Chapter 17 Understanding Research Findings

Limitations of a study are often attributed to what? (Select all that apply.) a. Instruments b. Sampling methods c. Analysis d. Literature review

ANS: A, B, C Correct A: Instrument issues with reliability and validity may limit study findings. Correct B: Sampling methods, such as a convenience sample, may limit study findings. Correct C: Analysis techniques, such as inappropriate statistical tests, may limit study findings. Incorrect D: Limitations of a study are not specified in the literature review and are not often attributed to the literature review.

When presenting results, it is essential that investigators avoid what? (Select all that apply.) a. Opinion b. Bias c. Reactionary statements d. Data

ANS: A, B, C Correct A: Opinion should always be avoided; factual reporting is essential. Correct B: Bias in reporting is never consistent with research. Correct C: Reactionary statements are narrow minded and inconsistent with objective research. Incorrect D: Data are always presented in the results of studies.

How do tables and figures assist researchers to present the findings of studies? (Select all that apply.) a. They supplement the text. b. They repeat the text. c. They represent the results. d. They reproduce the results.

ANS: A, C Correct A: Tables and figures supplement the text. Correct C: Tables and figures represent the results. Incorrect B: Tables and figures avoid repeating the text. Incorrect D: Tables and figures do not reproduce or duplicate the results.

What types of explanation are provided by the visual presentations of a study's results? (Select all that apply.) a. Detailed b. Expanded c. Supplementary d. Overestimated

ANS: A, C Correct A: Visual presentations of a study's results, such as tables, provide detailed, concise, and supplementary information that enhances the textual results of a study. Correct C: Visual presentations of a study's results, such as tables, provide detailed, concise, and supplementary information that enhances the textual results of a study. Incorrect B: Visual presentations of a study's results, such as tables, provide detailed, concise, and supplementary information that enhances the textual results of a study. Expanded or inflated presentations are to be avoided. Incorrect D: This answer is not consistent with the intent of visual presentations of a study's results and exceeds the truth-in-reporting rule.

Characteristics of a good table include what? (Select all that apply.) a. It supplements and economizes the text. b. It repeats text frequently for added emphasis. c. It has precise titles and headings. d. It does not repeat the text. e. There is creativity in the presentation of data.

ANS: A, C, D Correct A: Supplementing and economizing the text are considered characteristic of a good table. Correct C: Precise titles and headings are considered characteristic of a good table. Correct D: A good table should not repeat the text. Incorrect B: Repeating the text is not considered a characteristic of a good table. Incorrect E: Although creativity is important, a creative presentation does not necessarily make a good table.

Which section of the report allows a nurse researcher to interpret the evidence provided? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: A Correct A: The results section will allow the nurse researcher to interpret the evidence provided. Incorrect B: The discussion section will not allow the nurse researcher to interpret the evidence provided. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to interpret evidence provided. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to interpret evidence provided.

Which section of the report allows a nurse researcher to report unforeseen events that occurred during the course of the study? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: A Correct A: The results section will allow the nurse researcher to report untoward events that occurred during the course of the study. Incorrect B: The discussion section will not allow the nurse researcher to report untoward events that occurred during the course of the study. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to report untoward events that occurred during the course of the study. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to report untoward events that occurred during the course of the study.

Which section of the report allows a nurse researcher to review all data, including data that are not significant? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: A Correct A: The results section will allow the nurse researcher to review all data, even data that are not significant. Incorrect B: The discussion section will not allow the nurse researcher to review all data, even data that are not significant. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to review all data, even data that are not significant. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to review all data, even data that are not significant.

Which section of the report allows a nurse researcher to review critical summary numbers for each test? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: A Correct A: The results section will allow the nurse researcher to review critical summary numbers for each test. Incorrect B: The discussion section will not allow the nurse researcher to review critical summary numbers for each test. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to review critical summary numbers for each test. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to review critical summary numbers for each test.

Which section of the report allows a nurse researcher to review reduction of data in the form of tables and figures? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: A Correct A: The results section will allow the nurse researcher to review reduction of data in the form of tables and figures. Incorrect B: The discussion section will not allow the nurse researcher to review reduction of data in the form of tables and figures. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to review reduction of data in the form of tables and figures. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to review reduction of data in the form of tables and figures.

Which section of the report allows a nurse researcher to review the descriptive and inferential statistics for each hypothesis or research question? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: A Correct A: The results section will allow the nurse researcher to review the descriptive and inferential statistics for each hypothesis or research question. Incorrect B: The discussion section will not allow the nurse researcher to review the descriptive and inferential statistics for each hypothesis or research question. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to review the descriptive and inferential statistics for each hypothesis or research question. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to review the descriptive and inferential statistics for each hypothesis or research question.

18. In which section of the report will the nurse researcher address additional findings? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: Additional findings are addressed in the discussion section. Incorrect A: The results section does not include addressing additional findings. Incorrect C: The literature review does not include addressing additional findings. Incorrect D: The methods section does not include addressing additional findings.

