Chapter 03: Introduction to the Qualitative Research Grove: Understanding Nursing Research, 6th Edition

1. What role does qualitative research play in evidence-based practice (EBP)? a. Because it does not involve random-controlled trials (RCTs), it does not contribute directly to EBP. b. It offers a systematic approach for yielding insights into human experience and behavior. c. It provides a way to measure and evaluate quality outcomes that affect patient care. d. It provides the basis for most EBP guidelines and patient care protocols. ANS: B Feedback A Many insights gained through qualitative studies are used to develop theories on which RCTs may be based. B Qualitative research offers a systematic approach for collecting data about and evaluating human perception and experience that cannot be achieved through experimental research. C Qualitative research is not concerned solely with outcomes research, which looks at the effects of nursing interventions on patient care outcomes. D RCTs are the basis for most EBP guidelines and protocols PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: p. 67 2. A researcher identifies a socioeconomic group of people to study. After developing a rapport with key members of the group, getting information about group members from the key members, and spending time working among group members, the researcher develops theories about the group based on this experience. Which type of qualitative research does this represent? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological ANS: A Feedback A Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures and involves immersion in the group in order to make observations and get information. B Grounded theory research is an inductive technique that emerged from the discipline of sociology. Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures. C Historical research examines events of the past. Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures. D Phenomenological research describes experiences as they are lived. Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: pp. 74-75 3. What is true about phenomena in qualitative research? a. Human behavior is generally the result of the direct influence of independent variables. b. Knowledge gained by qualitative research is concrete and derived from statistical data. c. Multiple realities are possible based on meanings created by individuals and groups. d. Time and context have very little influence on individual or group perspectives. ANS: C Feedback A Human behavior is complex and not just the result of the influence of independent variables. B Knowledge gained in qualitative research is less concrete than that gained through quantitative research. C The understanding of phenomena in qualitative research is not the same as in quantitative research. In qualitative research, multiple realities, based on individual and group meanings, may be derived from research data. D Phenomena in qualitative research are considered unique to the individual and in the time and the context that they occur. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: p. 67 4. A researcher conducts a qualitative study and learns that individuals have a variety of reactions to an event. What can the researcher conclude from this finding? a. The findings are interesting, but are not useful for theory development. b. The reactions described in this study may be generalized to a larger population. c. The study has little significance since there is no well-defined single outcome. d. The variety of reactions is expected since perception varies with individuals. ANS: D Feedback A Findings in qualitative studies are often used to guide initial theory development whose constructs are later tested through experimental studies. B Reactions in qualitative studies do not have statistical significance and cannot be generalized to a larger population. C Even without a well-defined outcome, the results do have significance and contribute to the larger body of scientific knowledge. D Because meaning is subjective, there can be multiple realities in qualitative research, which seeks to learn how individuals and groups respond to experiences. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: p. 67 5. A researcher develops a study to examine various phenomena that contribute to theory development. This is an example of which type of research? a. Ethnographic research b. Grounded theory research c. Historical research d. Phenomenological research ANS: B Feedback A Ethnographers observe and document interactions within a culture. B Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. C Historical research examines events of the past. D Phenomenological research attempts to capture the “lived experience” of study participants. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: p. 67| p. 70 6. A researcher conducts a study to examine the feelings of cancer patients at various points during their disease, including at diagnosis, when beginning chemotherapy, and during remission. Which type of study will the researcher use for this study? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded Theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological ANS: D Feedback A Ethnographers observe and document interactions within a culture. B Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. C Historical research examines events of the past. D Phenomenological research attempts to capture the “lived experience” of study participants. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: p. 67| pp. 69-70 7. What is true about scientific rigor in qualitative nursing research? a. Studies are rigorous only when results are quantifiable. b. Study findings are considered trustworthy when rigor is applied. c. Scientific rigor is not applicable with qualitative studies. d. Scientific rigor is only used with random-controlled trials. ANS: B Feedbac