Biology Forums - Study Force is the leading provider of online homework help for college and high school students. Get homework help and answers to your toughest questions in biology, chemistry, physics, math, calculus, engineering, accounting, English, writing help, business, humanities, and more. Master your assignments with step-by-step solutions to countless homework questions asked and answered by our members. If we don't have your question, don’t worry. You can ask any homework question and get expert homework help in as little as two hours.
Our extensive online study community is made up of college and high school students, teachers, professors, parents and subject enthusiasts who contribute to our vast collection of study resources: textbook solutions, study guides, practice tests, practice problems, lecture notes, equation sheets and more. With our help, your homework will never be the same!
A characteristic of qualitative research data is that they are what? a. In text form b. Dichotomous c. Free of patterns d. Inappropriate for analysis
A nurse researcher who is considering whether to use a qualitative research design should be aware that the focus of qualitative research is what? a. Measuring one or more human characteristics b. Controlling variables that interfere with the phenomenon being studied c. Viewing human beings as composites of many body systems d. Studying human experiences that occur within a person’s natural setting
The determining factor for a researcher in selecting a qualitative research approach should be what? a. The need to test a theory b. The nature of the research question c. The age and gender of the research participants d. The availability of valid instruments to measure the phenomenon
4. Which of these terms is synonymous with paradigm? a. Empiricism b. Worldview c. Holism d. Viewpoint
In which of these circumstances should a nurse researcher select a qualitative research design instead of a quantitative design? a. The time for data collection is limited. b. The research question is clinical in nature c. The goal is to view the phenomenon in the same way as those who experience it. d. The researcher is a novice with minimal experience in scientific problem solving.
Which research topic would most likely be studied through a qualitative research approach? a. The meaning of health and health promotion among low-income Southern rural women. b. Changes in hope and coping in older adults during rehabilitation after hip fracture. c. Exercise effects on fatigue and emotional distress during radiation therapy for breast cancer. d. Older adults and HIV/AIDS: The relationship of perceived risk and willingness to interact with individuals with HIV/AIDS.
A nurse’s research question is, “What is the grief experience of women older than 30 years from rural Mexico who have a late-stage pregnancy loss?” Which aspect of the question represents the study’s context? a. Late-stage pregnancy loss b. Women older than 30 years c. Grief experience d. Rural Mexico
Which aim of research is characteristic of or appropriate for qualitative research methods? a. Control b. Prediction c. Explanation d. Understanding
Which research study characteristic would be inappropriate for qualitative methods? a. Testing a new hypothesis b. Using an intensive approach to data collection c. Employing inductive analysis of the data d. Examining individual responses to a nonmodifiable situation
How is the number of subjects for participation determined for a qualitative study? a. Data are collected from new subjects until data saturation is reached. b. The number of subjects is the number available at a specific location. c. The number of subjects is the number available within the researcher’s specified time frame. d. A power analysis of data collected in a pilot study is used to determine the number.
Which description is typical of a qualitative research study? a. Deductive reasoning is used. b. Truth is a subject’s perception of reality. c. Sample size is determined before the study begins. d. One or more variables are measured in a context-free setting.