In which section of the report will the nurse researcher address applicability to practice and future research? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: Applicability to practice and future research is addressed in the discussion section. Incorrect A: The results section does not include addressing applicability to practice and future research. Incorrect C: The literature review does not include addressing applicability to practice and future research. Incorrect D: The methods section does not include addressing applicability to practice and future research.

How should researchers and reviewers accept statistical significance? a. With the belief that statistically significant results are the final word b. With the cautious regard for how results might apply to practice c. With the view that careful appraisal is necessary to apply results to theory d. With the idea that additional testing is not necessary

ANS: B Correct B: Caution or prudence is always warranted when reviewing the results of studies. Incorrect A: Even if results are statistically significant, reviewers should not believe they are the final word. Incorrect C: This response does not make sense. Incorrect D: Many quantitative studies require additional statistical testing.

Which section of the report allows the nurse researcher to address limitations or weaknesses of the study? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: Limitations or weaknesses of the study are addressed in the discussion section. Incorrect A: The results section does not include addressing limitations or weaknesses. Incorrect C: The literature review does not include addressing limitations or weaknesses. Incorrect D: The methods section does not include addressing limitations or weaknesses.

Which section of the report allows the nurse researcher to address support of the theoretical framework? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: Support of the theoretical framework is addressed in the discussion section. Incorrect A: The results section does not include addressing support of the theoretical framework. Incorrect C: The literature review does not include addressing support of the theoretical framework. Incorrect D: The methods section does not include addressing support of the theoretical framework.

In which section of the report does the nurse researcher address supported and unsupported data? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: Supported and unsupported data are addressed in the discussion section. Incorrect A: The results section does not include addressing supported and unsupported data. Incorrect C: The literature review does not include addressing supported and unsupported data. Incorrect D: The methods section does not include addressing supported and unsupported data.

Which section of the report allows the nurse researcher to determine if bias arose during the study? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: The discussion section allows the nurse researcher to determine whether any bias arose during the conduct of the study. Incorrect A: The results section does not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether any bias arose during the conduct of the study. Incorrect C: The literature review does not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether any bias arose during the conduct of the study. Incorrect D: The methods section does not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether any bias arose during the conduct of the study.

Which section of the report allows the nurse researcher to determine if data collection was consistent? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: The discussion section allows the nurse researcher to determine whether data collection was consistent and exhibited fidelity. Incorrect A: The results section does not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether data collection was consistent and exhibited fidelity. Incorrect C: The literature review does not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether data collection was consistent and exhibited fidelity. Incorrect D: The methods section does not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether data collection was consistent and exhibited fidelity

Which section of the report allows the nurse researcher to determine if instruments were reliable and valid? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: The discussion section allows the nurse researcher to determine whether instruments were reliable and valid. Incorrect A: The results section will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether instruments were reliable and valid. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether instruments were reliable and valid. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether instruments were reliable and valid.

The nurse researcher can determine if the sampling size was adequate in which section of the report? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: The discussion section allows the nurse researcher to determine whether sampling size was adequate. Incorrect A: The results section will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether sampling size was adequate. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether sampling size was adequate. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether sampling size was adequate.

The section of the report in which the nurse researcher determines if the theoretical thinking used was correct is called what? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: The discussion section allows the nurse researcher to determine whether theoretical thinking was correct. Incorrect A: The results section will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether theoretical thinking was correct. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether theoretical thinking was correct. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to determine whether theoretical thinking was correct.

Which section of the report allows the nurse researcher to discuss the analysis choices? a. Results b. Discussion c. Literature review d. Methods

ANS: B Correct B: The discussion section allows the nurse researcher to discuss the analysis choices. Incorrect A: The results section will not allow the nurse researcher to discuss the analysis choices. Incorrect C: The literature review will not allow the nurse researcher to discuss the analysis choices. Incorrect D: The methods section will not allow the nurse researcher to discuss the analysis choices.

The results section of a research report includes what? a. Instruments b. Data c. Design d. Theory

ANS: B Correct B: The results section of a research report is considered the data-bound section of the report. Incorrect A: Instruments are referred to in the methods section. Incorrect C: Design fits into the methods section. Incorrect D: Theory is frequently referred to in the literature review section.

If a study's results are not supported statistically or are only partially supported, research consumers should conclude that the study is what? a. Irrelevant b. Important to review c. Proven d. Unconfirmed

ANS: B Correct B: The study is worth reviewing; information from unsupported studies can often be useful. Incorrect A: The study is important; information from unsupported studies can often be useful. Incorrect C: Statistical study results do not prove hypotheses; hypotheses that are not supported by statistical tests provide useful information. Incorrect D: This answer does not define the usefulness of a study.

