research quiz 4

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

- Ensure that operational definitions reflect theoretical constructs.

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? - Construct validity - External validity - Internal validity - Statistical conclusion validity

- External validity External validity is concerned with the extent to which findings can be generalized beyond the study sample

- is the highest level and has absolute zero points. (Rule: The data must have absolute zero.)

- Ratio measurement

characteristics that can result in a person or element being excluded from the target population because the characteristic has a potential to introduce error into the study.

. Exclusion sampling criteria

- sampling requirements identified by the researcher that must be present for participants or elements to be considered part of the target population for possible selection to a study sample.

. Inclusion sampling criteria

- real-life or field setting for conducting research in which the researcher makes no attempts to control extraneous variables. - include participants' homes, workplace, and school

. Natural or field setting .

Use of structured and unstructured observations to measure study variables.

. Observational measurement:

naturalistic environment that the researcher has manipulated or modified in some way the control for the effect of extraneous variables.

. Partially controlled setting

- site or location for conducting a study. - may be natural, partially controlled, or highly controlled.

. Research setting

40. Which type of scale is most commonly used in a survey of patient satisfaction? 1. Likert scale 2. Numeric rating scale 3. Rating scale 4. Visual analog scale

1. Likert scale The Likert scale is designed to determine the opinions or attitudes of study subjects and is the most commonly used of the various scales. A numeric rating scale is used to measure the degree of a concept on a continuum, such as pain on a scale from 1 to 10. A rating scale is like a numeric rating scale. A visual analog scale measures the strength, magnitude, or intensity of subjective feelings, sensations, or attitudes along a continuum and may be used to assess patient satisfaction, but it is not the most commonly used type of scale.

. Which is an accurate statement about measurement error? 1. Some error is always present in any measurement strategy. 2. There is no difference between the true measure and what is actually measured. 3. Direct measures, which generally are expected to be highly accurate, are not subject to error. 4. With indirect measures, the element being measured can be seen directly.

1. Some error is always present in any measurement strategy. Some error is always present in any measurement strategy. Measurement error is the difference between the true measure and what is actually measured. Direct measures, which generally are expected to be highly accurate, are subject to error. With indirect measures, the element being measured cannot be seen directly.

The goal of appropriate sampling in research is to 1. accurately reflect the characteristics of the target population. 2. completely define the traits of the accessible population. 3. identify all attributes of the sample population. 4. study an entire population.

1. accurately reflect the characteristics of the target population Sampling involves selecting a group of people, events, behaviors, or other elements with which to conduct a study. Samples are expected to represent a target population of subjects who meet eligibility criteria for inclusion in the study.

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 1. construct validity. 2. external validity. 3. internal validity. 4. statistical conclusion validity.

1. construct validity. Construct validity is concerned with the fit between conceptual and operational variables and requires adequate conceptual and operational definitions.

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 1. to results of the test when given to another set of subjects. 2. to results from the same subjects using the FACES rating scale. 3. to results from a previous measure with a different visual analog scale. 4. to results from a group of subjects who have minimal or no pain.

1. to results of the test when given to another set of subjects. Reliability of a visual analog scale is best determined by the test-retest method, so the researcher should administer the test to two sets of subjects and compare the results. Comparing results using two different instruments does not determine reliability of the first measure. Comparing results from a previous measure using another version of the scale is a measure of alternate forms reliability. Changing the population does not allow for a test of the reliability of the measurement tool.

2. Which can be measured using direct measurement? 1. Anxiety level 2. Blood pressure 3. Diagnosis 4. Feelings

2. Blood pressure

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? 1. The concept of cue-based feeding is not well defined. 2. The study sample is homogeneous. 3. Some infants developed gastroenteritis. 4. Not all nurses received cue-based protocol education.

3. Some infants developed gastroenteritis. Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes. Inadequate definitions of constructs are threats to construct validity.

Which is a true statement about measurement theory? 1. A measurement method used by one individual will consistently produce different results when used by another individual. 2. Measurement theory was recently developed by musicians, statisticians, and other scholars to guide how things are measured. 3. The purpose of measurement is to obtain trustworthy data that can be used to address the study purpose and objectives, questions, or hypotheses. 4. The levels of measurement, from low to high, are ratio, interval, nominal, and ordinal.

