Research Final
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
A parameter is a characteristic of a. a population. b. a frequency distribution. c. a sample. d. a normal curve.
A
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The lead agency designated to improve healthcare 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Which type of publication describes a journal that is published over time and is numbered sequentially for the years published? a. Periodical b. Article c. Encyclopedia d. Monograph
A
A nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is prepared to do which of the following? Select 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
Which of the following are true statements about research problems? Select all that apply. a. The research problem in a study indicates the significance of the problem. b. The research problem in a study provides a background for the problem. c. A research problem is an area of concern where there is no gap in the knowledge needed for nursing practice. d. All published studies include a clearly expressed problem, and the problem can be found in the first page of the report. e. The research problem is a clear, concise statement of the specific goal or focus of a study. f. In a research report, the problem is usually identified and often follows the purpose statement.
A B
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
Which of the following are true statements about critical appraisal of outcomes studies? Select all that apply. a. Focus on similarity of the exposed cohort and unexposed (control) cohort b. Focus on adequacy and completeness of follow-up c. Focus on reliability and validity of the outcome measure(s) d. Focus on statistical and clinical insignificance of the study findings e. Focus on differences of the exposed cohort and unexposed (control) cohort
A B C
Which of the following are characteristics of quantitative research methods? Select all that apply. a. Objective b. Cause and effect relationships c. Tests theory d. Develops theory and frameworks e. Numbers f. Description variables
A B C E F
Which of the following are true statements about qualitative research? Select all that apply. a. Qualitative research is a systematic approach used to describe experiences and situations from the perspective of persons in the situation. b. Qualitative research findings make an indistinct contribution to evidence-based practice. c. Qualitative research can generate rich descriptions of the experiences of the participants. d. Qualitative research is conducted in controlled settings to learn about a topic from the perspectives of the participants. e. Qualitative research process follows the same general steps as the quantitative research process, and is based on the same philosophical values and assumptions.
A C
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
Which are components of evidence-based practice (EBP)? Select all that apply. a. Best research evidence b. Expert opinion consensus c. Patient needs and values d. Safe, cost-effective care
A C D
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 C D
A nurse understands the meaning of entering the world of nursing research to be? Select all that apply. a. A way of learning a unique language b. A way of using old experiences to learn c. A new way of experiencing reality d. A new way of learning multiple languages e. A way of incorporating new rules
A C E
Which of the following are accurate statements about the data collection process when conducting research? Select all that apply. a. The actual steps of collecting data are specific to each study and depend on the research design, sample, and measurement techniques. b. Study participants may be recruited only at the initiation of data collection, but not throughout the data collection period. c. It is not necessary for the researchers to specify the number and characteristics of subjects who decline to participate in the study. d. The key to accurate data collection in any study is consistency. e. Researchers build controls into their study plan to maximize the influence of intervening forces on the findings.
A D
Which of the following are true statements about the challenges to evidence-based nursing practice? Select all that apply. a. EBP requires synthesizing research evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which are still limited in nursing. b. Systematic reviews and meta-syntheses conducted in nursing also are limited when compared with other disciplines. c. All healthcare agencies and administrators do not provide the resources or support necessary for nurses to implement d. More work is needed to promote the use of evidence-based guidelines with individual patients. e. Lack of support and resources for EBP include unlimited funds to support research projects.
A D
Which statements would the nurse researcher recognize as being true when critically appraising a framework? Select all that apply. a. Critical appraising a framework requires the identification and evaluation of the concepts, their definitions, and the statements linking the concepts. b. Study findings should not be linked back to the research framework. c. Researchers usually link the findings back to the framework and other literature in the results section of the research report. d. Researchers must judge the adequacy of the linkages of concepts to variables, measurement of research or dependent variables, and implementation of independent variables. e. The discussion section is where the critical appraisal guidelines are applied to frameworks that were derived from a grand nursing theory
A D E
Which statements would the nurse researcher recognize as being true when critically appraising a framework? Select all that apply. a. Critical appraising a framework requires the identification and evaluation of the concepts, their definitions, and the statements linking the concepts. b. Study findings should not be linked back to the research framework. c. Researchers usually link the findings back to the framework and other literature in the results section of the research report. d. Researchers must judge the adequacy of the linkages of concepts to variables, measurement of research or dependent variables, and implementation of independent variables. e. The discussion section is where the critical appraisal guidelines are applied to frameworks that were derived from a grand nursing theory.