How does the nurse researcher know when data saturation has been reached? a. When the participants all agree on the themes derived from the study b. When the ideas or information coming from new participants have been expressed previously by other participants c. When the emerging themes are congruent with those developed as a result of previous studies of the same phenomenon d. When the participants are no longer interested or willing to discuss their experiences or feelings
A nurse reads a qualitative study concerning the grief process. Later, the nurse explains to a grieving widow that grief is a process and that many others have successfully made their way through the process. The nurse is using which clinical application of research? a. Insight or empathy b. Assessment of status or progress c. Anticipatory guidance d. Coaching
The findings of a qualitative research study describe the main essence of an experience but also show how the experience varies, depending on the individual or context. These results fall into which of Kearney’s categories of qualitative research findings? a. Restricted by a priori frameworks b. Descriptive categories c. Shared pathway or meaning d. Description of experiential variation
Which type of clinical application of qualitative research would help a nurse describe the trajectory of an illness? a. Insight or empathy b. Assessment of status or progress c. Anticipatory guidance d. Coaching
Which of Kearney’s categories of qualitative findings describes a phenomenon portrayed vividly from a new perspective? a. Restricted by a priori frameworks b. Descriptive categories c. Shared pathway or meaning d. Depiction of experiential variation
Which of Kearney’s categories of qualitative findings describes a synthesis of a shared experience or process or integration of concepts that provides a complex picture of a phenomenon? a. Restricted by a priori frameworks b. Descriptive categories c. Shared pathway or meaning d. Depiction of experiential variation
A description of how adolescent girls recovering from addiction to prescription narcotics might or might not move forward to create a new life is an example of which of Kearney’s category of qualitative findings? a. Restricted by a priori frameworks b. Descriptive categories c. Shared pathway or meaning d. Depiction of experiential variation
An older adult’s description of pain, including descriptors, attributed causes, and what constitutes good care during a painful episode, would be an example of which category of qualitative findings? a. Restricted by a priori frameworks b. Descriptive categories c. Shared pathway or meaning d. Depiction of experiential variation
Computer management of qualitative data can assist a nurse researcher with which of these processes? a. Organization of data b. Interpretation of data c. Credibility of data d. Synthesis of data
Which qualitative research approach is used by researchers for the purpose of theory building? a. Case study b. Phenomenology c. Grounded theory d. Ethnographic method
Which qualitative approach would be most appropriate for a nurse researcher to use when studying the daily experience of women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer? a. Case study b. Phenomenology c. Grounded theory d. Ethnographic method
When a researcher analyzes data from a phenomenologic study, what is the final synthesis of participants’ reported experiences? a. Description of the lived experience b. Identification of thought sequences c. Generalization of the findings d. Classification of recurring themes
When reviewing the report of a phenomenologic study, the nurse finds there is no section that describes or reports the research question. What approach should be used to determine the research question? a. Examination of the themes that emerged from the study b. Examination of the data analysis methods used in the study c. Examination of the questions or statements posed to the study participants d. Examination and critical analysis of the articles reported in the literature review
When reading a report of a phenomenologic study, the nurse finds direct quotes from the participants threaded throughout the narrative. What is the significance of this observation? a. The researcher is supporting the study’s findings. b. The researcher is attempting to make the report more personal . c. The technique violates the protection of human subjects. d. The technique ensures that the proper level of data saturation has been reached.
What is the foundation for the grounded theory method of qualitative research? a. Philosophy b. Spirituality c. Cultural anthropology d. Social science
What is the purpose of grounded theory? a. To expand the scope of nursing practice into areas formerly reserved for other disciplines b. To provide an exhaustive description of how individuals or groups have experienced an event c. To examine patterns of action and interaction between and among various types of social units d. To identify precepts and mores common to all members of a distinct cultural or ethnic group
Why is the literature review often limited in a study using grounded theory methods? a. Research using grounded theory methods is sparse. b. Grounded theory is more sensitive to cultural values than to the researcher’s values. c. Theories are expected to emerge directly from the data and not from previous research. d. Limiting the literature review ensures that the researcher’s personal biases are bracketed.
Which feature is characteristic of the grounded theory method of qualitative research? a. Data gathering and data analysis occur simultaneously. b. The researcher has also experienced the phenomenon being studied. c. A grounded theory study is based on only a single research question. d. Participants in a grounded theory study must experience the phenomenon currently, during the study.
Which statement is consistent with an emic view of a factor or situation? a. Health care provider’s statement that Native Americans are stoic in the experience of pain b. Kindergarten teacher’s statement that there are fewer discipline problems among Asian children c. The National Cancer Institute’s report that the incidence rate of prostate cancer is high among African American men d. White teenager’s statement that being “skinny” is more socially acceptable than having a higher weight
Which title suggests an ethnographic study? a. The phenomenon of breast self-examination among African American women b. The lived experience of breast cancer in postmenopausal women c. The need for culturally sensitive cancer prevention patient education materials d. The challenge of retaining femininity after mastectomy
What criterion of scientific rigor for qualitative research is met when the research report leads the reader from the research question and raw data through the steps of analysis and interpretation of the data? a. Confirmability b. Auditability c. Fittingness d. Credibility
Which factor in a research report indicates that the study used a qualitative design? a. Hypotheses are stated. b. The sample is described as convenient. c. People who participated in the study are described as informants. d. Participants completed a questionnaire to measure their understanding of the topic.