3. The purpose of measurement is to obtain trustworthy data that can be used to address the study purpose and objectives, questions, or hypotheses. The purpose of measurement is to obtain trustworthy data that can be used to address the study purpose and objectives, questions, or hypotheses. The rules of measurement promote consistency in how individuals perform measurements; so a measurement method used by one individual will consistently produce similar results when used by another individual. Measurement theory was developed many years ago, by mathematicians, statisticians, and other scholars to guide how things are measured. The levels of measurement, from low to high, are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio.

The research study has a threat to internal validity when which of the following occurs? A. A valid rival hypothesis exists. B. Findings are generalized beyond the target population. C. The results of statistical analysis are incorrectly interpreted. D. There is a mismatch between the conceptual and operational definitions.

A. A valid rival hypothesis exists. Although all the options are threats to validity, the only threat to internal validity is that of a valid rival hypothesis.

Match the definitions with the types of sampling. Subjects are not selected with probability sampling methods: A. Convenience sampling B. Probability sampling C. Cluster sampling D. Quota sampling E. Purposive sampling F. Network sampling

A. Convenience sampling Convenience sampling, also called "accidental sampling," is a weak approach because it provides little opportunity to control for biases; subjects are included in the study merely because they happen to be in the right

Which is a type of nonprobability sampling? A. Purposeful B. Simple random C. Stratified random D. Systematic

A. Purposeful Purposeful sampling is a type of nonprobability sampling

Which of the following is a type of nonprobability sampling? A. Purposive B. Simple random C. Stratified D. Systematic

A. Purposive Purposive or judgmental sampling is a nonprobability sampling method that involves the conscious selection by the researcher of certain subjects or elements to include in a study. Simple random sampling, stratified sampling, and systematic sampling are probability sampling methods.

. 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. additional sampling reveals redundant information.

What Techniques Can Be Used for Data Analysis?

ANOVA and t-test require equal group sizes, which will increase power because the effect size is maximized.

What type of design validity is concerned with the fit between the conceptual and operational definitions of variables and that the instrument measures what it is supposed to in the study? A. External validity B. Construct validity C. Internal validity D. Statistical conclusion validity

B. Construct validity Construct validity is concerned with the fit between the conceptual and operational definitions of variables and that the instrument measures what it is supposed to in the study? External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study. Internal validity is focused on determining if study findings are accurate or are the result of extraneous variables. Statistical conclusion validity is concerned with whether the conclusions about relationships or differences drawn from statistical analysis are an accurate reflection of the real world.

The sample includes adults over the age of 18, able to read and speak English, and hospitalized for their first abdominal surgery. What is this an example of? A. Exclusion sampling criteria B. Inclusion sampling criteria C. Population statistics D. Sample characteristics

B. Inclusion sampling criteria Adults over the age of 18, able to read and speak English, and hospitalized for their first abdominal surgery are examples of inclusion sampling criteria. Inclusion criteria are those characteristics that the subject or element must possess to be part of the target population. Exclusion criteria identify participants that are ineligible to join the study. Population and sample characteristics are descriptive features of the population.

Is a questionnaire a scale? A. YES B. NO

B. NO

When the nurse is critiquing a study, it is important to identify which of the following possible sources of bias? A. Establishing a control group B. Purposive sampling. C. Random assignment D. Timed intervention

B. Purposive sampling Purposive sampling is a nonprobability sampling method in which the researcher selects participants based on personal judgment about who will be most informative. Subjects may be selected in a biased way. C. Random assignment

Which of the following is not an example of a scale? A. Likert B. Questionnaire C. Rating D. Visual analog

B. Questionnaire A questionnaire is not a type of scale. The scale, a form of self-report, is a more precise means of measuring phenomena than a questionnaire. The Likert scale is designed to determine the opinions or attitudes of study subjects. Rating scales are the crudest form of measurement involving scaling techniques. The visual analog scale (VAS) is typically used to measure strength, magnitude, or intensity of individuals' subjective feelings, sensations, or attitudes about symptoms or situations.

