NUR 3270: NURSING RESEARCH AND
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS AND DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS
1. In the evidence-based practice hierarchy, which of the following is considered the ‘gold
standard’ for testing the effects of a specific intervention?
A. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
B. Case-control studies
C. Systematic reviews of qualitative studies
D. Expert opinion and clinical guidelines
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: RCTs are considered the highest level of evidence for individual
studies because they minimize bias through randomization and control groups.
2. A researcher is studying the ‘lived experience’ of mothers caring for children with terminal
cancer. Which qualitative research tradition is being utilized?
A. Grounded Theory
B. Ethnography
,C. Phenomenology
D. Historical Research
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phenomenology focuses on the lived experience and the
meaning of a phenomenon to those who experience it.
3. Which component of a PICO question describes the results that the clinician hopes to
achieve?
A. Population
B. Intervention
C. Outcome
D. Comparison
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), the
Outcome refers to the desired result or effect of the intervention.
4. The Belmont Report identifies three ethical principles. Which principle is applied when a
researcher ensures that the risks to participants are outweighed by the potential benefits?
A. Justice
B. Respect for Persons
C. Beneficence
, D. Autonomy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Beneficence involves maximizing benefits and minimizing harms
to participants.
5. A researcher uses a sample of patients from the unit where they work because the patients
are easily accessible. This is an example of:
A. Quota sampling
B. Purposive sampling
C. Simple random sampling
D. Convenience sampling
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Convenience sampling involves selecting the most readily
available people as participants.
6. A p-value of 0.02 is obtained in a study comparing two medications. What does this result
signify if the alpha is set at 0.05?
A. The result is statistically significant.
B. The result is not statistically significant.
C. The null hypothesis must be accepted.
D. There is a 20% chance the results are due to error.
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE FINAL
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS AND DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS
1. In the evidence-based practice hierarchy, which of the following is considered the ‘gold
standard’ for testing the effects of a specific intervention?
A. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
B. Case-control studies
C. Systematic reviews of qualitative studies
D. Expert opinion and clinical guidelines
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: RCTs are considered the highest level of evidence for individual
studies because they minimize bias through randomization and control groups.
2. A researcher is studying the ‘lived experience’ of mothers caring for children with terminal
cancer. Which qualitative research tradition is being utilized?
A. Grounded Theory
B. Ethnography
,C. Phenomenology
D. Historical Research
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Phenomenology focuses on the lived experience and the
meaning of a phenomenon to those who experience it.
3. Which component of a PICO question describes the results that the clinician hopes to
achieve?
A. Population
B. Intervention
C. Outcome
D. Comparison
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), the
Outcome refers to the desired result or effect of the intervention.
4. The Belmont Report identifies three ethical principles. Which principle is applied when a
researcher ensures that the risks to participants are outweighed by the potential benefits?
A. Justice
B. Respect for Persons
C. Beneficence
, D. Autonomy
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Beneficence involves maximizing benefits and minimizing harms
to participants.
5. A researcher uses a sample of patients from the unit where they work because the patients
are easily accessible. This is an example of:
A. Quota sampling
B. Purposive sampling
C. Simple random sampling
D. Convenience sampling
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Convenience sampling involves selecting the most readily
available people as participants.
6. A p-value of 0.02 is obtained in a study comparing two medications. What does this result
signify if the alpha is set at 0.05?
A. The result is statistically significant.
B. The result is not statistically significant.
C. The null hypothesis must be accepted.
D. There is a 20% chance the results are due to error.