The nurse planning to conduct a qualitative research study should have which understanding about ethical issues in naturalistic settings? a. It is not possible to obtain informed consent from study participants. b. The emerging nature of the research design may require ongoing negotiation of consent. c. The researcher-participant interaction is intentionally therapeutic in nature. d. Validation of data by cross-checking research findings with participants taints the study.
A nurse researcher has chosen to use the phenomenologic method. What feature distinguishes the intensive dialogue the researcher will use in this method from a simple interview? a. Notes are made about the participant’s responses during the interview. b. The researcher is fully engaged, becoming a thoughtful presence during the interview. c. The questions posed during the interview were developed before the actual interview occurred. d. The researcher completes the questionnaire for the participant to avoid misunderstanding or confusion.
The nurse researcher has opted to use grounded theory as the research method. Compared with phenomenologic research, which data-gathering technique is unique to grounded theory research? a. Face-to-face interviews b. Tape-recorded interviews c. Participant-written responses to written questions d. Skilled observation of individuals in a social setting
Which research question is appropriate for a grounded theory approach? a. How do incarcerated prisoners interact with fellow prisoners who are known pedophiles? b. How do Native American teenage girls select a method of contraception? c. What percent of primary education teachers also have a degree in nursing? d. How is the total number of clinical hours in a nursing program related to National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates?
The nurse researcher opts to use grounded theory as the research method. Which action or behavior should be avoided in such a study? a. Following hunches about emerging patterns before data collection is completed b. Expressing the researcher’s opinions or values to the participants c. Changing the way experiences are collected or selected after the study has been initiated d. Expanding codes or data categories as the study progresses
How can computer management of qualitative data assist a nurse researcher in the research process? a. Interpretation of data b. Organization of data c. Credibility of data d. Synthesis of data
In an ethnographic study titled, “How do rural Appalachian families with preschool children define and practice health?” the researcher gathered data from mothers who were identified as the primary directors of health care within the family unit. What role did the mothers have in this study? a. Community informants b. General informants c. Local informants d. Key informants
Which research question will indicate to the nurse researcher that an ethnographic approach was used in the research study? a. In what ways do Puerto Rican women learn about health information? b. What is the quality of life for persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)? c. What was Nightingale’s involvement in sanitary reforms during the 1860s? d. How do individuals who have heart disease experience anger?
1. In the report of a qualitative research study, what does a theme represent? a. A guideline for evaluating the appropriateness of the study b. The operational definition of the study’s conceptual framework c. A label that describes key ideas shared by study participants d. The relationship between the study’s hypotheses and the research questions
The identification of themes is important when reviewing findings of a qualitative research report because themes do what? a. Reflect congruence between the questions asked and the methodology b. Allow description of a large quantity of data in a condensed format c. Demonstrate both the emic and etic views of a topic d. Explain the nature of differences reported by participants experiencing a common phenomenon
Which of these titles of a research report indicates the study is qualitative, rather than quantitative? a. Predicting the treatment choice for women older than age 50 experiencing breast cancer b. Evaluating nursing interventions for complex oncology clinical phenomena c. Using virtual reality as a distraction method during chemotherapy d. Transcending pain during bone marrow aspiration
Which outcome or overall purpose would be consistent with a qualitative study? a. Development of creative solutions to practical problems b. Prediction and control of a human phenomenon c. Description of behavior within a context-free theoretical framework d. Use of statistical analyses to determine significant differences between variables
Which criterion helps to determine whether the results of a qualitative study can be applied beyond the study sample or population? a. Evidence of fittingness or transferability of the findings b. Evidence of trustworthiness or validity of the findings c. Credentials and experience of the person applying the findings d. Statistical significance and reliability of the findings
Before applying the results of a qualitative study in practice, the nurse should take several actions including which of these actions? a. Use triangulation to combine quantitative and qualitative methods in a replication study b. Evaluate the credentials and experience of the researcher who conducted the study. c. Determine if the concepts/themes identified in the study support the work completed by other researchers d. Be sure that the study’s findings were significant at the 0.05 or greater level of probability.
