NUR 3490 Exam 1
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Questions and Answers - 2026/2027 Update - With Complete Solutions - Molloy College
Total
60 Multiple-Choice Questions Format: 4 Options (A-D), One Correct
Questions:
30% Recall / 50% Application /
Cognitive Mix: Style: 70% Scenario-Based / 30% Direct
20% Analysis
Molloy College NUR 3490
Sections: 6 Content Domains Audience:
Students
Section 1: Foundations of Nursing Research
Definitions, Purpose, History, Types of Research, & Research Paradigms (Questions 1-12)
Q1: A graduate nursing student is preparing a scholarly paper and asks the faculty member to define the
primary purpose of nursing research. Which response by the faculty member best reflects the
contemporary goal of nursing research?
A. To generate, refine, and extend nursing knowledge to improve patient outcomes and advance
evidence-based practice [CORRECT]
B. To fulfill academic requirements for tenure and promotion of nursing faculty
C. To replace clinical judgment with rigid research protocols in all patient care decisions
D. To document the historical evolution of the nursing profession from Nightingale to the present
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The contemporary purpose of nursing research is to generate, refine, and extend nursing knowledge that
improves patient outcomes and informs evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP integrates best research evidence with clinical
expertise and patient preferences. Research is not for tenure (B), nor does it replace clinical judgment (C); rather, it informs
it. Historical documentation (D) is one minor aspect, not the primary purpose.
Q2: A nurse historian is discussing the evolution of nursing research with BSN students. Which landmark
event is widely credited as the beginning of modern nursing research?
A. Publication of Florence Nightingale's 'Notes on Nursing' in 1859, with her statistical analysis of
mortality during the Crimean War [CORRECT]
B. Establishment of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in 1986
C. Publication of the first nursing research textbook in the United States in 1952
D. Formation of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1896
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is recognized as the first nurse researcher. During the Crimean War (1854-1856), she
systematically collected and analyzed data on soldier mortality, demonstrating that sanitation reforms reduced mortality
from 42% to 2%. Her work, published in 'Notes on Nursing' (1859) and 'Notes on Matters Affecting Health' (1858),
established the foundation for evidence-based nursing practice. The NINR (1986), early textbooks, and ANA formation
were later milestones.
Page 1 | NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Molloy College 2026/2027 | 60 Questions with Complete Solutions
,NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice - Molloy College 2026/2027
Q3: A nurse researcher is designing a study using a positivist paradigm. Which philosophical assumption
underlies this research approach?
A. Reality is multiple and subjective, constructed by individuals within their social context
B. A single, objective, observable reality exists that can be measured and quantified through systematic
inquiry [CORRECT]
C. Research should focus on emancipation and empowerment of oppressed groups through political action
D. Knowledge is generated primarily through dialogue and shared lived experience between researcher and
participant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The positivist (and postpositivist) paradigm assumes a single, objective, observable reality that can be measured
and quantified, using deductive reasoning and experimental methods. This paradigm aligns with quantitative research.
Constructivism/interpretivism (A) posits multiple subjective realities. Critical theory (C) emphasizes emancipation and
political action. Dialogue and lived experience (D) reflect phenomenological and constructivist approaches.
Q4: A PhD candidate is conducting a study exploring the lived experience of family caregivers of patients
with advanced dementia, using unstructured in-depth interviews. Which research paradigm and
methodology best align with this approach?
A. Positivism and experimental design
B. Constructivism/interpretivism and phenomenological qualitative methodology [CORRECT]
C. Critical theory and participatory action research
D. Postpositivism and correlational survey design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring 'lived experience' through unstructured interviews is the hallmark of phenomenology, a qualitative
methodology rooted in the constructivist/interpretivist paradigm, which holds that reality is subjective and socially
constructed. Positivism and postpositivism (A, D) use quantitative measurement. Critical theory (C) focuses on emancipation
and power dynamics, not lived experience.
Q5: A nurse investigator is examining the cost-effectiveness of two discharge-planning models on hospital
readmission rates and patient satisfaction. This study is best classified as which type of research?
A. Basic research, because it generates new theoretical knowledge without immediate application
B. Outcomes research, because it examines the end results of healthcare interventions on patient and
system outcomes [CORRECT]
C. Qualitative research, because it explores subjective patient experiences
D. Laboratory bench research, because it measures biological variables
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Outcomes research examines the end results of healthcare interventions, including clinical outcomes,
patient-reported outcomes (satisfaction, quality of life), and healthcare utilization (readmissions, costs). It is central to EBP
and quality improvement. Basic research (A) generates theoretical knowledge; qualitative research (C) explores subjective
meaning; laboratory research (D) involves biological measurement at the bench level.
Q6: A DNP student is designing a study that combines a quantitative survey measuring nurse burnout
scores with qualitative focus groups exploring nurses' coping strategies. Which research approach is being
used?
