Chapter 05: Research Problems, Purposes, and HypothesesGrove: Understanding Nursing Research, 6th Edition

1. The most important initial step when developing a research study is to: a. develop the problem statement. b. explore the background for the research problem. c. identify the research problem. d. state the research purpose. ANS: C Feedback A The problem statement is written after the research problem has been identified. B The background for the research problem is written to identify what is known about the research problem. C The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose and identifies gaps in knowledge needed for nursing practice. D The research purpose derives from the research problem and identifies specific goals for the study. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: p. 131 2. A nursing researcher determines that there is little information about the use of complementary practices in treating obesity. This represents the research: a. design. b. problem. c. purpose. d. significance. ANS: B Feedback A The research design is the type of study that will be conducted to study the research problem. B The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose and identifies gaps in knowledge needed for nursing practice. C The research purpose derives from the research problem and identifies specific goals for the study. D The problem statement is written after the research problem has been identified. The significance for the research identifies how important the knowledge is to the discipline. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: pp. 131-132 3. When writing a proposal for a research study, the researcher includes a problem statement that serves to: a. define the specific focus of a study. b. describe what is known about the research problem. c. identify a gap in knowledge needed for practice. d. indicate the importance of the problem to nursing. ANS: C Feedback A The research purpose derives from the research problem and identifies specific goals for the study. B The problem background identifies what is already known about the topic. The problem statement is written after the research problem has been identified. C The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose and identifies gaps in knowledge needed for nursing practice. D The significance for the research identifies how important the knowledge is to the discipline. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: pp. 131-132 4. In a research proposal, the researcher states that the proposed study will explore children’s feelings about chemotherapy side effects. This statement describes the: a. problem background. b. problem significance. c. research problem. d. research purpose. ANS: D Feedback A The problem background identifies what is already known about the topic. The problem statement is written after the research problem has been identified. B The significance of the research identifies how important the knowledge is to the discipline. C The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose and identifies gaps in knowledge needed for nursing practice. D The research purpose derives from the research problem and identifies specific goals for the study. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive level: Applying (Application) REF: pp. 131-132 5. Which is included in a statement of a research study purpose? a. A description of gaps in knowledge about the research problem. b. A discussion of the significance of the research problem. c. A review of what is known about the research problem. d. A statement about how the research problem will be studied. ANS: D Feedback A The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose and identifies gaps in knowledge needed for nursing practice. B The significance for the research identifies how important the knowledge is to the discipline. C The problem background identifies what is already known about the topic. The problem statement is written after the research problem has been identified. D The research purpose derives fro