Which of the following is not an example of a scale? A. Likert B. Questionnaire Correct C. Rating D. Visual analog

B. Questionnaire Correct A questionnaire is not a type of scale. The scale, a form of self-report, is a more precise means of measuring phenomena than a questionnaire. The Likert scale is designed to determine the opinions or attitudes of study subjects. Rating scales are the crudest form of measurement involving scaling techniques. The visual analog scale (VAS) is typically used to measure strength, magnitude, or intensity of individuals' subjective feelings, sensations, or attitudes about symptoms or situations.

A researcher was conducting a phenomenological study of the lived experience of losing a limb. A convenience sampling method was used to obtain subjects. Subjects were recruited for the study until an equal number of males and females were obtained. The total sample was 14 (7 males and 7 females). What is the sampling method used in this study? A. Purposive B. Quota C. Stratified random

B. Quota The sampling method described in this example is quota sampling. Quota sampling is a convenience sampling technique with an added strategy to ensure the inclusion of subjects who are likely to be underrepresented in the convenience sample, such as women, minority groups, and undereducated people.

The number of participants or sample size in a qualitative study is adequate when which of the following occurs? A. A power analysis indicates the power of 0.8 is achieved. B. Saturation of data is achieved, and additional subjects provide no new information. C. The sample size is large enough to identify differences between groups in the study. D. The statistical analysis techniques identify significant findings.

B. Saturation of data is achieved, and additional subjects provide no new information. In qualitative studies, the sample size is adequate when saturation of data is achieved in the study area. Saturation of data occurs when additional sampling provides no new information, only redundancy of previously collected data. Power analysis, finding significant differences between groups, and using statistical analyses to identify significant findings are important in judging the adequacy of sample size in quantitative studies.

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. exclusion criteria.

In a pilot study to help train a group of data collectors who will evaluate children's 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. Interrater reliability Interrater reliability measures whether two or more observers measure the same attributes. Alternate forms reliability seeks to determine whether two forms of an instrument measure the same attributes. Internal consistency reliability addresses the correlation of each question to other questions within the scale. Test-retest reliability measures whether the same attribute is consistent from one testing time to another.

. 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. It provides a random chance for inclusion as a subject. Systematic sampling provides a random but not equal chance for inclusion.

Extent to which an individual's score on a scale can be used to estimate his or her present or concurrent performance on another variable or criterion; - a type of criterion validity. (p 469)

Concurrent validity:

- Degree to which an instrument actually measures the theoretic construct that it purports to measure; - this involves examining the fit between the conceptual and operational definition of a study variables.

Construct validity:

- extent to which items on a scale include the major elements relevant to the construct being measured. - Evidence for contact validity includes (1) how well the scale's items reflect the concept's description in the literature (or face validity); (2) experts' evaluation of the relevance of items that may be reported as an index; and (3) the study participants' responses to scale items

Content validity:

- nonprobability sampling technique in which subjects are included in the study who happened to be in the right place at the right time, with the addition of available subjects, until the desired sample size is reached ; - AKA referred to as accidental sampling.

Convenience sampling -

- extent to which scores on an instrument can be used to predict another variable or score; - related validity includes predictive and concurrent validity

Criterion-related validity:

Which of the following can be inferred from design validity? A. Presence of threats with serious biases B. Study integrity C. Whether the study design tests the framework propositions D. All the above

D. All the above Design validity encompasses the strengths and threats to the quality of a study design. Assessment of design validity includes all the above characteristics.

The nurse understands that test-retest reliability includes which of the following? A. Assesses the consistency of repeated measures B. Assumes that the variable to be measured will remain the same at two testing times C. Assumes that variability in values is a result of measurement error D. All the above Correct

D. All the above Correct

The nurse understands that measurement errors can be related to which of the following? A. A theoretical framework B. Survey tools C. The difference between the true score and what is measured D. All the above Correct

D. All the above Correct Theoretical frameworks, survey tools, and true versus actual measurements can cause measurement errors because they are not congruent with the research question or hypothesis

The researcher would like to produce trustworthy data from measurements used in a study. Which of the following would the researcher ensure? A. Measurement error is reduced. B. Rules are provided to guide measurement. C. Values are assigned consistently from one subject to another. D. All the above are correct.

