Ch. 16: Data Analysis: Descriptive and
Inferential Statistics
The nurse researcher is interested in estimating how reliably data can be used to generalize the findings
of a study. In order for this to occur, the researcher should use what?
a. Inferential statistics
b. Descriptive statistics
c. Nonparametric statistics
d. Mathematical statistics - correct answer ✔✔ANS: A
Feedback
A Inferential statistics are used by researchers to make predictions and generalize findings on the basis of
data.
B Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data by reducing data to manageable
proportions by summarizing them.
C Nonparametric statistics are a type of inferential statistics.
D The term mathematical statistics is a circular answer.
The nurse researcher is interested in describing and summarizing the characteristics of the sample used
in the research study. In order for this to occur, the researcher should use what?
a. Inferential statistics
b. Descriptive statistics
c. Nonparametric statistics
d. Mathematical statistics - correct answer ✔✔ANS: B
Feedback
, A Inferential statistics are used by researchers to make predictions and generalize findings on the basis of
data.
B Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data by reducing data to manageable
proportions by summarizing them.
C Nonparametric statistics are a type of inferential statistics.
D The term mathematical statistics is a circular answer.
A nurse researcher would opt to use measures of central tendency in which case?
a. When there is a need to describe how reliably the findings can be generalized
b. When there is a need to describe how much dispersion is in the sample
c. When there is a need to describe the accuracy of predictions made
d. When there is a need to describe the average member of the sample - correct answer ✔✔ANS: D
Feedback
A This answer describes a function of inferential statistics.
B This answer describes measures of variability.
C This answer is incorrect.
D Measures of central tendency yield a single number that describes the middle of the group and
summarizes the members of a sample.
The nurse researcher is interested in describing the assignment of numbers to objects or events. This is
best achieved in which way?
a. Through use of prediction
b. Through use of dispersion
c. Through use of variability
d. Through use of measurement - correct answer ✔✔ANS: D
Feedback
Inferential Statistics
The nurse researcher is interested in estimating how reliably data can be used to generalize the findings
of a study. In order for this to occur, the researcher should use what?
a. Inferential statistics
b. Descriptive statistics
c. Nonparametric statistics
d. Mathematical statistics - correct answer ✔✔ANS: A
Feedback
A Inferential statistics are used by researchers to make predictions and generalize findings on the basis of
data.
B Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data by reducing data to manageable
proportions by summarizing them.
C Nonparametric statistics are a type of inferential statistics.
D The term mathematical statistics is a circular answer.
The nurse researcher is interested in describing and summarizing the characteristics of the sample used
in the research study. In order for this to occur, the researcher should use what?
a. Inferential statistics
b. Descriptive statistics
c. Nonparametric statistics
d. Mathematical statistics - correct answer ✔✔ANS: B
Feedback
, A Inferential statistics are used by researchers to make predictions and generalize findings on the basis of
data.
B Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data by reducing data to manageable
proportions by summarizing them.
C Nonparametric statistics are a type of inferential statistics.
D The term mathematical statistics is a circular answer.
A nurse researcher would opt to use measures of central tendency in which case?
a. When there is a need to describe how reliably the findings can be generalized
b. When there is a need to describe how much dispersion is in the sample
c. When there is a need to describe the accuracy of predictions made
d. When there is a need to describe the average member of the sample - correct answer ✔✔ANS: D
Feedback
A This answer describes a function of inferential statistics.
B This answer describes measures of variability.
C This answer is incorrect.
D Measures of central tendency yield a single number that describes the middle of the group and
summarizes the members of a sample.
The nurse researcher is interested in describing the assignment of numbers to objects or events. This is
best achieved in which way?
a. Through use of prediction
b. Through use of dispersion
c. Through use of variability
d. Through use of measurement - correct answer ✔✔ANS: D
Feedback
