NURS 308 NURSING RESEARCH
FINAL EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
1. What is the primary purpose of nursing research?
To generate knowledge that improves nursing practice and
patient outcomes.
RATIONALE: Nursing research seeks to produce evidence-
based knowledge that enhances the quality of care and
health outcomes.
2. Which research design provides the highest level of
evidence for establishing cause and effect?
Randomized controlled trial (RCT).
, RATIONALE: RCTs are considered the gold standard in
research for demonstrating causality by controlling
variables through randomization.
3. What type of research focuses on understanding human
experiences and social phenomena?
Qualitative research.
RATIONALE: Qualitative research explores phenomena in-
depth, emphasizing meaning, experience, and social
context rather than numerical data.
4. What is a hypothesis in research?
A testable prediction about the relationship between
variables.
RATIONALE: Hypotheses propose expected relationships or
differences that researchers aim to test empirically.
5. Which of the following best describes a variable?
A characteristic or attribute that can vary or change.
RATIONALE: Variables are measurable traits or conditions
that differ among subjects or over time.
6. What is the role of a literature review in nursing research?
To summarize existing knowledge and identify gaps in
research.
, RATIONALE: The literature review contextualizes the study
and justifies the need for the new research.
7. Which sampling method ensures every member of the
population has an equal chance of selection?
Random sampling.
RATIONALE: Random sampling reduces bias by giving all
population members an equal opportunity to be included
in the study.
8. What does informed consent ensure in research
participation?
Voluntary participation with full understanding of risks and
benefits.
RATIONALE: Informed consent protects participants'
autonomy by providing all necessary information before
agreeing to participate.
9. What is the independent variable in a study?
The variable that is manipulated or controlled to observe its
effect.
RATIONALE: The independent variable is the presumed
cause in experimental research.
10. What is the dependent variable in a research study?
The outcome or effect measured in response to the
, independent variable.
RATIONALE: The dependent variable is the result that
researchers measure to assess the impact of the
independent variable.
11. What is the purpose of a control group in
experimental research?
To provide a baseline for comparison against the
experimental group.
RATIONALE: Control groups help isolate the effect of the
independent variable by comparing outcomes without the
intervention.
12. What is validity in research?
The extent to which a study accurately measures what it
intends to measure.
RATIONALE: Validity reflects the truthfulness and accuracy
of the findings.
13. What is reliability in research?
The consistency or repeatability of a measurement or study
results.
RATIONALE: Reliability means that results are stable and
reproducible under consistent conditions.
FINAL EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
1. What is the primary purpose of nursing research?
To generate knowledge that improves nursing practice and
patient outcomes.
RATIONALE: Nursing research seeks to produce evidence-
based knowledge that enhances the quality of care and
health outcomes.
2. Which research design provides the highest level of
evidence for establishing cause and effect?
Randomized controlled trial (RCT).
, RATIONALE: RCTs are considered the gold standard in
research for demonstrating causality by controlling
variables through randomization.
3. What type of research focuses on understanding human
experiences and social phenomena?
Qualitative research.
RATIONALE: Qualitative research explores phenomena in-
depth, emphasizing meaning, experience, and social
context rather than numerical data.
4. What is a hypothesis in research?
A testable prediction about the relationship between
variables.
RATIONALE: Hypotheses propose expected relationships or
differences that researchers aim to test empirically.
5. Which of the following best describes a variable?
A characteristic or attribute that can vary or change.
RATIONALE: Variables are measurable traits or conditions
that differ among subjects or over time.
6. What is the role of a literature review in nursing research?
To summarize existing knowledge and identify gaps in
research.
, RATIONALE: The literature review contextualizes the study
and justifies the need for the new research.
7. Which sampling method ensures every member of the
population has an equal chance of selection?
Random sampling.
RATIONALE: Random sampling reduces bias by giving all
population members an equal opportunity to be included
in the study.
8. What does informed consent ensure in research
participation?
Voluntary participation with full understanding of risks and
benefits.
RATIONALE: Informed consent protects participants'
autonomy by providing all necessary information before
agreeing to participate.
9. What is the independent variable in a study?
The variable that is manipulated or controlled to observe its
effect.
RATIONALE: The independent variable is the presumed
cause in experimental research.
10. What is the dependent variable in a research study?
The outcome or effect measured in response to the
, independent variable.
RATIONALE: The dependent variable is the result that
researchers measure to assess the impact of the
independent variable.
11. What is the purpose of a control group in
experimental research?
To provide a baseline for comparison against the
experimental group.
RATIONALE: Control groups help isolate the effect of the
independent variable by comparing outcomes without the
intervention.
12. What is validity in research?
The extent to which a study accurately measures what it
intends to measure.
RATIONALE: Validity reflects the truthfulness and accuracy
of the findings.
13. What is reliability in research?
The consistency or repeatability of a measurement or study
results.
RATIONALE: Reliability means that results are stable and
reproducible under consistent conditions.