D. All the above are correct. To produce trustworthy data, all the options are necessary.

Which of the following is an example of random measurement error? A. Actual measures smaller than the true measure B. Including elements of hope in our measure of self-concept C. Measuring blood sugar immediately after breakfast D. Punching the wrong key when entering data into the compute

D. Punching the wrong key when entering data into the compute Punching the wrong key is an example of random error. In random measurement error, the difference between the measured value and the true value is without pattern or direction (random).

Match the definitions with the types of sampling. Technique used to select underrepresented groups in the population: A. Convenience sampling B. Probability sampling C. Cluster sampling D. Quota sampling E. Purposive sampling F. Network sampling

D. Quota sampling Quota sampling uses a convenience sampling technique with an added feature—a strategy to ensure the inclusion of subject types likely to be underrepresented in the convenience sample, such as females; minority groups; and the older, poor, rich, and undereducated. The goal of quota sampling is to replicate the proportions of subgroups present in the target population.

1. Grades on a multiple choice final examination are an example of which level of measurement? A. Ordinal B. Interval C. Nominal D. Ratio

D. Ratio Grades on a multiple choice final examination are an example of ratio level of measurement. Ratio measurement is the highest level and has absolute zero points. (Rule: The data must have absolute zero.) With ordinal-level measurement, data are assigned to categories that can be ranked. Interval-level measurement uses scales, which have equal numerical distances between the intervals. Nominal-level measurement is the lowest of the four measurement categories and is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property by the categories cannot be rank-ordered.

Which of the following methods provides a sample that is most likely to be representative of the target population? A. Convenience sampling B. Purposive sampling C. Quota sampling D. Simple random sampling

D. Simple random sampling Simple random sampling is a probability sampling method designed to achieve representativeness of the sample. Convenience, purposive, and quota sampling methods are nonprobability methods that produce a sample that has a higher potential for bias and is less representative of the population than a sample selected with a probability sampling method.

Control techniques are used in studies by researchers to increase which of the following? A. Applicability B. Generalizability C. Reliability D.Validity

D. Validity The purpose of a design is to maximize control over factors that can interfere with the validity of the findings. Just as the blueprint for a house must be individualized to the specific house being built, so must the design be made specific to a study. The control provided by the design increases the probability that the study results will accurately reflect reality.

Which of the following scales measures pain with facial expressions instead of numbers? A. Likert scale B. Rating scale C. Semantic differential scale D. Visual analog scale

D. Visual analog scale This is a visual analog scale. The Likert scale is designed to determine the opinions or attitudes of study subjects. Rating scales are the crudest form of measurement involving scaling techniques. The semantic differential scale is composed of a set of scales that use pairs of adjectives that reflect opposite feelings.

According to sampling theory, findings can be generalized to the A. individuals in the same social class as the sample. B. individuals receiving care in the same type of setting. C. sample under study. D. target population

D. target population One should be able to generalize findings to the target population.

measures used for the quantification of simple, concrete variables, such as strategies for measuring height, weight, or temperature, bp.

Direct measures:

(1) how well the scale's items reflect the concept's description in the literature (or face validity); (2) experts' evaluation of the relevance of items that may be reported as an index; (3) the study participants' responses to scale items

Evidence for contact validity includes

Tested by identifying groups that are expected to have vastly different scores on a instrument; also called known groups validity

Evidence of validity from contrasting groups:

type of measurement validity obtained by using two instruments to measure the same variable, such as depression, and correlating the results from these instruments; evidence of convergence validity is a moderate or strong positive correlation between the two measurements

Evidence of validity from convergence:

Type of measurement validity obtained by using two instruments to measure opposite variables, such as hope and hopelessness, evidence of divergent validity is a moderate or strong negative correlation between the two measurement

Evidence of validity from divergence:

artificially constructed environment developed for the sole purpose of conducting research, - such as a laboratory, research or experimental center, or test unit.

Highly controlled setting -

quantification of abstract concepts that are measured by the extent to which the indicators or attributes of the concepts are present. Scales are examples of indirect measures, such as the use of the FACES pain scale to measure pain. involves measuring abstract concepts such as anxiety or feelings

Indirect measures / indicators

uses interval scales, which have equal numerical distances between intervals.