A. Pure quantitative research
B. Mixed methods research, integrating quantitative and qualitative data within a single study
[CORRECT]
Page 2 | NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Molloy College 2026/2027 | 60 Questions with Complete Solutions
, NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice - Molloy College 2026/2027
C. Pure qualitative research with quantified themes
D. Secondary data analysis of two separate studies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mixed methods research intentionally integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a single study to provide
a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. The quantitative component (burnout scores) provides breadth,
while the qualitative component (focus groups) provides depth and context. This is distinct from pure quantitative (A), pure
qualitative (C), or secondary analysis (D). Mixed methods designs may be convergent, explanatory sequential, or exploratory
sequential.
Q7: A nurse manager reads a research article and asks the staff nurse to apply the findings to unit
practice. Which term best describes the integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and patient
values?
A. Quality improvement (QI)
B. Evidence-based practice (EBP) [CORRECT]
C. Nursing process
D. Performance appraisal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the conscientious integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise
and patient preferences/values to guide clinical decision-making. Quality improvement (A) is unit-based process
improvement using data; the nursing process (C) is the clinical problem-solving framework; performance appraisal (D) is
employee evaluation. EBP requires critiquing and applying research, not just adopting interventions uncritically.
Q8: A nurse researcher is planning a study and considers the role of theory. Which statement best
describes the relationship between theory and nursing research?
A. Theory is irrelevant to nursing research, which focuses only on data collection
B. Theory provides a framework to guide research questions, design, variable selection, and
interpretation of findings [CORRECT]
C. Theory is used only in qualitative research, never in quantitative research
D. Theory must be generated before any data collection, never developed from research findings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Theory provides the conceptual framework that guides every phase of research: identifying research problems,
formulating hypotheses, selecting variables and instruments, interpreting findings, and linking results to broader nursing
knowledge. Theory can be tested (deductive, quantitative) or generated (inductive, qualitative). Theory-research-practice is a
reciprocal relationship. The other options misrepresent the role of theory in research.
Q9: A staff nurse is asked to participate as a co-investigator on a unit-based research study. Which role
differentiates the nurse researcher from the clinical nurse in the research process?
A. The nurse researcher designs the study, while the clinical nurse only collects data without understanding the
protocol
B. The nurse researcher designs, conducts, and disseminates research; the clinical nurse may
collaborate, identify clinical problems, and apply findings to practice [CORRECT]
C. The nurse researcher is responsible only for statistical analysis, while the clinical nurse handles all patient
recruitment
D. The nurse researcher must have a doctoral degree, while the clinical nurse cannot participate in any research
activity
Correct Answer: B
Page 3 | NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Molloy College 2026/2027 | 60 Questions with Complete Solutions
Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Questions and Answers - 2026/2027 Update - With Complete Solutions - Molloy College
Total
60 Multiple-Choice Questions Format: 4 Options (A-D), One Correct
Questions:
30% Recall / 50% Application /
Cognitive Mix: Style: 70% Scenario-Based / 30% Direct
20% Analysis
Molloy College NUR 3490
Sections: 6 Content Domains Audience:
Students
Section 1: Foundations of Nursing Research
Definitions, Purpose, History, Types of Research, & Research Paradigms (Questions 1-12)
Q1: A graduate nursing student is preparing a scholarly paper and asks the faculty member to define the
primary purpose of nursing research. Which response by the faculty member best reflects the
contemporary goal of nursing research?
A. To generate, refine, and extend nursing knowledge to improve patient outcomes and advance
evidence-based practice [CORRECT]
B. To fulfill academic requirements for tenure and promotion of nursing faculty
C. To replace clinical judgment with rigid research protocols in all patient care decisions
D. To document the historical evolution of the nursing profession from Nightingale to the present
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The contemporary purpose of nursing research is to generate, refine, and extend nursing knowledge that
improves patient outcomes and informs evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP integrates best research evidence with clinical
expertise and patient preferences. Research is not for tenure (B), nor does it replace clinical judgment (C); rather, it informs
it. Historical documentation (D) is one minor aspect, not the primary purpose.
Q2: A nurse historian is discussing the evolution of nursing research with BSN students. Which landmark
event is widely credited as the beginning of modern nursing research?
A. Publication of Florence Nightingale's 'Notes on Nursing' in 1859, with her statistical analysis of
mortality during the Crimean War [CORRECT]
B. Establishment of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in 1986
C. Publication of the first nursing research textbook in the United States in 1952
D. Formation of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1896
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is recognized as the first nurse researcher. During the Crimean War (1854-1856), she
systematically collected and analyzed data on soldier mortality, demonstrating that sanitation reforms reduced mortality
from 42% to 2%. Her work, published in 'Notes on Nursing' (1859) and 'Notes on Matters Affecting Health' (1858),
established the foundation for evidence-based nursing practice. The NINR (1986), early textbooks, and ANA formation
were later milestones.
Page 1 | NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Molloy College 2026/2027 | 60 Questions with Complete Solutions
,NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice - Molloy College 2026/2027
Q3: A nurse researcher is designing a study using a positivist paradigm. Which philosophical assumption
underlies this research approach?
