of care.

D

16. A researcher evaluates data from a variety of studies, including those involving qualitative and quantitative research, and uses findings from qualitative studies to interpret synthesized quantitative studies. This is an example of: a. meta-synthesis. b. mixed-method synthesis. c. multilevel synthesis. d. parallel synthesis.

D

16. When appraising a literature review, one aspect of determining the breadth of the review is: a. whether the review provides direction for the proposed study. b. the number and percentages of sources from the past 5 to 10 years. c. whether landmark or seminal studies have been used. d. the disciplines of the study authors and journals cited in the review.

D

16. Which qualitative study will call for an exploratory-descriptive study approach? a. An evaluation of clinical outcomes of standard nursing interventions b. An examination of the effects of a treatment on various ethnic groups c. A review of data in order to evaluate theoretical constructs d. A study on a topic about which little is known or understood

D

17. The statement, Do patients who receive care in a Patient-Centered Medical Home have fewer emergency department visits than those who do not? is an example of a research: a. aim. b. hypothesis. c. method. d. question.

D

17. Which statement is true about the hypothesis in a research study? a. It clearly identifies concepts. b. It is written at a higher level of abstraction than a general proposition. c. It is not testable. d. It makes a statement about specific relationships among variables.

D

18. A researcher conducts a pilot study using a convenience sample of children with seizure disorders. A reviewer of this studys manuscript may conclude that the findings of this study: a. are generalizable to most children with seizures. b. have little credibility; they are extremely biased. c. provide no useful information. d. should be replicated using a wider population.

D

19. A researcher wishes to conduct a study of a small number of subjects on a large hospital intensive care unit. To minimize problems associated with extraneous variables in the study setting, the researcher will: a. ensure double-blind data collection methods. b. randomly assign subjects to treatment and control groups. c. test the reliability of study measures. d. train a small number of nurses to administer the intervention.

D

19. A reviewer reads through a study from beginning to end, noting whether the title and abstract are clear, if relevant terms are defined, and if the introduction, methods, results, and discussion are plainly identified. This represents which part of a critical appraisal? a. Analysis of the study methods b. Comprehension of the study outcomes c. Evaluation of the literature review d. Identification of the steps of the research process

D

19. Which research discipline seeks to develop practical applications based on research knowledge? a. Meta-analysis b. Meta-synthesis c. Rigorous experimental studies d. Translational research

D

2. A researcher administers a written test to evaluate knowledge of insulin administration and glucose monitoring to a group of subjects at annual intervals over the next decade. This is an example of which type of study design? a. Correlational b. Cross-sectional c. Descriptive d. Longitudinal

D

2. A researcher wishes to evaluate the management of chemotherapy side effects in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Children with ALL are an example of which of the following? a. Accessible population b. Element of the population c. Sample population d. Target population

D

2. What is the key construct in Donabedians theory of outcomes research? a. Efficiency of health care delivery b. Healthy outcomes c. Professional accountability d. Quality of care

D

2. What is the purpose of a limited research review? a. To allow the reader to become familiar with the research problem b. To develop an initial pilot study prior to a more in-depth study c. To direct the planning and execution of a study d. To identify studies published after a study is performed

D

20. A researcher plans to apply a one-tailed test of significance when analyzing data from a study. Which is true about using this test? a. The researcher will be unable to predict whether differences are greater than or less than the mean value. b. This is a nondirectional hypothesis, so values will not have a tendency to vary in a specific direction. c. This may increase the possibility of a Type I error when evaluating the significance of the findings. d. This will decrease the possibility of a Type II error when drawing conclusions about the data.

D

20. The level of theory often derived from evidence-based guidelines is: a. grand theory. b. grounded theory. c. mid-range theory. d. practice theory.

D

20. When conducting historical research about the experiences of women refugees from the Sudan, the researcher interviews women who served as nurses among this population. These nurses represent: a. control group subjects. b. experimental group subjects. c. primary data sources. d. secondary data sources.

D

21. A nurse identifies an unusual incidence of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in school-age children in a nearby community and conducts a study to examine exposure to a variety of water pollutants from a local industry. This is an example of a: a. phenomenological study. b. qualitative study. c. prospective cohort study. d. retrospective cohort study.

D

21. A researcher conducts a review of relevant literature prior to developing a research study in order to: a. avoid duplication of research ideas. b. determine which theoretical framework is best adapted to the research problem. c. determine which type of study would be most cost-effective. d. identify what is known and unknown about a particular problem.

D

21. An important measure to decrease threats to internal validity in an experimental study is to: a. apply the intervention consistently. b. improve the precision of measurement methods. c. increase the sample size. d. randomly assign subjects to study groups.