Interval level measurement

Structured or unstructured verbal communication between the researcher and study participant during which data are collected for a study

Interview:

Organized set of rules for assigning numbers to objects so that a hierarchy in measurement from low to high is established. The levels of measurement are ratio, ordinal, nominal, and interval RONI

Levels of measurement:

- type of scale designed to determine the opinions or attitudes of study participants. - It contains a number of declarative statements, each of which if followed by a response scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree; other response scale descriptor may be used

Likert scale:

type of scale designed to determine the opinions or attitudes of study participants. It contains a number of declarative statements, each of which if followed by a response scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree; other response scale descriptor may be used.

Likert scale:

Lowest of quantification used when data can be organized into exclusive and exhaustive categories, but the categories cannot be compared or ranked-ordered. EXAMPLE: Variables such as gender, race, marital status, and diagnoses are measured at THIS level.

Nominal-level measurement:

- techniques in which not every element of the population has an opportunity for selection, - such as convenience sampling, quota sampling, purposive sampling, network sampling, and theoretical sampling.

Nonprobability sampling - non random sampling

Method whereby data are assigned to mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories, with one category being judged to be (or is ranked) higher or lower, or better or worse, than another category. The internals between the ranked data are not necessarily equal, such as ranking pain as mild, moderate, and severe.

Ordinal-level measurement:

Extent to which an individual's score on a scale can accurately predict future performance; one type of criterion-related validity

Predictive validity:

is a nonprobability sampling method in which the researcher selects participants based on personal judgment about who will be most informative

Purposive sampling

is a convenience sampling technique with an added strategy to ensure the inclusion of subjects who are likely to be underrepresented in the convenience sample, such as women, minority groups, and undereducated people.

Quota sampling

- type of error in which individuals' observed scores vary haphazardly around their true score - typed in wrong

Random measurement error:

Method of measurement in which the RATER makes a selection, sometimes numeric and sometimes not numeric. from among an ordered set of predefined categories to convey feelings, preferences, and other subjective perception. - For example, the FACES Pain Scale is commonly used rating scale to measure pain in pediatric patient.

Rating scales:

- point during a qualitative study when additional data collection provides no new information; rather, there is redundancy of previously collected data. - Sample size in a qualitative study is determined when THIS of data occurs.

Saturation

- Self-report form of measurement composed of several items deigned to measure a construct. - The participants respond to each item on the continuum or scale provided, such as a depression scale

Scale:

- Communication between the researcher and participant during which predetermined questions are asked in the same order for all interviews; - can be used to collect QUANTITATIVE DATA by assigning numbers to the answer options.

Structured interview:

- Clear identification of which behaviors are of interest and will be translated into data; - observations are precisely defined, recorded, and coded

Structured observational measurement:

- the entire set of individuals or elements who meet the sampling criteria. - specific population -

Target population

- Communication between the researcher and the participant that begins with a broad question. - Participants are encouraged to elaborate on a topic, introduce new topics, and thereby control the content of the interview; commonly used to collect qualitative data

Unstructured interview:

- Spontaneous observation and recording of what is seen with a minimum of planning; - are commonly used to collect qualitative data.

Unstructured observations:

extent to which an instrument or measurement method accurately reflects or is able to measure the construct (or concept) being examined

Validity:

- Refers to a 100-mm line, with right angle stops and descriptive words of phrases at each end. - Study participants are asked to record the intensity, magnitude, or strength of their symptoms or attitudes on the line.

Visual analog scale:

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

a. Direct Direct measurement allows for measures of concrete factors, such as a person's height or weight. Indirect measurement measures abstract ideas or characteristics and often must use more than one measure to measure all aspects of the concept. Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property, such as a disease diagnosis, but when categories cannot be rank ordered. Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered.

6. 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. Interval Interval level measurement uses interval scales, which have equal numerical distances between intervals. Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property, such as a disease diagnosis, but when categories cannot be rank ordered. Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered. Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories, exhaustive categories, ordered ranks, equally spaced intervals, and a continuum of values

. 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. Measure weight, abdominal girth, and BMI on all subjects. Obesity is less precise than some concepts, so multiple methods to measure obesity should be used to minimize measurement error. Using multiple data collectors and multiple instruments, such as scales, increases the risk of measurement error. Using multiple data collectors and multiple instruments, such as scales, increases the risk of measurement error. Obesity is less precise than some concepts, so multiple methods to measure obesity should be used to minimize measurement error.