A. Reality is multiple and subjective, constructed by individuals within their social context
B. A single, objective, observable reality exists that can be measured and quantified through systematic
inquiry [CORRECT]
C. Research should focus on emancipation and empowerment of oppressed groups through political action
D. Knowledge is generated primarily through dialogue and shared lived experience between researcher and
participant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The positivist (and postpositivist) paradigm assumes a single, objective, observable reality that can be measured
and quantified, using deductive reasoning and experimental methods. This paradigm aligns with quantitative research.
Constructivism/interpretivism (A) posits multiple subjective realities. Critical theory (C) emphasizes emancipation and
political action. Dialogue and lived experience (D) reflect phenomenological and constructivist approaches.
Q4: A PhD candidate is conducting a study exploring the lived experience of family caregivers of patients
with advanced dementia, using unstructured in-depth interviews. Which research paradigm and
methodology best align with this approach?
A. Positivism and experimental design
B. Constructivism/interpretivism and phenomenological qualitative methodology [CORRECT]
C. Critical theory and participatory action research
D. Postpositivism and correlational survey design
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exploring 'lived experience' through unstructured interviews is the hallmark of phenomenology, a qualitative
methodology rooted in the constructivist/interpretivist paradigm, which holds that reality is subjective and socially
constructed. Positivism and postpositivism (A, D) use quantitative measurement. Critical theory (C) focuses on emancipation
and power dynamics, not lived experience.
Q5: A nurse investigator is examining the cost-effectiveness of two discharge-planning models on hospital
readmission rates and patient satisfaction. This study is best classified as which type of research?
A. Basic research, because it generates new theoretical knowledge without immediate application
B. Outcomes research, because it examines the end results of healthcare interventions on patient and
system outcomes [CORRECT]
C. Qualitative research, because it explores subjective patient experiences
D. Laboratory bench research, because it measures biological variables
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Outcomes research examines the end results of healthcare interventions, including clinical outcomes,
patient-reported outcomes (satisfaction, quality of life), and healthcare utilization (readmissions, costs). It is central to EBP
and quality improvement. Basic research (A) generates theoretical knowledge; qualitative research (C) explores subjective
meaning; laboratory research (D) involves biological measurement at the bench level.
Q6: A DNP student is designing a study that combines a quantitative survey measuring nurse burnout
scores with qualitative focus groups exploring nurses' coping strategies. Which research approach is being
used?
A. Pure quantitative research
B. Mixed methods research, integrating quantitative and qualitative data within a single study
[CORRECT]
Page 2 | NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Molloy College 2026/2027 | 60 Questions with Complete Solutions
, NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice - Molloy College 2026/2027
C. Pure qualitative research with quantified themes
D. Secondary data analysis of two separate studies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mixed methods research intentionally integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a single study to provide
a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. The quantitative component (burnout scores) provides breadth,
while the qualitative component (focus groups) provides depth and context. This is distinct from pure quantitative (A), pure
qualitative (C), or secondary analysis (D). Mixed methods designs may be convergent, explanatory sequential, or exploratory
sequential.
Q7: A nurse manager reads a research article and asks the staff nurse to apply the findings to unit
practice. Which term best describes the integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and patient
values?
A. Quality improvement (QI)
B. Evidence-based practice (EBP) [CORRECT]
C. Nursing process
D. Performance appraisal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the conscientious integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise
and patient preferences/values to guide clinical decision-making. Quality improvement (A) is unit-based process
improvement using data; the nursing process (C) is the clinical problem-solving framework; performance appraisal (D) is
employee evaluation. EBP requires critiquing and applying research, not just adopting interventions uncritically.
Q8: A nurse researcher is planning a study and considers the role of theory. Which statement best
describes the relationship between theory and nursing research?
A. Theory is irrelevant to nursing research, which focuses only on data collection
B. Theory provides a framework to guide research questions, design, variable selection, and
interpretation of findings [CORRECT]
C. Theory is used only in qualitative research, never in quantitative research
D. Theory must be generated before any data collection, never developed from research findings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Theory provides the conceptual framework that guides every phase of research: identifying research problems,
formulating hypotheses, selecting variables and instruments, interpreting findings, and linking results to broader nursing
knowledge. Theory can be tested (deductive, quantitative) or generated (inductive, qualitative). Theory-research-practice is a
reciprocal relationship. The other options misrepresent the role of theory in research.
Q9: A staff nurse is asked to participate as a co-investigator on a unit-based research study. Which role
differentiates the nurse researcher from the clinical nurse in the research process?
A. The nurse researcher designs the study, while the clinical nurse only collects data without understanding the
protocol
B. The nurse researcher designs, conducts, and disseminates research; the clinical nurse may
collaborate, identify clinical problems, and apply findings to practice [CORRECT]
C. The nurse researcher is responsible only for statistical analysis, while the clinical nurse handles all patient
recruitment
D. The nurse researcher must have a doctoral degree, while the clinical nurse cannot participate in any research
activity
Correct Answer: B
Page 3 | NUR 3490 Exam 1 - Molloy College 2026/2027 | 60 Questions with Complete Solutions