What information in the report of a qualitative research study indicates to the nurse that the research meets the criterion of auditability? a. The study’s participants recognize the experience described as their own. b. The results are meaningful to individuals beyond those in the study population. c. The projected significance of the study to nursing is described d. The researcher documented how the data led to the conclusions.
The nurse researcher reports that after data collection was completed, a follow-up focus group session with participants was used to validate that the participants agreed the findings were true to their own experiences. What aspect of the study does this support? a. The study’s credibility b. The study’s auditability c. The study’s transferability d. The study’s fittingness
Qualitative research is designed to describe what? a. Results of hypothesis testing b. Definitive conclusions to research questions c. Insiders’ views of a human phenomenon d. Findings derived from a large, randomly selected sample
Which activity represents attention to credibility in a qualitative study? a. Ensuring that all subjects self-identified with a specific ethnic group. b. Providing direct quotations from study participants. c. Identifying the basic social psychological process (BSP) under study. d. Determining usefulness of the data outside of the study.
During the critique of a qualitative research study, the nurse notes the statement, “Saturation was achieved at the completion of 20 interviews.” What is the significance of this statement? a. The investigator should collect additional data. b. The data collection period has ended. c. Purposive sampling is now required. d. Random sampling should be initiated.
One outcome of collecting evidence about a phenomenon of interest in a qualitative research study may be what? a. Triangulation b. Participant cross-checking c. Metasynthesis d. Instrument development
Which study characteristic would indicate that a grounded theory approach, rather than a phenomenologic approach, was used? a. Data were collected by more than one person. b. Participants reviewed and evaluated the transcripts for accuracy. c. The focus was on the process elements of the phenomenon. d. It studied a lived human experience.
The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s methodology? a. Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research? b. If a particular approach is used to guide the inquiry, does the researcher complete the study according to the processes described? c. Does the researcher address the credibility, auditability, and fittingness of the data? d. Does the researcher place the report in the context of what is already known about the phenomenon (e.g., the existing literature)?
The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s credibility? a. Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon? b. Are the results meaningful to individuals not involved in the research? c. Does the investigator document the research process? d. What is the projected significance of the research to nursing?
The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s fittingness? a. Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon? b. Are the results meaningful to individuals not involved in the research? c. Does the investigator document the research process? d. What is the projected significance of the research to nursing?
When critiquing a report of a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, “How has the researcher made explicit the significance of the study to nursing theory, research, or practice?” This question is critiquing what section of the report? a. Data analysis b. Data collection c. Statement of the phenomenon of interest d. Conclusions, implications, and recommendations
When critiquing a report of a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, “Is protection of human participants addressed?” This question is critiquing what section of the report? a. Data analysis b. Data collection c. Statement of the phenomenon of interest d. Conclusions, implications, and recommendations
When critiquing a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, “Has the researcher remained true to the data?” This question is critiquing which area of the report? a. Method b. Data collection c. Data analysis d. Findings
The measures used by a nurse researcher to maintain uniformity of conditions in a quantitative research study refer to which aspect of the study? a. Accuracy b. Methods c. Control d. Validity
What is the overall purpose of the research design in a quantitative research study? a. To determine sample size b. To identify the problem statement c. To assist the researcher in identifying gaps in the knowledge base d. To provide the plan for answering the research question
In which of these ways does the nurse researcher’s literature review help select the appropriate study design? a. By enlarging the scope of the study’s hypotheses b. By objectively assessing available knowledge of the area c. By comparing current findings with previous study findings d. By ensuring faithfulness to the study’s purpose
When reviewing a research report, the nurse determines that all aspects of a study systematically and logically follow from the research problem. Which condition has been met? a. Accuracy b. Feasibility c. Internal validity d. External validity
Which factor is most likely to be a mediating variable in a study to determine if high doses of vitamin C help reduce the subjects’ susceptibility to influenza? a. The subjects’ use of influenza vaccine b. The subject’ knowledge of vitamin C’s functions c. The gender of the potential subjects d. The marital status of the potential subjects
A nurse researcher is designing a quantitative research study involving a specific group of patients admitted to local hospitals. Which factor would negatively affect the feasibility of this study? a. The local region has a high percentage of families that could participate in the study b. Potential study subjects represented less than 1% of hospital admissions during the year previous to the study. c. Study participants who were hospitalized children younger than 5 years could not give direct informed consent to participate in the study. d. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed no studies were conducted that examined this question during the past 15 years.
