Update 2025-2026
ANOVA test - Answers Analysis of variance (ANOVA) may be used in research studies where
there are two or more groups to compare.
Chi-square tests - Answers Chi-square tests determine if an association exists between two
categorical variables.
Control group - Answers In a healthcare environment, this group of patients does not receive the
treatment that is being studied.
Experimental group - Answers This group of patients receives the treatment being studied with
follow-up observation to determine the effect of the treatment.
F-test - Answers The F-test is designed to test if two population variances are equal. The ratio of
the two variances is compared. If they are equal, the ratio of the variances will be 1.
Frequency - Answers Frequencies measure how often a particular value occurs to assess the
importance of a value or check the variation of the values in a study.
Hypothesis - Answers A proposed explanation for an observation that leads to a prediction.
Through investigation and the use of statistical data, those doing the study will either confirm or
reject the hypothesis. Testing the hypothesis will show if there is a link (or not) between two or
more variables.
Integrity - Answers Research always makes some assumptions, depending on the type of
method used. Research assumptions must be identified to determine possible breaches of
integrity.
Interval data - Answers Interval data includes units of equal size, such as IQ results. There is no
zero point. An example of interval scale is time: Time is measured in 24 hours in each day; the
time between each hour is the same, 60 minutes.
Mean - Answers Mean is the arithmetic average. Divide the sum of all scores by the total
number of scores.
Median - Answers Median is the midpoint of the distribution of values, or the point above or
below which 50 percent of the values fall.
Methods section components - Answers When analyzing the quality of a study, a careful
evaluation of the research methods can reveal critical details about population and sample,
covariables and hypothesis, data presentation, statistical analysis, and study limitations.
Misleading statistics - Answers Interpreting and presenting the results of data analysis affords
many opportunities for accidental or deliberate misrepresentations of data. Common examples
, include implying causation, extrapolating beyond the reasonable, relying on a biased or
incomplete sample, and using inappropriate graphical representations.
Mode - Answers Mode is the value that occurs most frequently in the data.
Multivariate regression analyses - Answers Multivariate regression analyses can be used to
analyze and adjust risk. This analysis model contrasts each measured factor to the patient's
risk of a particular outcome.
Nominal data - Answers Nominal data can be measured as a frequency or percentage, and the
mean of these data cannot be calculated. Nominal data in healthcare might include
demographic information about patients. The word nominal means "pertaining to a name."
Ordinal data - Answers Ordinal data can be measured as a frequency, and the mean of ordinal
data is often calculated. Ordinal data in healthcare might include patient satisfaction surveys
using a Likert scale. The word ordinal means to "put in order."
Parametric and nonparametric tests - Answers Parametric tests are based on probability
distributions. Nonparametric tests are used when data are not normally distributed.
Pearson's correlation - Answers Pearson's correlation is used with interval and ordinal scale
data and determines the extent to which a change in one variable tends to be associated with a
change in another.
Qualitative research methods - Answers Qualitative research is aimed at understanding
perceptions, perspectives, interpretations, and opinions. Qualitative research methods often
include questionnaires, interviews, written documents, observations, and focus groups.
Ratio data - Answers Divide one quantity by another, and you have a value. You will have a
proportion, a percentage or a rate.
Reliability, validity, and analysis of questionnaires - Answers Questionnaires can be evaluated
for reliability based on their consistency (stability) or repeatability over time; questionnaires are
valid if they measure or record what they purport to measure. Data from questionnaires may
then be grouped according to nominal, ordinal, or interval or ratio data.
Research - Answers Research can inform decisions regarding the development and efficacy of
new processes, systems, technologies, environments, and organizational structures to support
operations.
Research platform - Answers Research is built on a platform of previous knowledge, the
scientific method.
Risk adjustment - Answers Risk adjustment is essential for comparing data across systems,
especially among patients with varying comorbid diseases and complex treatment modalities.
Multivariate regression analyses can be used to analyze and adjust risk. This analysis model