(2026) Q&A | UTA
1. A researcher is studying the effect of a walking program on weight loss in adults with
Type II diabetes. He weighs 25 participants before and after a one-month intervention.
Which statistical test is most appropriate to compare the before and after weights?
A) Independent samples t-test
B) Paired t-test
C) Pearson's correlation coefficient
D) Chi-square test
Correct Answer: B) Paired t-test
Rationale: The same participants are measured twice (before and after the intervention),
making the data paired or dependent. A paired t-test is designed to compare means from
the same group at two different time points. An independent samples t-test is for two
different groups, correlation measures relationships between variables, and chi-square is
for categorical data.
2. A nurse in a cardiovascular ICU develops an intervention to reduce postoperative
ventilator hours. She randomizes participants to a treatment group (receiving a novel
teaching intervention) or a control group (receiving customary care). After surgery, she
records ventilator hours for both groups. Which statistical test should she select to
compare the two groups?
A) Paired t-test
B) Independent samples t-test
C) Pearson's correlation coefficient
D) Chi-square test
,Correct Answer: B) Independent samples t-test
Rationale: The researcher is comparing two independent groups (treatment vs. control) on
a continuous outcome variable (hours on ventilator). The independent samples t-test is
the appropriate parametric test for comparing means between two independent groups.
A paired t-test is for dependent groups, correlation measures relationships, and chi-square
is for categorical data.
3. A nurse reads a journal article on patient incivility and nursing burnout. The study
reports r = 0.50, p = .04 (with alpha set at .05). How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
A) There is no relationship between patient incivility and nursing burnout.
B) There is a weak relationship between patient incivility and nursing burnout.
C) There is a moderate relationship between patient incivility and nursing burnout.
D) There is a strong relationship between patient incivility and nursing burnout.
Correct Answer: C) There is a moderate relationship between patient incivility and nursing
burnout.
Rationale: A correlation coefficient (r) of 0.50 indicates a moderate positive relationship.
The p-value of .04 is less than the alpha of .05, indicating the relationship is statistically
significant. A correlation of 0.50 is generally considered moderate in strength.
4. Which of the following correlation coefficients shows the strongest relationship?
A) 0.10
B) −0.85
C) 0.80
D) 0.50
, Correct Answer: B) −0.85
Rationale: The strength of a correlation is determined by the absolute value of the
coefficient, not the sign. A coefficient of −0.85 has an absolute value of 0.85, which is
greater than 0.80, 0.50, and 0.10, making it the strongest relationship (though negative in
direction).
5. A pediatric nurse reviews a study where 50 children were randomized to receive either
a new seizure drug or Phenobarbital (control). The researchers monitored seizure
frequency for three months and reported t = 2.25, p = .045 (alpha set at .05). What is the
correct interpretation?
A) There was no significant difference in seizure frequency between the two groups.
B) Children who received the new drug had significantly fewer seizures than those who
received Phenobarbital.
C) Children who received Phenobarbital had significantly fewer seizures than those who
received the new drug.
D) The study results are clinically significant but not statistically significant.
Correct Answer: B) Children who received the new drug had significantly fewer seizures
than those who received Phenobarbital.
Rationale: The p-value of .045 is less than the alpha of .05, indicating a statistically
significant difference. Since the treatment group had fewer seizures, the new drug was
more effective. Statistical significance does not automatically imply clinical significance, but
the results are statistically significant.
6. A researcher wants to examine the relationship between postpartum depression and
maternal age. She recruits 50 women, collects demographic information, and administers
a postpartum depression survey. Which statistical test is most appropriate for analyzing
the relationship between these two continuous variables?
A) Independent samples t-test