A nurse is designing a study to determine whether a videotape or a written pamphlet is more effective in teaching young women how to perform breast self-examination (BSE). Which of these actions would provide the best control for a mediating variable? a. Include identical content in both BSE teaching methods b. Exclude subjects who already perform BSE on a regular basis c. Limit the study subjects to women who are heterosexual d. Determine what breast cancer means to the individual participants
How would a nurse researcher ensure that the sample used in a quantitative study is homogeneous? a. Use eligibility criteria to limit extraneous variables relevant to the study. b. Randomly assign subjects to either the experimental or the control group. c. Assign one research assistant to collect data from all subjects. d. Collect data from all subjects at the same time of day.
How could a nurse researcher’s use of a homogeneous sample weaken a research study? a. By decreasing the reliability of the findings b. By decreasing the generalizability of the findings c. By increasing the number of subjects needed to reach statistical significance d. By increasing the risk that the findings were the result of chance alone
Why should a nurse researcher want to limit or eliminate extraneous variables in a study? a. More research questions would be required to account for the extraneous variables. b. Extensive statistical analysis would be required to justify the presence of extraneous variables. c. Extraneous variables compete with the independent variables as explanations of the study’s outcome. d. Manipulation of the extraneous variables increases the risk for researcher bias in the study’s outcomes.
When should a nurse researcher include an extraneous variable as part of a study’s design? a. When excluding the variable would limit the study’s generalizability b. When the variable is an important consideration for the study’s outcome c. When the researcher is limited by time or monetary constraints d. When it would not make a difference in the overall study outcome
A study is examining the effect of a new antilipemic drug, compared with placebo, on lipoprotein levels in postmenopausal women. Which of these actions represents the researcher’s attempt at constancy in data collection to control extraneous variables? a. Drawing the serum lipoprotein levels of all subjects at the same time of day b. Having the same phlebotomist draw serum lipoprotein levels of all subjects c. Using the same room for drawing blood for lipoprotein levels of all subjects d. Ensuring that all subjects are postmenopausal women taking lipid-lowering medication
A nurse researcher assigns half a study sample to an experimental group and the other half to a control group. What does this action represent? a. Instrumentation of the independent variable b. Manipulation of the mediating variable c. Elimination of the mediating variable d. Manipulation of the independent variable
For which of these reasons would a nurse researcher choose to assign subjects randomly to groups in a study? a. To help ensure that all groups within a study are representative of the larger population b. To increase the chance that the study groups will be different from each other with regard to extraneous variables c. To help ensure that current events do not influence the outcomes of the study d. To eliminate the need for establishing specific study criteria and subject eligibility
A nurse researcher assigns subjects to experimental and control groups in such a manner that each subject in a population has an equal chance of being selected. What is the researcher using? a. Selection bias b. Convenience sampling c. Randomization d. Internal validity
The issue of control would be less important in a quantitative study with which type of research design? a. Exploratory b. Experimental c. Correlational d. Randomized clinical trial
Which situation represents a threat to internal validity in an experimental study measuring the effect of a videotape of discharge instructions for patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery? a. Both men and women undergoing CABG surgery were included as subjects in the study. b. Two new surgeons began performing CABG surgery during the study period. c. Patients in the experimental group discussed aspects of the videotape with patients in the control group. d. Data collection for the videotape and control groups took 1 year.
The nurse researcher designed a study examining anxiety among elementary school children. If a widely publicized murder of a child occurred in the city during the time frame of the study, what type of threat to internal validity would the murder represent? a. Maturation b. Instrumentation c. Selection bias d. Historical
A nurse researcher should consider mortality a threat to the study’s internal validity for which of these reasons? a. There is concern that the intervention may have harmful effects on subjects. b. Those who dropped out of the study may be different than those who remained in the study. c. Those who participated in the study may have died as a result of being in the study. d. There is concern that the design is inappropriate for the study question if a large number of participants drop out of a study.