D

22. A researcher conducts a study to evaluate the frequency of intimate partner violence among females treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). When collecting data, which action may be problematic when protecting subjects rights? a. Allowing subjects to decline participation in the study b. Approaching all patients who meet eligibility requirements c. Identifying subjects with numbers instead of names d. Instructing subjects to complete every item on the questionnaire

D

22. During a critical appraisal of a research study, the reviewer determines that a study about blood glucose monitoring of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus has implications for patients with type 2 diabetes. The reviewer will determine this during which phase of the research critique? a. Analysis b. Comparison c. Comprehension d. Evaluation

D

23. After a literature search has yielded a list of articles, an efficient way to identify relevant studies during a literature search is to review: a. an electronic database search history. b. only experimental studies. c. reference lists in other studies. d. study abstracts.

D

23. The statistical (null) hypothesis in a research study states that there is: a. a causal relationship between variables. b. a statistically significant relationship between variables. c. an implied relationship between variables. d. no relationship between variables.

D

24. A reviewer performs a critical appraisal of a study and notes that the researcher conducted a previous pilot study. The reviewer will: a. discount any findings not congruent with the pilot study. b. ensure that the larger study and pilot study used identical data collection methods. c. ignore the findings of the pilot study because they are not relevant to this study. d. note whether the pilot study findings were used to design the current study.

D

24. When documenting reports that previous research has demonstrated the accuracy of a physiologic measure, the researcher is addressing the measures: a. equivalence. b. homogeneity. c. reliability. d. validity.

D

24. Which is an important feature of a testable hypothesis? a. It may differ from the variables and population identified in the research purpose. b. Methods of sampling, measurement, and data analysis are included in the hypothesis statement. c. Relationships among the study variables must be causative. d. Variables in a testable hypothesis are measurable or able to be manipulated.

D

25. In a study evaluating pulse oximetry measures in infants, a researcher notes that the pulse oximeter probes are attached to infants feet in different ways. This represents which type of measurement error? a. Environmental b. Equipment c. Subject d. User

D

25. What is not necessary for a reviewer to include in a critical appraisal when evaluating study sampling methods? a. Characteristics of the sample b. Eligibility criteria c. Sample attrition d. Study setting

D

25. Which federal agency was established to manage investigations of misconduct in research? a. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW) b. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) c. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) d. Office of Research Integrity (ORI)

D

26. A researcher makes an honest error when tabulating and analyzing research findings. According to the Office of Research Integrity, this constitutes: a. fabrication. b. falsification. c. misrepresentation. d. no misconduct.

D

26. A researcher wishes to study the effects of a low-fat diet on self-esteem, weight, and energy levels among obese women over age 40. Which is the independent variable in this study? a. Low-fat diet b. Obesity c. Self-esteem, weight, and energy levels d. Women over 40

D

35. Which is true about a statement of the research purpose? a. It describes the background for the subject of the research study. b. It includes a discussion of the significance of the study. c. It includes the research problem statement. d. It provides a concise description of the studys focus.

D

27. A reviewer critically appraises a study. Which aspect of the review indicates a weakness in the study? a. The conceptual definitions of variables are consistent with operational definitions. b. The literature review identifies what is known and not known about the problem. c. The researcher identifies and discusses threats to design validity. d. The statement of purpose provides a broad, general focus for the study.

D

27. Assuming a normal distribution, what range of numbers would include two thirds of the scores if they ranged from 50 to 99, M = 75, and SD = 5? Between: a. 55 and 95 b. 65 and 85 c. 68 and 82 d. 70 and 80

D

27. In a study to examine the effects of a newly modified anxiety-reducing nursing action on a group of subjects who have cancer, the control group will receive: a. an alternative intervention. b. no intervention. c. the newly modified intervention. d. the standard intervention.

D

27. To analyze a body of literature in a literature review the reviewer will: a. describe the findings of each study in the literature review. b. list the studies and itemize the findings of each one. c. make value judgments about the credibility of each study. d. synthesize and summarize findings from various studies.

D

28. A researcher combines data from another researchers study along with data from the reported study in graphs without noting the source of the data. This is an example of: a. an honest error. b. fabrication. c. falsification. d. plagiarism.

D

28. During the data collection phase of a qualitative study, the researcher notes previously untheorized links among concepts. The researcher will continue to collect data until: a. a quota of each subject type is achieved. b. saturation of information is noted. c. the desired sample size is attained. d. verification of information occurs.

