NUR 3270: NURSING RESEARCH AND
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS
1. A nurse researcher is designing a study to explore the ‘lived experience’ of patients
recovering from a stroke. Which qualitative research tradition is most appropriate?
A. Ethnography
B. Phenomenology
C. Grounded Theory
D. Case Study
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Phenomenology focuses on the lived experience of individuals
regarding a specific phenomenon.
2. In the PICO(T) format for developing a clinical question, what does the ‘C’ represent?
A. Consequences
B. Clinical Significance
,C. Comparison
D. Control group
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PICO(T) stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time.
3. Which level of evidence is considered the highest in the hierarchy of evidence for practice
decisions?
A. Systematic review of RCTs
B. Single correlational study
C. Expert opinion of authorities
D. Single descriptive study
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of all relevant randomized
controlled trials (RCTs) are at the top of the evidence hierarchy.
4. A researcher uses a scale to weigh participants. The scale consistently gives a reading that
is 2 pounds heavier than the actual weight. This scale is:
A. Valid but not reliable
B. Reliable but not valid
C. Neither valid nor reliable
, D. Both valid and reliable
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Reliability refers to consistency. Because it consistently gives the
same (though wrong) weight, it is reliable. It is not valid because it does not measure the
true weight.
5. The Belmont Report identifies three primary ethical principles. Which principle involves the
‘do no harm’ mandate?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Respect for Persons
D. Veracity
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Beneficence involves maximizing benefits and minimizing
potential harm to research participants.
6. What is the primary purpose of a ‘Power Analysis’ in quantitative research?
A. To determine the statistical significance of results
B. To estimate the required sample size
C. To identify confounding variables
D. To assess the internal consistency of a tool
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
MIDTERM EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS
1. A nurse researcher is designing a study to explore the ‘lived experience’ of patients
recovering from a stroke. Which qualitative research tradition is most appropriate?
A. Ethnography
B. Phenomenology
C. Grounded Theory
D. Case Study
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Phenomenology focuses on the lived experience of individuals
regarding a specific phenomenon.
2. In the PICO(T) format for developing a clinical question, what does the ‘C’ represent?
A. Consequences
B. Clinical Significance
,C. Comparison
D. Control group
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: PICO(T) stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison,
Outcome, and Time.
3. Which level of evidence is considered the highest in the hierarchy of evidence for practice
decisions?
A. Systematic review of RCTs
B. Single correlational study
C. Expert opinion of authorities
D. Single descriptive study
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Systematic reviews or meta-analyses of all relevant randomized
controlled trials (RCTs) are at the top of the evidence hierarchy.
4. A researcher uses a scale to weigh participants. The scale consistently gives a reading that
is 2 pounds heavier than the actual weight. This scale is:
A. Valid but not reliable
B. Reliable but not valid
C. Neither valid nor reliable
, D. Both valid and reliable
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Reliability refers to consistency. Because it consistently gives the
same (though wrong) weight, it is reliable. It is not valid because it does not measure the
true weight.
5. The Belmont Report identifies three primary ethical principles. Which principle involves the
‘do no harm’ mandate?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Respect for Persons
D. Veracity
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Beneficence involves maximizing benefits and minimizing
potential harm to research participants.
6. What is the primary purpose of a ‘Power Analysis’ in quantitative research?
A. To determine the statistical significance of results
B. To estimate the required sample size
C. To identify confounding variables
D. To assess the internal consistency of a tool