A nurse researcher can control for selection bias in a study by taking which of these actions? a. Allow subjects to self-select into an experimental or a control group b. Handpick the subjects for group assignment c. Use defined selection criteria for approaching potential subjects d. Have someone other than the researcher select the subjects for the study
External validity refers to which of these issues? a. The relationship existing between the independent variable and the study outcomes b. The influence of a specific event on the independent variable c. The degree to which extraneous or mediating variables interfere with the study outcomes d. The degree to which findings are generalizable to populations beyond those studied
Which of these situations describes a reactive (Hawthorne) effect? a. Control subjects in an intervention study to reduce anxiety also experience a reduction in anxiety. b. The subjects in an intervention support group continue the support group after the study has ended . c. Subjects become concerned after learning that they received a placebo, not the treatment, during the study. d. Study subjects want to know the outcomes of the study after it is completed.
A nurse researcher is investigating the effect of type of operating room mattress and surgical position on tissue interface pressures in healthy young adults. Which component of research is most affected by the choice of subjects? a. Mortality b. Instrumentation c. Internal validity d. External validity
What action by a nurse researcher will help eliminate bias on the dependent variable? a. Establishing strict eligibility criteria for the study participants b. Ensuring that all data are collected by a single researcher c. Formulating at least two hypotheses for each research question d. Developing a strong theoretical framework for the study
The nurse is critiquing a research study that used an experimental design. How can the nurse determine if the study’s results are able to infer causality? a. The relationship between independent and dependent variables must be reciprocal. b. The relationship between independent and dependent variables must not be explainable by any other variable. c. Both independent and dependent variables should be characterized by reactive effects. d. Both independent and dependent variables should change as a result of the treatment.
The nurse is critiquing a research study that involves subjects undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Which finding would meet a criterion for inferring causality between performance of exercise and adaptive behavior of the subjects receiving chemotherapy? a. Adaptive behavior began before the exercise program was initiated. b. Adaptive behavior occurred in the control group over time. c. The level of adaptive behavior increased in direct proportion to an increase in the intensity of the exercise d. No difference in adaptive behavior was observed between subjects in the experimental group and subjects in the control group.
The experimental treatment initiated by a researcher can be described as what kind of variable? a. Independent b. Dependent c. Extraneous d. Outcome
Which of these criteria is most important when evaluating the results of an experimental research study? a. The size of the experimental group compared with the size of the control group. b. The validity that the experimental treatment caused the desired effect on the outcome. c. The congruence of research questions to the purpose and hypotheses. d. The ability of the researcher to apply the findings to clinical or practice settings.
Compared with a quasi-experimental design, which of these characteristics should a nurse expect to see only in a true experimental design? a. Experimental treatment b. Informed consent c. Hypotheses d. Random assignment
Which factor should be the primary consideration when determining the validity of experimental study findings? a. The extent to which the researcher controlled intervening variables b. The number of subjects who dropped out of the control and experimental groups c. The credentials and previous experience of the researcher d. The number of persons involved in the data collection process
In which way is the independent variable handled differently in a study with a true experimental design compared with a study with a quasi-experimental design? a. An experimental design requires an independent variable, whereas a quasi-experimental design neither identifies nor requires an independent variable. b. Although both designs identify an independent variable, the nature of the groups (randomized versus nonrandomized) means that manipulation may result in different results. c. Experimental designs demonstrate that the independent variable is related to the outcome, and quasi-experimental studies allow for independent variables that stand alone. d. Although both designs identify an independent variable, experimental designs identify it before the research is initiated, whereas quasi-experimental designs identify it after the data are analyzed.
Random assignment of subjects to experimental and control groups has which of these effects? a. Minimizes mortality within groups b. Maximizes variance between groups c. Decreases systematic bias d. Increases selection bias
Randomization strengthens an experimental study in which of these ways? a. It reduces the risk that a subject will be harmed by participation in the study. b. It ensures that the experimental group and the control group have the same number of participants. c. It allows the study to proceed without the researcher knowing which group is the experimental treatment group. d. It increases the likelihood that the differences in outcomes between the groups are not related to chance alone.
Control is important in an experimental research study for which of these reasons? a. It ensures maintenance of participant confidentiality. b. It introduces one or more constants into the experimental situation. c. It prevents data collection from extending beyond the original time specified for the study. d. It ensures a cause-and-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables.
