Nursing Research & Evidence-Based
Practice Exam 2026/2027 | 130 Questions
with Answers & Explanations
Description:
Master nursing research methods, statistics, ethics, and EBP with this comprehensive
2026/2027 exam bank. 130 realistic questions with rationales. Ideal for NCLEX prep,
course finals, and certification review.
Download the complete 2026/2027 academic edition now.
, Nursing Research Exam 2026: 130 Q&A
Course Code: NUR-402
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Total Questions: 130
Section I: Qualitative Research Methods
Question 1
In the analysis of qualitative research data, summarizing descriptive data represents which
step in the overall process?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Answer: A
Explanation: In qualitative data analysis, summarizing descriptive data is typically the initial
step. This involves organizing raw data (e.g., field notes, transcripts) into a manageable
format, identifying surface-level patterns, and providing an overview before deeper
interpretive analysis such as coding or thematic development begins.
Question 2
A researcher is conducting a qualitative study on the lived experiences of intensive care
nurses during the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery period. Which strategy is most
effective for controlling researcher bias in this context?
A. Random sampling
B. Double blinding
C. Bracketing
D. Statistical regression
Answer: C
Explanation: Bracketing is a qualitative research strategy where the researcher identifies and
sets aside their own preconceptions, beliefs, and experiences related to the phenomenon
under study. This helps prevent personal bias from influencing data collection and
interpretation, thereby enhancing the study’s credibility.
,Question 3
In qualitative research, the feasibility of applying findings from one sample or setting to
another is defined as:
A. Credibility and dependability
B. Confirmability and authenticity
C. Applicability and transferability
D. Generalizability and reproducibility
Answer: C
Explanation: Applicability and transferability are key criteria for evaluating qualitative
research quality. Transferability refers to the extent to which findings can be applied to other
contexts or groups, and it is enhanced by providing rich, detailed descriptions of the original
sample, setting, and processes.
Section II: Research Design & Methodology
Question 4
A risk management nurse is studying the rate of handwashing compliance on a nursing unit
while simultaneously exploring the nurses’ personal perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes about
handwashing. What type of research methodology is the nurse utilizing?
A. Quantitative only
B. Qualitative only
C. Mixed methods
D. Quasi-experimental
Answer: C
Explanation: Mixed methods research integrates quantitative data (e.g., handwashing rates
measured numerically) with qualitative data (e.g., perceptions and beliefs gathered through
interviews or surveys). This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of
complex clinical problems than either method alone.
Question 5
A nurse researcher is evaluating the effect of a 4-week mobility protocol on the incidence of
urinary tract infections (UTIs) among immobilized post-surgical patients. The researcher
seeks primary sources of evidence. Which of the following qualifies as a primary source?
A. A clinical practice guideline summarizing UTI prevention
B. A systematic review of mobility and UTI outcomes
, C. An original randomized controlled trial report on mobility and UTI
D. A narrative review article discussing immobility complications
Answer: C
Explanation: A primary source in research is original, peer-reviewed documentation of a
study conducted by the person(s) who performed the research. An original randomized
controlled trial report provides firsthand data and methods. Systematic reviews, while high in
evidence hierarchy, are secondary sources because they synthesize multiple primary studies.
Question 6
A nurse researcher reads a study examining the relationship between exercise frequency and
weight loss. In this study, what is the dependent variable?
A. Exercise frequency
B. Type of exercise performed
C. Weight loss
D. Participant age
Answer: C
Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome that is measured to assess the effect of
an intervention or independent variable. Here, weight loss is measured as a potential result of
exercise, making it the dependent variable. Exercise frequency is the independent variable.
Question 7
When a researcher concludes that an intervention has a statistically significant effect when, in
reality, no true effect exists, the researcher has committed:
A. Type II error
B. Type I error
C. Sampling error
D. Measurement error
Answer: B
Explanation: A Type I error (false positive) occurs when the null hypothesis is incorrectly
rejected. The researcher concludes an effect exists when it does not. A Type II error (false
negative) occurs when a true effect is missed.