A D E
While critically appraising a quantitative research study, what will the reviewer assess when critiquing the title of the study? Select all that apply. a. Clarity of the title's focus b. All study variables and population c. Type of study conducted such as phenomenology and the variables d. Type of study conducted such as descriptive and the variables e. Key study variables and population
A D E
Which of the following are true statements about representativeness of a sample in quantitative research? Select all that apply. a. In quantitative research, you need to evaluate representativeness in terms of the setting, characteristics of the subjects, and distribution of values on variables measured. b. Representativeness means that the sample, accessible population, and target population are different in as many ways as possible. c. The setting identified in a study does not influence the representativeness of the sample. d. Researchers who gather data from subjects across a variety of settings have a more representative sample of the target population than those limiting the study to a single setting. e. Studies that obtain data from large databases have less representative samples. f. A sample must be representative in terms of characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity, income, and education, which often influence study variables.
A D F
Which of the following are true statements about informed consent? Select all that apply. a. Informed consent is the process of providing information to a potential subject and the opportunity to participate in the study. b. The process ends with the subject's signature on a document agreeing to be in a study. c. A potential subject's decision about whether to participate is the informing part of the process. d. Informed consent is incomplete or unethical unless all three elements are incorporated. e. The documentation of informed consent depends on the study's level of risk and the requirement of the IRB who approves the study.
A E
Which of the following are true statements about the research outcome addressing implications for nursing? Select all that apply. a. Implications for nursing are the meanings of conclusions from scientific research for the body of nursing knowledge. b. Implications for nursing include replications or repeating the design with a different or larger sample using different measurement methods. c. Implications for nursing include the formation of hypotheses to further test the framework in use. d. Implications for nursing are restrictions or problems in a study that may decrease the generalizability of the findings. e. Implications for nursing provide specific suggestions for implementing the findings in nursing.
A E
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
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
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
Which can be measured using direct measurement? a. Anxiety level b. Blood pressure c. Diagnosis d. Feelings
B
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
A nurse researcher understands there are numerous concepts relevant to quantitative research designs. What concept best describes the following example, "Patient diagnosis, age, pre-surgical condition, and complications after surgery are interrelated causes of the length of patients hospital stays? a. Probability b. Multicausality c. Causality d. Bias
B
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
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 area. a. assumptions. b. concepts. c. philosophies. d. theories.
B
A study that analyzes the effect of exercise on diabetes control among Native-American children with type II diabetes would most credibly 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
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
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
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 post concussion 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. d. "The study included a convenience sample of high school football players in a five-county area."
B
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
The building blocks for theory are a. empirical testing. b. concepts. c. hypotheses. d. models.
B
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
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
Which of the following are true statements about the mixed-methods design strategy known as convergent concurrent strategy? Select all that apply. a. A strategy used when the researcher collects and analyzes quantitative data, and then collects and analyzes qualitative data to explain the quantitative findings. b. It is selected when a researcher wishes to use quantitative and qualitative methods to confirm, cross-validate, or corroborate findings using a single sample or two samples from the same population. c. A strategy used when the researcher collects quantitative and qualitative data at the same time, analyzes each set of data, and integrates the findings. d. It may be used when the researcher wants to expand on what is known about a phenomenon and the researcher does not want the content of the quantitative instruments to bias data collected qualitatively. e. Parallel design is often called exploratory sequential strategy because quantitative and qualitative data collection processes are conducted at the same time.
B C
Which of the following are true statements about the characteristics of a quality sample in a qualitative research study? Select all that apply. a. Researchers ideally are able to recruit a large random sample so that the findings can be generalized to the target population. b. Researchers recruit purposive, network, and theoretical sampling methods. c. Researchers deliberately recruit fewer participants because they want to understand the identified research problem from the participant's perspective. d. The size of the sample will depend on when saturation of the data occurs. e. Sample size does not vary according to the qualitative method being used. f. Typically, sampling occurs until saturation is reached. g. Researchers can determine the minimum sample size for a qualitative study by conducting a power analysis.