In a true experimental study, the control group is the group that does what? a. Receives the experimental treatment b. Receives the placebo treatment c. Experiences the adverse results d. Experiences the reactive effects
Which action would increase the control of an experimental study? a. Establishing strict criteria for subject selection b. Allowing participants to decide whether or not to be in the experimental group c. Ensuring that subjects do not know the purpose of the experimental study d. Increasing the number of assistants involved in data collection
A study of a program to help people quit cigarette smoking had three groups of subjects. The first group received one supportive phone call 10 days after attending a program on strategies to resist smoking. A second group received a supportive phone call every week for 6 weeks after attending the program. A third group received no supportive phone calls after attending the program. In the above scenario, which of these properties of experimental research is evident? a. Quasi-experimental design with no control group b. Random assignment to research groups c. Manipulation of the treatment dose d. Control of extraneous variables
A study of a program to help people quit cigarette smoking had three groups of subjects. The first group received one supportive phone call 10 days after attending a program on strategies to resist smoking. A second group received a supportive phone call every week for 6 weeks after attending the program. A third group received no supportive phone calls after attending the program. What is the dependent variable in the research scenario? a. Program on strategies to resist smoking b. Elimination of cigarette smoking c. Weekly supportive phone call d. No supportive phone call
What type of threat to validity is minimized by the use of a Solomon four-group design? a. Mortality b. Selection bias c. Testing d. Antecedent variable
An after-only nonequivalent control group design would be appropriate to study which of these research questions? a. What is the effect of the cause of spousal death on widows’ self-esteem? b.What is the effect of preoperative teaching on vascular complications after orthopedic surgery? c. What is the effect of a mentorship program on improvement of students’ clinical performance in a baccalaureate nursing program? d. What is the effect of a videotaped teaching method on knowledge of adolescent males about the warning signs of testicular cancer?
A quasi-experimental study design would be a better choice for a research study than an experimental study design in which of these situations? a. The study is to be conducted in a laboratory setting b. An experimental treatment is not part of the study. c. The researcher has not conducted research before. d. Full experimental control is not possible.
The nurse researcher is planning a study in which subjects will not be randomly assigned to groups. Which type of design would be appropriate for this study? a. Nonequivalent control group design b. Posttest only control group design c. Solomon four-group design d. True experimental design
A planned quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group design has several extraneous variables that threaten its internal validity. The nurse researcher’s actions should be based on which understanding? a. The results of the study will not be statistically significant. b. The random assignment of subjects to groups will nullify the intervening variables. c. The study should be strengthened by controlling intervening variables. d. Because observation rather than causation is the purpose of the study, no action is necessary.
A quasi-experimental research design would be preferable to an experimental design in which of these situations? a. A smaller sample size is sufficient to obtain significant results b. Demonstration of a cause-and-effect relationship is the desired outcome. c. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data. d. Data will need to be collected in a real-world setting.
A study was conducted to determine if videotaped instruction was more effective than written instruction (a pamphlet) to teach menopausal women the benefits of regular mammograms. Which condition would be considered an antecedent variable? a. There were 38 subjects in the pamphlet group and 34 subjects in the videotape group. b. During the study, 50% of the videotape group received flu shots, whereas 25% of those in the pamphlet group received flu shots. c. Four members of the pamphlet group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, but no members of the videotape group had mothers who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. d. While participating in the study, five members of the videotape group began performing breast self-examination (BSE), while two members of the pamphlet group began performing BSE.
In a study using a true experimental design, which of these methods would control for antecedent variables? a. Manipulation of the independent variable b. After-only data collection c. Intervention fidelity d. Random assignment to groups
How are threats to validity affected when studies are conducted in real-world settings? a. Threats to both internal and external validity are increased. b. Threats to both internal and external validity are decreased. c. Threats to internal validity are decreased, whereas threats to external validity are increased. d. Threats to internal validity are increased, while threats to external validity are decreased.
How are threats to validity affected when studies are conducted in laboratory settings? a. Threats to both internal and external validity are increased. b. Threats to both internal and external validity are decreased. c. Threats to internal validity are decreased, whereas threats to external validity are increased. d. Threats to internal validity are increased, whereas threats to external validity are decreased.
