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NURS 328 Nursing Research – Athabasca University –
Latest Update – Complete Exam Questions and Correct
Answers Study Guide
Introduction
This document contains comprehensive exam questions and
verified answers for NURS 328 Nursing Research at Athabasca
University. It covers key concepts including quantitative and
qualitative research, research designs, sampling methods,
validity and reliability, evidence-based practice, mixed
methods research, data collection, statistical concepts, and
intervention research. The material is organized in a question-
and-answer format, making it ideal for exam preparation and
review. It provides broad coverage of the course content and
serves as a useful study resource for mastering essential
nursing research concepts.
Exam Questions and Answers
phenomena --- correct precise answer ---the abstract concept
under study, often used by qualitative researchers in lieu of
the term variable
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,Page 2 of 85
Concepts --- correct precise answer ---an abstraction based on
observations of behaviours or characteristics
construct --- correct precise answer ---a complex abstraction
or concept that is invented by researchers based on inferences
from human behaviour or human traits.
theory --- correct precise answer ---- an abstract
generalization that presents a systematic explanation about
relationships among phenomena.
- consists of two or more concepts and a set of logical
connections, providing a tool for deducing hypotheses.
variable --- correct precise answer ---an attribute that varies,
that is, takes on different values (i.e. body, temperature, heart
rate).
independent variable --- correct precise answer ---presumed
cause. the variable that is believed to cause or influence the
dependent variable; in experimental research, the
manipulated (treatment) variable, the dependent variable is
both the "I" and "C" in the PICO framework.
Dependent (outcome) variable --- correct precise answer ---
presumed effect. the variable hypothesized to depend on or be
caused by another variable (the independent variable); the
outcome of interest.
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conceptual definition --- correct precise answer ---the
theoretical meaning of a concept.
operational definition --- correct precise answer ---indicates
what the researchers specifically must do to measure the
concept and collect needed information.
data --- correct precise answer ---the pieces of information
obtained in a study
quantitative data --- correct precise answer ---numerical data
qualitative data --- correct precise answer ---narrative
descriptions
relationship --- correct precise answer ---a connection
between phenomena or variables
cause and effect relationship --- correct precise answer ---a
relationship between two variables wherein the presence or
value of one variable determines the presence or value of the
other.
experimental research --- correct precise answer ---
(quantitative research) researchers actively introduce an
intervention or treatment; clinical trials
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non- experimental research --- correct precise answer ---
researchers are bystanders or observers- they collect data
without actively introducing treatments; observational
research
grounded theory --- correct precise answer ---seeks to
describe and understand key social and psychological
processes that occur in a social setting.
major component of grounded theory --- correct precise
answer ---the discovery of a core variable to explain what is
going on in the social scene. Researchers strive to generate
explanations of phenomena that are grounded in reality.
phenomenology --- correct precise answer ---concerned with
peoples lived experiences. An approach to thinking about what
life experiences of people are like and what they mean
ethnography --- correct precise answer ---the primary
research tradition in anthropology, provides a framework for
studying the patterns and lifeways of a defined cultural group
in a holistic fashion. strive to learn from members of a
cultural group, to understand their world view, and to
describe their customs and norms.
naturalistic approach occurs in the --- correct precise answer
---field
Page 4 of 85
NURS 328 Nursing Research – Athabasca University –
Latest Update – Complete Exam Questions and Correct
Answers Study Guide
Introduction
This document contains comprehensive exam questions and
verified answers for NURS 328 Nursing Research at Athabasca
University. It covers key concepts including quantitative and
qualitative research, research designs, sampling methods,
validity and reliability, evidence-based practice, mixed
methods research, data collection, statistical concepts, and
intervention research. The material is organized in a question-
and-answer format, making it ideal for exam preparation and
review. It provides broad coverage of the course content and
serves as a useful study resource for mastering essential
nursing research concepts.
Exam Questions and Answers
phenomena --- correct precise answer ---the abstract concept
under study, often used by qualitative researchers in lieu of
the term variable
Page 1 of 85
,Page 2 of 85
Concepts --- correct precise answer ---an abstraction based on
observations of behaviours or characteristics
construct --- correct precise answer ---a complex abstraction
or concept that is invented by researchers based on inferences
from human behaviour or human traits.
theory --- correct precise answer ---- an abstract
generalization that presents a systematic explanation about
relationships among phenomena.
- consists of two or more concepts and a set of logical
connections, providing a tool for deducing hypotheses.
variable --- correct precise answer ---an attribute that varies,
that is, takes on different values (i.e. body, temperature, heart
rate).
independent variable --- correct precise answer ---presumed
cause. the variable that is believed to cause or influence the
dependent variable; in experimental research, the
manipulated (treatment) variable, the dependent variable is
both the "I" and "C" in the PICO framework.
Dependent (outcome) variable --- correct precise answer ---
presumed effect. the variable hypothesized to depend on or be
caused by another variable (the independent variable); the
outcome of interest.
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,Page 3 of 85
conceptual definition --- correct precise answer ---the
theoretical meaning of a concept.
operational definition --- correct precise answer ---indicates
what the researchers specifically must do to measure the
concept and collect needed information.
data --- correct precise answer ---the pieces of information
obtained in a study
quantitative data --- correct precise answer ---numerical data
qualitative data --- correct precise answer ---narrative
descriptions
relationship --- correct precise answer ---a connection
between phenomena or variables
cause and effect relationship --- correct precise answer ---a
relationship between two variables wherein the presence or
value of one variable determines the presence or value of the
other.
experimental research --- correct precise answer ---
(quantitative research) researchers actively introduce an
intervention or treatment; clinical trials
Page 3 of 85
, Page 4 of 85
non- experimental research --- correct precise answer ---
researchers are bystanders or observers- they collect data
without actively introducing treatments; observational
research
grounded theory --- correct precise answer ---seeks to
describe and understand key social and psychological
processes that occur in a social setting.
major component of grounded theory --- correct precise
answer ---the discovery of a core variable to explain what is
going on in the social scene. Researchers strive to generate
explanations of phenomena that are grounded in reality.
phenomenology --- correct precise answer ---concerned with
peoples lived experiences. An approach to thinking about what
life experiences of people are like and what they mean
ethnography --- correct precise answer ---the primary
research tradition in anthropology, provides a framework for
studying the patterns and lifeways of a defined cultural group
in a holistic fashion. strive to learn from members of a
cultural group, to understand their world view, and to
describe their customs and norms.
naturalistic approach occurs in the --- correct precise answer
---field
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