D

29. A researcher will present demographic data about ethnicity, gender, and diagnoses about a study population using which method? a. Continuous frequency distribution b. Grouped frequency distribution c. Percentage frequency distribution d. Ungrouped frequency distribution

D

3. The nurse evaluates a research study that examines the relationship between computer and television screen time and obesity. A correlational analysis reveals a correlation of +0.95. What can the nurse conclude about the relationship between these two variables? a. An increase in screen time causes obesity. b. An increase in obesity leads to increased screen time. c. Screen time and obesity vary in opposite directions. d. Screen time and obesity vary together.

D

3. The nurse is participating in a study and is collecting data identifying the number of obese adults whose parents were also obese or overweight. Which research method is being used in this study? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction

D

3. When addressing a health care question to determine best practice, the nurse identifies and appraises quality research using a structured, comprehensive synthesis of the research literature to determine the best research evidence available. This is an example of a: a. literature review b. meta-analysis. c. meta-synthesis. d. systematic review.

D

30. A researcher reviews several articles about coping skills among parents of children with chronic illness and notes that half of the studies involved single-parent families. The researcher decides to examine whether coping skills differ in single-parent versus dual-parent households. The researcher is engaging in: a. analyzing. b. appraising. c. evaluating. d. synthesizing.

D

30. Which type of study is considered strongest for testing the effectiveness of an intervention? a. Experimental b. Pretest/Posttest c. Quasi-experimental d. Randomized controlled trial

D

31. When a data set has a normal distribution curve, which statement is true about the data? a. The mean is the lowest value. b. The median is the highest value. c. The mode is the central value. d. The mode, median, and mean are equal values.

D

32. The concluding sentence of each paragraph in a literature review: a. describes relevant studies that support the theme of the paragraph. b. identifies the main themes of the paragraph. c. provides evidence to support the topic of the paragraph. d. transitions to the ideas expressed in the following paragraph.

D

32. Which describes the mode of a data set? a. The appropriate measure of central tendency for interval data b. The appropriate measure of central tendency for ordinal data c. The exact center of scores for nominal data d. The score value occurring with greatest frequency

D

32. Which is important when using observational measurement in order to produce reliable data? a. Data collectors will record observations in their own words. b. Each subject should have different observers to record responses. c. Observations will be spontaneously recorded as they occur. d. Researchers will develop checklists of notable behaviors for observers to use.

D

33. In order to decrease the time needed to achieve saturation in information in a qualitative study, the researcher will: a. broaden the scope of the study. b. increase the number of theoretical concepts. c. keep definitions of concepts vague. d. narrow the studys scope.

D

33. Which is true about data analysis in a qualitative study? a. It has very little structure. b. It is unnecessary in qualitative studies. c. It requires less time than with quantitative analysis. d. It should be consistent with the philosophical method of the study.

D

34. To learn whether there is a statistically significant difference between the control group and the experimental group in a study, the nurse would review which section of the research report? a. Introduction b. Methods c. Purpose d. Results

D

35. A nurse researcher compares the outcomes of administration of a bronchodilator either via nebulizer or by metered-dose inhaler and collects data on subjects in a pediatric inpatient hospital unit. This is an example of which type of setting? a. Controlled b. Field c. Natural d. Partially controlled

D

37. Which is true about a research hypothesis? a. It defines the various research variables and describes how they will be measured. b. It explains the relationship of the research purpose to theory development. c. It includes the research problem, purpose, and research questions. d. It links the research problem statement to the study design and data analysis.

D

39. How are findings from qualitative studies used to add to the body of nursing knowledge? a. Findings are useful only for describing study subjects. b. Findings may be generalized to a wide variety of population groups. c. Findings provide a broad overview from which meaning is derived. d. Findings reveal meanings that can be used to develop theory.

D

39. Which is true about the measure of a data sets range? a. It is an average score. b. It is calculated using central scores. c. It is determined only for interval level data. d. It is sensitive to outliers in a data set.

D

4. A researcher conducts a qualitative study and learns that individuals have a variety of reactions to an event. What can the researcher conclude from this finding? a. The findings are interesting, but are not useful for theory development. b. The reactions described in this study may be generalized to a larger population. c. The study has little significance since there is no well-defined single outcome. d. The variety of reactions is expected since perception varies with individuals.

D

4. A researcher wishes to conduct a study to determine the effects of an intervention on high school students. In this study, high school students represent the: a. accessible population. b. elements of the population c. sample population d. target population.

D

4. After the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW) regulations were published in 1973, all research using human subjects was required to: a. avoid using subjects who were ill, mentally impaired, or dying. b. obtain informed consent from all subjects prior to enrollment in a study. c. review only studies in which risk of harm to subjects is especially high. d. undergo full institutional review to examine risks and benefits to subjects.

