NURSING RESEARCH METHODS – QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES |
LATEST UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. A nurse researcher wants to determine whether a new patient education
program improves medication adherence among adults with hypertension.
Which research design would provide the strongest evidence for a cause-and-
effect relationship?
A. Descriptive study
B. Cross-sectional survey
C. Randomized controlled trial
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C. Randomized controlled trial
RATIONALE: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the gold standard for
evaluating cause-and-effect relationships because random assignment minimizes
bias and confounding variables. Descriptive studies, surveys, and case studies
are valuable for observation but cannot establish causality with the same level of
confidence.
2. Which statement best describes evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing?
A. Using personal experience as the only basis for clinical decisions
B. Combining the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences
C. Following physician instructions without question
D. Applying research findings without considering patient values
Correct Answer: B. Combining the best available evidence, clinical expertise,
and patient preferences
,RATIONALE: Evidence-based practice integrates current research evidence,
clinician expertise, and the patient's preferences and values to support high-
quality, individualized care.
3. In a research study, the variable that is deliberately manipulated by the
investigator is known as the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Extraneous variable
C. Independent variable
D. Confounding variable
Correct Answer: C. Independent variable
RATIONALE: The independent variable is the factor manipulated by the researcher
to determine its effect on the dependent variable.
4. Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain informed consent
before enrolling participants?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Respect for persons (Autonomy)
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: C. Respect for persons (Autonomy)
RATIONALE: Respect for persons recognizes each participant's right to make
informed, voluntary decisions regarding research participation through
informed consent.
5. A nurse researcher measures participants' blood pressure before and after
implementing a low-sodium diet. Blood pressure is the:
, A. Independent variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Demographic variable
Correct Answer: B. Dependent variable
RATIONALE: The dependent variable is the outcome measured to determine
whether it changes in response to the independent variable.
6. What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review before
beginning a research study?
A. To replace data collection
B. To identify existing knowledge and research gaps
C. To recruit participants
D. To analyze statistical findings
Correct Answer: B. To identify existing knowledge and research gaps
RATIONALE:A literature review summarizes current evidence, identifies
knowledge gaps, avoids unnecessary duplication, and helps refine the research
question.
7. Which type of sampling gives every member of the target population an
equal chance of being selected?
A. Convenience sampling
B. Purposive sampling
C. Snowball sampling
D. Simple random sampling
Correct Answer: D. Simple random sampling
RATIONALE: Simple random sampling reduces selection bias by ensuring each
eligible participant has an equal probability of selection.
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES |
LATEST UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. A nurse researcher wants to determine whether a new patient education
program improves medication adherence among adults with hypertension.
Which research design would provide the strongest evidence for a cause-and-
effect relationship?
A. Descriptive study
B. Cross-sectional survey
C. Randomized controlled trial
D. Case study
Correct Answer: C. Randomized controlled trial
RATIONALE: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the gold standard for
evaluating cause-and-effect relationships because random assignment minimizes
bias and confounding variables. Descriptive studies, surveys, and case studies
are valuable for observation but cannot establish causality with the same level of
confidence.
2. Which statement best describes evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing?
A. Using personal experience as the only basis for clinical decisions
B. Combining the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient
preferences
C. Following physician instructions without question
D. Applying research findings without considering patient values
Correct Answer: B. Combining the best available evidence, clinical expertise,
and patient preferences
,RATIONALE: Evidence-based practice integrates current research evidence,
clinician expertise, and the patient's preferences and values to support high-
quality, individualized care.
3. In a research study, the variable that is deliberately manipulated by the
investigator is known as the:
A. Dependent variable
B. Extraneous variable
C. Independent variable
D. Confounding variable
Correct Answer: C. Independent variable
RATIONALE: The independent variable is the factor manipulated by the researcher
to determine its effect on the dependent variable.
4. Which ethical principle requires researchers to obtain informed consent
before enrolling participants?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Respect for persons (Autonomy)
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: C. Respect for persons (Autonomy)
RATIONALE: Respect for persons recognizes each participant's right to make
informed, voluntary decisions regarding research participation through
informed consent.
5. A nurse researcher measures participants' blood pressure before and after
implementing a low-sodium diet. Blood pressure is the:
, A. Independent variable
B. Dependent variable
C. Confounding variable
D. Demographic variable
Correct Answer: B. Dependent variable
RATIONALE: The dependent variable is the outcome measured to determine
whether it changes in response to the independent variable.
6. What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review before
beginning a research study?
A. To replace data collection
B. To identify existing knowledge and research gaps
C. To recruit participants
D. To analyze statistical findings
Correct Answer: B. To identify existing knowledge and research gaps
RATIONALE:A literature review summarizes current evidence, identifies
knowledge gaps, avoids unnecessary duplication, and helps refine the research
question.
7. Which type of sampling gives every member of the target population an
equal chance of being selected?
A. Convenience sampling
B. Purposive sampling
C. Snowball sampling
D. Simple random sampling
Correct Answer: D. Simple random sampling
RATIONALE: Simple random sampling reduces selection bias by ensuring each
eligible participant has an equal probability of selection.