Practice Exam 2026/2027 | 130 Questions
with Answers & Explanations
Description:
Master nursing research methods, statistics, ethics, and EBP with this comprehensive
2026/2027 exam bank. 130 realistic questions with rationales. Ideal for NCLEX prep,
course finals, and certification review.
Download the complete 2026/2027 academic edition now.
, Nursing Research Exam 2026: 130 Q&A
Course Code: NUR-402
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Total Questions: 130
Section I: Qualitative Research Methods
Question 1
In the analysis of qualitative research data, summarizing descriptive data represents which
step in the overall process?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Answer: A
Explanation: In qualitative data analysis, summarizing descriptive data is typically the initial
step. This involves organizing raw data (e.g., field notes, transcripts) into a manageable
format, identifying surface-level patterns, and providing an overview before deeper
interpretive analysis such as coding or thematic development begins.
Question 2
A researcher is conducting a qualitative study on the lived experiences of intensive care
nurses during the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery period. Which strategy is most
effective for controlling researcher bias in this context?
A. Random sampling
B. Double blinding
C. Bracketing
D. Statistical regression
Answer: C
Explanation: Bracketing is a qualitative research strategy where the researcher identifies and
sets aside their own preconceptions, beliefs, and experiences related to the phenomenon
under study. This helps prevent personal bias from influencing data collection and
interpretation, thereby enhancing the study’s credibility.
,Question 3
In qualitative research, the feasibility of applying findings from one sample or setting to
another is defined as:
A. Credibility and dependability
B. Confirmability and authenticity
C. Applicability and transferability
D. Generalizability and reproducibility
Answer: C
Explanation: Applicability and transferability are key criteria for evaluating qualitative
research quality. Transferability refers to the extent to which findings can be applied to other
contexts or groups, and it is enhanced by providing rich, detailed descriptions of the original
sample, setting, and processes.
Section II: Research Design & Methodology
Question 4
A risk management nurse is studying the rate of handwashing compliance on a nursing unit
while simultaneously exploring the nurses’ personal perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes about
handwashing. What type of research methodology is the nurse utilizing?
A. Quantitative only
B. Qualitative only
C. Mixed methods
D. Quasi-experimental
Answer: C
Explanation: Mixed methods research integrates quantitative data (e.g., handwashing rates
measured numerically) with qualitative data (e.g., perceptions and beliefs gathered through
interviews or surveys). This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of
complex clinical problems than either method alone.
Question 5
A nurse researcher is evaluating the effect of a 4-week mobility protocol on the incidence of
urinary tract infections (UTIs) among immobilized post-surgical patients. The researcher
seeks primary sources of evidence. Which of the following qualifies as a primary source?
A. A clinical practice guideline summarizing UTI prevention
B. A systematic review of mobility and UTI outcomes
, C. An original randomized controlled trial report on mobility and UTI
D. A narrative review article discussing immobility complications
Answer: C
Explanation: A primary source in research is original, peer-reviewed documentation of a
study conducted by the person(s) who performed the research. An original randomized
controlled trial report provides firsthand data and methods. Systematic reviews, while high in
evidence hierarchy, are secondary sources because they synthesize multiple primary studies.
Question 6
A nurse researcher reads a study examining the relationship between exercise frequency and
weight loss. In this study, what is the dependent variable?
A. Exercise frequency
B. Type of exercise performed
C. Weight loss
D. Participant age
Answer: C
Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome that is measured to assess the effect of
an intervention or independent variable. Here, weight loss is measured as a potential result of
exercise, making it the dependent variable. Exercise frequency is the independent variable.
Question 7
When a researcher concludes that an intervention has a statistically significant effect when, in
reality, no true effect exists, the researcher has committed:
A. Type II error
B. Type I error
C. Sampling error
D. Measurement error
Answer: B
Explanation: A Type I error (false positive) occurs when the null hypothesis is incorrectly
rejected. The researcher concludes an effect exists when it does not. A Type II error (false
negative) occurs when a true effect is missed.
