Introduction to Data Analysis in an Evidence-Based Practice
Environment
1.1. Statistical skills can play an important role in nursing because they help nurses to:
a. Calculate appropriate doses and clinical measurements
b. Generate clinical questions
*c. Evaluate and generate research evidence for nursing practice
d. Make better use of computers and the Internet
1.2. In the context of a quantitative study, a concept is called a(n):
a. Operational definition
*b. Variable
c. Statistic
d. Parameter
1.3. An example of a variable is:
*a. Systolic blood pressure
b. Pi (π)
c. 52.5 kilograms
d. Number of seconds in a minute
1.4. An example of a datum is:
a. Systolic blood pressure
b. Pi (π)
*c. 52.5 kilograms
d. Number of seconds in a minute
1.5. Which of the following is not a component of a research question?
a. An independent variable
b. A population
*c. A sample
d. A dependent variable
1.6. Identify the dependent variable in the following: In elderly men, what is the effect of chronic
fatigue on level of depression?
a. Age
b. Sex
c. Chronic fatigue
*d. Depression
1.7. Which of the following is a continuous variable?
a. Number of pages in a book
*b. Age at death
c. Falls during hospitalization