What is the first question that should be asked in determining whether a cross-sectional design or a longitudinal design should be used in a quantitative study? a. Is there an independent variable? b. What is the nature of the problem being studied? c. Will a measurement tool or instrument be needed? d. Can statistical analysis be applied to the study data?
Which method of data collection is most appropriate for a nurse researcher to use in a survey study? a. Videorecording of people-to-people interactions b. Direct participant observation c. Unstructured interview d. Questionnaires
Why would a nurse researcher choose to use research studies that examine the associations or relationships between variables? a. A causal relationship can be determined between the variables. b. Greater manipulation of the variables is possible in this type of study. c. Randomization of participants allows for increased generalizability. d. There is application in clinical settings and a foundation for future experimental studies.
Why would a nurse researcher choose not to use a survey study design? a. Data analysis is limited with a survey design. b. Information collected is relatively superficial. c. Results are never applicable beyond the study population. d. More subjects are required to reach statistical significance than for other study designs.
A nurse researcher would choose to use a correlational study of multiple variables for which purpose? a. To identify the independent variable b. To test whether one variable causes another variable c. To examine relationships between or among variables d. To distinguish how different one variable is from another variable
Why would a nurse researcher choose to use a correlational design for a nonexperimental study? a. It represents an efficient and effective method of collecting a large amount of data about a problem. b. Many questionnaires and instruments are already developed and have been determined to be valid and reliable. c. Generalizability is greater than for results of studies using experimental designs . d. It allows flexibility in the manipulation of more than one variable.
A nurse researcher will choose to use a developmental study design to do what? a. Allow comparison of the results of qualitative studies of a phenomenon to the results of quantitative studies of the same phenomenon b. Allow reanalysis of existing data for a secondary purpose not stated in the original research c. Allow exploration of the changing nature of relationships between variables over time d. Allow development or refinement of a tool or instrument
Which statement about cross-sectional studies is most accurate? a. More than one group can be compared. b. Only descriptive data can be measured. c. Data are collected retrospectively rather than prospectively. d. Data collection and data analysis can occur simultaneously.
A nurse researcher would decide to use a longitudinal or prospective design for which reason? a. It is associated with data that are focused and deep. b. It allows the overall study to be more manageable for the researcher. c. It allows the issue of maturation to be avoided as a threat to internal validity. d. It allows the nurse researcher to avoid the use of tools or instrumentation.
A nurse researcher would decide to use a retrospective or ex post facto study for which reason? a. Obtaining informed consent is not an important issue. b. There is maximal opportunity to manipulate the independent variable. c. The dependent variable is measured at multiple times to examine maturation. d. The dependent variable has already been affected by the independent variable.
A nurse researcher will choose an ex post facto design over more a correlational design for which reason? a. It is easier to implement. b. The independent variable can be manipulated. c. There is a greater degree of control in the design. d. There is increased flexibility when variables relationships are complex.
Which type of study should be used when data are collected at only one point in time? a. Cross-sectional b. Retrospective c. Longitudinal d. Prospective
Data collection instruments were sent to the same sample of women at six different times during the first year of living with breast cancer. What type of study design does this exemplify? a. Cross-sectional b. Retrospective c. Longitudinal d. Correlational
What threat to internal validity is most closely associated with a longitudinal design? a. Instrumentation effects b. Mortality effects c. History effects d. Selection bias
What study design allows study participants to serve as their own controls, allowing early trends in the data to emerge? a. Cross-sectional b. Ex post facto c. Retrospective d. Longitudinal
The longitudinal study and the prospective study are similar for which reason? a. Each moves forward in time. b. Each has an experimental focus. c. Each is able to establish causal relationships. d. Each selects different samples from the same population at various periods of time.
What type of research will assist a nurse researcher in focusing on the theory and development of measurement instruments? a. Meta-analysis b. Psychometrics c. Methodology d. Data management
How does an experimental research design differ from a nonexperimental research design? a. Experimental designs allow observation of a phenomenon as it naturally occurs, and nonexperimental designs permit environmental manipulation. b. Nonexperimental designs manipulate the dependent variable, and experimental designs manipulate the independent variable. c. Nonexperimental designs attempt to test differences among variables, and experimental designs attempt to establish cause-and-effect relationships. d. Experimental designs are scientific, and nonexperimental designs have no scientific basis.