Which of the following are accurate statements about the research setting when conducting research? Select all that apply. a. Three common settings for conducting nursing studies are natural, partially controlled, and highly controlled. b. All studies are strengthened by having more than one setting, making the sample more representative of the accessible population. c. The selection of a setting in quantitative and qualitative research is based on the purpose of the study, accessibility of the setting or sites, and number and types of participants available in the setting. d. Laboratories are considered a highly controlled setting in which experimental studies often are conducted. e. Conducting a study in a natural setting means that the researcher manipulates or changes the environment for the study.

a. Three common settings for conducting nursing studies are natural, partially controlled, and highly controlled. c. The selection of a setting in quantitative and qualitative research is based on the purpose of the study, accessibility of the setting or sites, and number and types of participants available in the setting. d. Laboratories are considered a highly controlled setting in which experimental studies often are conducted.

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. A research sleep lab

Which of the following are true statements about external validity? Select all that apply. a. External validity is concerned with the fit between the conceptual and operational definitions of variables and that the instrument measures what it is supposed to in the study. b. External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study. c. External validity is focused on determining if the study findings are accurate or are the result of extraneous variables. d. Threats to external validity include mono-operation bias and inadequate definitions of constructs. e. Threats to external validity include interaction of selection and intervention, setting and intervention, and/or history and intervention. f. Threats to external validity include participation selection, participant attrition, history, and maturation.

b. External validity is concerned with the extent to which study findings can be generalized beyond the sample used in the study. e. Threats to external validity include interaction of selection and intervention, setting and intervention, and/or history and intervention.

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. Nominal Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property, such as a disease diagnosis, but when categories cannot be rank ordered. Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered. Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories, exhaustive categories, ordered ranks, equally spaced intervals, and a continuum of values.

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. This is a threat to a. construct validity. b. external validity. c. internal validity. d. statistical conclusion validity.

b. external validity. External validity is concerned with the extent to which findings can be generalized beyond the study sample.

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

c. Natural

. 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. Ordinal Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered. Interval level measurement uses interval scales, which have equal numerical distances between intervals. Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property, such as a disease diagnosis, but when categories cannot be rank ordered. Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories, exhaustive categories, ordered ranks, equally spaced intervals, and a continuum of values.

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. internal validity. Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes. Construct validity is concerned with the fit between conceptual and operational variables and requires adequate conceptual and operational definitions.

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. internal validity. Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes.

8. The nurse researcher understands that the levels of measurement, from low to high, are a. nominal, interval, ratio, and ordinal. b. nominal, ordinal, ratio, and interval. c. nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. d. nominal, interval, ordinal, and ratio.

c. nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. The traditional levels of measurement were developed by Stevens (1946), who organized the rules for assigning numbers to objects so that a hierarchy in measurement was established. The levels of measurement from low to high are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio (NOIR).

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. Partially controlled

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. Statistical conclusion validity Statistical conclusion validity is concerned with whether the conclusions based on statistical analyses are an accurate reflection of the real world. This can be threatened by anything interfering with consistent implementation of a variable, including inadequate training of individuals who implement the intervention. Construct validity is concerned with the fit between conceptual and operational variables and requires adequate conceptual and operational definitions. External validity is concerned with the extent to which findings can be generalized beyond the study sample. Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes.

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

d. Target population

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. User User errors are caused by the person using the equipment and can include variations by the same user, different users, or changes in supplies used to operate the equipment. Environmental error includes things such as temperature, barometric pressure, or static electricity that might affect how well the equipment works or how the subject responds. Equipment error may be related to calibration or the stability of the equipment. Subject error occurs if the subject alters the equipment or the equipment alters the subject.

. 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. randomly assign subjects to study groups. An important threat to internal validity is any concern about subject selection and assignment to groups. Randomly assigning subjects to treatment and control groups helps to minimize this threat. Consistent application of the intervention and improved precision of measurements help minimize threats to statistical conclusion validity. Increasing sample size minimizes threats to external validity.

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. use a standardized checklist of anxiety behaviors.

If you studying an intervention on elementary students? Target is the __________-

elementary students

What do we use for a Qual?

interview, written text, observation (Unstructured , Structured)