NURS 5366 Final Exam V2 | NURS 5366
Principles of Research in Nursing | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NURS5366 Final
Exam) | The University of Texas at
Arlington
1. Which level of evidence is considered the most rigorous for clinical decision-making
according to the evidence-based practice hierarchy?
A. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
B. Case-control studies
C. Expert opinion
D. Single correlational study
Answer: A
Rationale: Systematic reviews represent the pinnacle of the evidence hierarchy because
they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies. This method reduces bias by
using a structured approach to analyze the existing body of literature. Nurses should
prioritize this level of evidence to ensure patient care is grounded in the most reliable data.
2. In a research study, what is the primary purpose of an operational definition?
A. To provide a dictionary definition of a concept
B. To specify how a variable will be measured or manipulated
,C. To describe the theoretical framework of the study
D. To explain the relationship between two variables
Answer: B
Rationale: Operational definitions translate abstract concepts into measurable entities
within a specific study. This process is essential for replication because it tells other
researchers exactly what steps were taken to observe a variable. Without clear operational
definitions, the results of a study cannot be accurately interpreted or compared.
3. A researcher is studying the ‘lived experience’ of parents who have children in neonatal
intensive care. Which qualitative design is most appropriate?
A. Phenomenology
B. Grounded Theory
C. Ethnography
D. Historical Research
Answer: A
Rationale: Phenomenology focuses on describing the essence of human experiences
regarding a specific phenomenon. It seeks to understand how individuals perceive and
make sense of their daily lives. By utilizing this approach, the researcher can gain deep
insights into the subjective emotional journey of the parents.
, 4. Which threat to internal validity occurs when an external event outside the researcher’s
control affects the outcomes during the study period?
A. Maturation
B. History
C. Instrumentation
D. Selection bias
Answer: B
Rationale: The threat of history involves specific events that occur between the first and
second measurements in addition to the experimental treatment. These events can
influence the dependent variable and make it difficult to determine the true effect of the
intervention. Researchers must document these occurrences to account for potential
confounding factors in their analysis.
5. When a researcher uses a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.85 for a new tool, what does
this value indicate?
A. The tool is valid but not reliable
B. The tool is 85% accurate
C. The tool has high internal consistency reliability
D. There is an 85% chance of a Type I error
Answer: C
Principles of Research in Nursing | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NURS5366 Final
Exam) | The University of Texas at
Arlington
1. Which level of evidence is considered the most rigorous for clinical decision-making
according to the evidence-based practice hierarchy?
A. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
B. Case-control studies
C. Expert opinion
D. Single correlational study
Answer: A
Rationale: Systematic reviews represent the pinnacle of the evidence hierarchy because
they synthesize findings from multiple high-quality studies. This method reduces bias by
using a structured approach to analyze the existing body of literature. Nurses should
prioritize this level of evidence to ensure patient care is grounded in the most reliable data.
2. In a research study, what is the primary purpose of an operational definition?
A. To provide a dictionary definition of a concept
B. To specify how a variable will be measured or manipulated
,C. To describe the theoretical framework of the study
D. To explain the relationship between two variables
Answer: B
Rationale: Operational definitions translate abstract concepts into measurable entities
within a specific study. This process is essential for replication because it tells other
researchers exactly what steps were taken to observe a variable. Without clear operational
definitions, the results of a study cannot be accurately interpreted or compared.
3. A researcher is studying the ‘lived experience’ of parents who have children in neonatal
intensive care. Which qualitative design is most appropriate?
A. Phenomenology
B. Grounded Theory
C. Ethnography
D. Historical Research
Answer: A
Rationale: Phenomenology focuses on describing the essence of human experiences
regarding a specific phenomenon. It seeks to understand how individuals perceive and
make sense of their daily lives. By utilizing this approach, the researcher can gain deep
insights into the subjective emotional journey of the parents.
, 4. Which threat to internal validity occurs when an external event outside the researcher’s
control affects the outcomes during the study period?
A. Maturation
B. History
C. Instrumentation
D. Selection bias
Answer: B
Rationale: The threat of history involves specific events that occur between the first and
second measurements in addition to the experimental treatment. These events can
influence the dependent variable and make it difficult to determine the true effect of the
intervention. Researchers must document these occurrences to account for potential
confounding factors in their analysis.
5. When a researcher uses a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.85 for a new tool, what does
this value indicate?
A. The tool is valid but not reliable
B. The tool is 85% accurate
C. The tool has high internal consistency reliability
D. There is an 85% chance of a Type I error
Answer: C