The findings of a study include what? (Select all that apply.) a. Methods b. Conclusions c. Interpretations d. Theories

ANS: B, C, D Correct B: Conclusions describe findings. Correct C: Interpretations describe findings. Correct D: Theories are referred to when findings are interpreted, typically in the discussion section of a study. Incorrect A: Methods describe one major section of a study.

A problem with the study's validity would be classified as what? a. Unsupported data b. Poor interpretation of results c. Limitation d. Lack of objectivity

ANS: C Correct C: A problem with the study's validity would be considered to be a limitation. Incorrect A: A problem with validity would not necessarily be synonymous with unsupported data. Incorrect B: A problem with validity would not necessarily be synonymous with poor interpretation of results. Incorrect D: A problem with validity would not necessarily be synonymous with lack of objectivity.

A researcher makes generalizations beyond the population being studied. This is known as what? a. Accurate b. Appropriate c. Inappropriate d. Supportable

ANS: C Correct C: Generalizations that draw conclusions and make inferences within a particular situation at a particular time are appropriate but not beyond the population on which the study is based. Incorrect A: One should not generalize beyond the population on which a study is based. Incorrect B: One should not generalize beyond the population on which a study is based. Incorrect D: Generalizations that draw conclusions and make inferences beyond the population on which a study is based are not acceptable when considering sample and population statistics and inference.

When researchers write the Discussion section of a study, which section of the report is used to evaluate the findings? a. Method b. Introduction c. Theoretical framework d. Data analysis

ANS: C Correct C: Investigators return to the theoretical framework to assess whether the findings support, extend, or counter it. Incorrect A: Investigators return to the theoretical framework to assess whether the findings support, extend, or counter it. Incorrect B: Investigators return to the theoretical framework to assess whether the findings support, extend, or counter it. Incorrect D: Investigators return to the theoretical framework, not the data analysis section, to determine the fit of the findings with previously described theory.

When reporting results, investigators should demonstrate what? a. Subjectivity b. Appropriateness c. Objectivity d. Inference

ANS: C Correct C: Researchers must present results with objectivity. Incorrect A: Researchers must present results with objectivity. Incorrect B: This is a nonspecific answer. Incorrect D: Inference is used when interpreting inferential statistical results.

Which section of the report allows the researcher to determine if evidence provided in the findings validates current practice or supports the need for change? a. Results b. Discussion c. Recommendations d. Methods

ANS: C Correct C: The recommendations section allows the nurse researcher to answer the question "Does the evidence provided in the findings validate current practice or support the need for change in practice?" Incorrect A: The results section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "Does the evidence provided in the findings validate current practice or support the need for change in practice?" Incorrect B: The discussion section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "Does the evidence provided in the findings validate current practice or support the need for change in practice?" Incorrect D: The methods section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "Does the evidence provided in the findings validate current practice or support the need for change in practice?"

Which section of the report will allow the nurse researcher to determine the strength, quality, and consistency of the evidence provided by the findings? a. Results b. Discussion c. Recommendations d. Methods

ANS: C Correct C: The recommendations section allows the nurse researcher to answer the question "What are the strength, quality, and consistency of the evidence provided by the findings?" Incorrect A: The results section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "What are the strength, quality, and consistency of the evidence provided by the findings?" Incorrect B: The discussion section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "What are the strength, quality, and consistency of the evidence provided by the findings?" Incorrect D: The methods section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "What are the strength, quality, and consistency of the evidence provided by the findings?"

Which section of the report will allow the nurse researcher to determine what contribution the study makes to nursing? a. Results b. Discussion c. Recommendations d. Methods

ANS: C Correct C: The recommendations section allows the nurse researcher to answer the question "What contribution to nursing does this study make?" Incorrect A: The results section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "What contribution to nursing does this study make?" Incorrect B: The discussion section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "What contribution to nursing does this study make?" Incorrect D: The methods section does not allow the nurse researcher to answer the question "What contribution to nursing does this study make?"

When discussing the results, what facilitates presentation of large amounts of data? a. Subjective presentation b. Inferential statistics c. Tables and figures d. Descriptive statistics

ANS: C Correct C: The use of tables and figures facilitates the presentation of large amounts of data. Incorrect A: A subjective presentation does not facilitate the presentation of large amounts of data. Incorrect B: Inferential statistics are important, but they do not necessarily facilitate the presentation of large amounts of data. Incorrect D: Descriptive statistics are important, but they do not necessarily facilitate the presentation of large amounts of data.

The nurse researcher questions the strength, quality, and consistency of the evidence provided by the findings. This is described in which part of the discussion section? a. Inferences b. Summary c. Limitations d. Recommendations

ANS: D Correct D: These questions help with the identification of the recommendations part of the discussion section. Incorrect A: Inferences are made when interpreting statistical test results. Incorrect B: Summary statements are made in another part of the discussion section. Incorrect C: Limitations are addressed by examining the weaknesses of a study and are often attributable to instruments, analysis, and sampling.