D

4. In a research proposal, the researcher states that the proposed study will explore childrens feelings about chemotherapy side effects. This statement describes the: a. problem background. b. problem significance. c. research problem. d. research purpose.

D

4. In which type of research does the researcher seek to examine causal relationships among variables without being able to manipulate the variables? a. Descriptive b. Correlational c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental

D

4. It is important to know the demographic variables among study subjects in order to: a. calculate central tendency and standard deviation of study scores. b. ensure that control and experimental subjects are different. c. ensure that outcomes are not caused by independent variables. d. understand how well the sample represents the target population.

D

4. When reviewing various theoretical frameworks, the nurse researcher identifies several viewpoints about how nurses should engage with terminally ill patients. These viewpoints represent: a. abstract ideas. b. assumptions. c. concrete ideas. d. philosophies.

D

5. A nurse manager is interested in learning which attitudes among staff nurses may indicate relative risk of needle-stick injuries. To study this, the nurse manager will employ which method of study? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction

D

5. A researcher evaluates the internal consistency (reliability) a newly developed scale used in a pilot study and notes a Cronbach alpha coefficient of space 0.72. The researcher will: a. compare the measure with scores from another group of subjects. b. test the scale for validity prior to using it in another study. c. try another measure with better reliability in another pilot study. d. use the scale in the larger study and continue to monitor coefficient results.

D

5. When reading a research article in a refereed journal, the nurse researcher is assured that the article: a. describes a study undergoing review. b. has been previously published. c. is printed in abstract form only. d. is of high quality and standards.

D

5. Which is included in a statement of a research study purpose? a. A description of gaps in knowledge about the research problem. b. A discussion of the significance of the research problem. c. A review of what is known about the research problem. d. A statement about how the research problem will be studied.

D

54. What is true about the chi-square test of independence? a. Chi-square test of independence results are important calculations in most studies. b. In a relatively small sample size, the chi-square test of independence can reduce the chance of a Type II error. c. The chi-square test of independence is a powerful test used to examine differences in studies with two subjects. d. The chi-square test of independence is used to determine whether two variables are related or independent.

D

6. A researcher conducts a study to examine the feelings of cancer patients at various points during their disease, including at diagnosis, when beginning chemotherapy, and during remission. Which type of study will the researcher use for this study? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded Theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological

D

6. A reviewer is asked to critically appraise a report to help determine whether funding will be allocated for a research study. This reviewer will be appraising a research: a. abstract. b. article. c. literature review. d. proposal.

D

6. A study measuring the effects of a new diuretic medication records hourly urine output of subjects. This measure represents which level of measurement? a. Interval b. Nominal c. Ordinal d. Ratio

D

8. A researcher reviews study data about head circumference in newborns and notes that study personnel are measuring from the end of the measuring tape and not from the zero point, which is 1 cm from the end. This is an example of which type of measurement error? a. Indirect b. Random c. Reliability d. Systematic

D

8. The development of nursing theories and conceptual models in the late 1960s and 1970s served to: a. determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions. b. establish the concept of evidence-based practice. c. provide funding for nursing research. d. provide direction for nursing research.

D

8. Which organization includes nursing-sensitive outcomes measures in its performance measurement portfolio? a. Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality b. Department of Health and Human Services c. National Guideline Clearinghouse d. National Quality Forum

D

8. Which statement is a research purpose for a correlational study? a. This study will compare the effects of an oral antidiabetic medication to effects of a placebo on glucose control in groups of randomly assigned subjects. b. This study will examine whether pre-appointment telephone reminders increase show rate among patients in an ambulatory well-patient clinic. c. This study will use direct observation to identify methods parents use to discipline children in public places. d. This study will use questionnaires and school transcripts to examine the relationship of dietary habits to grades among school-age children.

D

9. A researcher wishes to study the effects of preoperative teaching on anxiety levels among toddlers and preschoolers undergoing surgery. To reduce the potential for measurement error, the researcher will: a. ask study subjects to describe feelings of anxiety. b. develop a new tool to measure anxiety levels in children. c. rely on multiple observers to collect data for this study. d. use a standardized checklist of anxiety behaviors.

D

9. The National Quality Forum was established in 1999 for which purpose? a. To identify and develop nursing-sensitive quality measures b. To support state and health system efforts to implement and evaluate medical liability reform models c. To allow the AHRQ to expand its work supporting comparative effectiveness research d. To set standards for health care performance measures

D

9. The nurse researcher plans to evaluate self-care and its effects on disease prevention. The nurse identifies various health promotion activitiessuch as proper diet, exercise, and hours of sleep per nightas components of self-care. In this example, hours of sleep is a: a. concept. b. construct. c. theory. d. variable.

D