control - ANSWER The measures used to hold uniform or constant
the conditions in a research study
confidence interval - ANSWER An estimated range of values, which are likely to
include an unknown population parameter calculated from a given set of sample
data. Abbreviated CI.
alpha - ANSWER Considered an a priori probability because it is
set before the data are collected. Also considered a conditional probability because
the null hypothesis is assumed to be true
clinical question - ANSWER A presentation of an idea that forms the foundation for
a study; it is developed from the research problem and results in the research
hypothesis.
alpha coefficient - ANSWER A number between 0 and 1 that expresses the
relationship between the error variance, true variance, and the observed score. A
correlation
of 0 indicates no relationship; the closer to 1 the
coefficient is, the more reliable is the tool
accessible population - ANSWER A population that meets the population criteria
and is available
bias - ANSWER A distortion in the interpretation of the results of
the data analysis.
Dependant variable - ANSWER In experimental studies, the presumed effect of the
independent or experimental variable on the outcome. Variation in the independent
variable changes this effect. The dependent variable is observed but not
manipulated.
cluster sampling - ANSWER A probability sampling strategy that involves
successive random sampling of units. The units sampled progress from large to
small. Also known as multistage sampling
alternate form reliability - ANSWER A reliability measure in which two or more
alternate forms of a measure are administered to the same participants at different
times. The scores of the two tests determine the degree of relationship between the
measures. Also called parallel-form reliability.
findings - ANSWER The statistical results of a study and the conclusions,
interpretations, recommendations, generalizations, and implications for future
research and nursing practice
, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) - ANSWER A statistic that measures differences
among group means and uses a statistical technique to equate the groups under
study in relation to an important variable.
objectivity - ANSWER The use of facts without distortion by
personal feelings or bias
Directional hypothesis - ANSWER A hypothesis that specifies the expected direction
of the relationship between independent and dependent variables
convenience sampling - ANSWER A non-probability sampling strategy in which the
most readily accessible persons or objects serve as participants or participants of a
study.
Auditability - ANSWER The characteristic of a qualitative study, developed by the
investigator's research process, that allows another researcher or a reader to follow
the thinking or conclusions of the investigator.
Generalizability - ANSWER The extent to which data can be inferred to be
representative of similar phenomena in a population beyond the studied sample
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) - ANSWER A statistic that tests whether group
means differ from each other; instead of testing each pair of means separately,
ANOVA considers the variation among all groups.
limitations - ANSWER The weaknesses of a study
Chi-square - ANSWER A nonparametric statistic used to determine whether the
frequency found in each category is different from the frequency that would be
expected by chance.
accuracy - ANSWER The characteristic of all aspects of a study
systematically and logically following from the
research problem.
chance error - ANSWER An error attributable to fluctuations in subject
characteristics that occur at a specific point in time and are often beyond the
awareness and control of the examiner; an error that is difficult to control,
unsystematic, and unpredictable and thus cannot be corrected. Also called random
error
data saturation - ANSWER A point when the information collected by the researcher
becomes repetitive; ideas conveyed by the participant have been shared previously
by other participants, and inclusion of additional participants does not result in new
ideas.
hypothesis - ANSWER A best guess or prediction about what a
researcher expects to find with regard to the
relationship between two or more variables.