B C D F
A nurse researcher understands that to critically appraise the RCTs reported in nursing journals, specific guidelines are followed. To assess the quality of RCTs reports, which of the following are accurate statements? Select all that apply. a. The study has low internal validity. b. Outcomes are measured consistently with quality measurement methods. c. Study participants are drawn from a reference population through clearly defined criteria. d. The study is conducted in a laboratory setting. e. The intervention is clearly described and consistently implemented. f. The design meets the criteria of a nonexploratory study.
B C E
Which of the following is a research question for an experimental study? Select 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
Which of the following are true statements about conducting the search (step 2) of the literature review? Select all that apply. a. Reading the articles and appraising, analyzing, and synthesizing the literature b. Obtaining full-text copies of relevant articles c. Developing an outline to organize information from the review d. Using a table to document the results of the search e. Clarifying the purpose of the literature review f. Ensuring that information needed to cite the source is recorded
B D F
A nurse researcher understands that a search may identify thousands of references. In an effort to refine the search, which of the following are accurate statements? Select all that apply. a. Increasing the range of years you are searching is an effective strategy. b. Combining terms or searching for the terms only in the abstract will decrease the number of articles identified. c. It is not appropriate to limit the search to only full-text articles for undergraduate students. d. Narrowing a search tightly is an effective strategy to access more results. e. Some electronic databases allow you to limit the search to certain types of articles.
B E
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 E
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
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
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
A researcher tests a measurement tool in a pilot study and notes a wide variance in scores. To improve the significance of the study's 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
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
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
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
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
In a research proposal, when describing a research design, the researcher would include a. discussion of a theoretical framework. b. evaluation of the researcher's expertise c. methods for measurement of variables. d. purpose of the study.
C
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
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
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 reader's attention d. summarize previous research about the study's topic
C
When conducting a research study using a convenience sample of all second-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 these subjects as treatment subjects and comparing outcomes to a group of subjects from a similar study.
C
When conducting research to study medical devices for human use, the nurse researcher must comply with the Department of Health and Human Services human subject's regulations as well as the regulations put forth the a. American Nurses Association (ANA). b. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). c. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). d. Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethics.
C
When using the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, the nurse researcher develops a team to gather and appraise evidence. Which step of the model is this? a. Step 1 b. Step 2 c. Step 3 d. Step 4
C
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
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
Which database describes biomedical journals relevant to healthcare professionals deemed reputable by the National Library of Medicine and includes abstracts with links to some full-text sources? a. PubMed b. CINAHL c. MEDLINE d. Academic Search Complete
C
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
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
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
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
Which type of study design is commonly used in outcomes studies? a. Phenomenological b. Qualitative c. Quasi-experimental d. Random-control trial
C
Which of the following are accurate statements about study variables and research concepts? Select all that apply. a. Variables are qualities, properties, or characteristics of persons, things, or situations that do not change or vary. b. Research concepts are usually studied in quantitative research, are at lower levels of abstraction than variables, and are not measured or manipulated. c. Some variables are manipulated; others are controlled. c. A dependent variable is the outcome that the researcher wants to predict or explain. e. Operational definitions provide the theoretical meaning of a variable and are derived from a theorist's definition of a related concept.
C D
Which statements would the nurse researcher recognize as being true when using descriptive statistics? Select all that apply. a. The researcher might see analysis techniques identified as parametric or nonparametric. b. Descriptive statistics are conducted to examine relationships, make predictions, and determine causality or differences in studies. c. Descriptive statistics allow researchers to organize numerical data in ways that give meaning and facilitate insight. d. Measures of central tendency that are commonly used in statistical analyses are the mode, median, and margin. e. Researchers report descriptive statistics in tables and in the narrative of the results section of their study.
C E
A nurse 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
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
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 tend 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
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
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
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
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
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
What is the key construct in Donabedian's theory of outcomes research? a. Efficiency of healthcare delivery b. Healthy outcomes c. Professional accountability d. Quality of care
D
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
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
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
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
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