EBP 205 TEST BANK INTRO TO NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE 2024UPDATE

EBP 205 TEST BANK INTRO TO NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE 2024UPDATE EBP 205 TEST BANK INTRO TO NURSING RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE 2024UPDATE 1. Which best describes evidence-based-practice (EBP)? a. A combination of best research evidence, clinical expertise, and the needs and values of patients . b. A determination of the factors necessary to control patient responses to care. c. The development of population care guidelines applicable to all patients. d. The utilization of quantitative and qualitative studies to enhance patient outcomes. ANS: A A Evidence-based practice evolves from the integration of the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient needs and values. B Studies that attempt to find determinants of patient outcomes are generally experimental or quasi-experimental. They may be used to guide EBP but do not completely define it. C EBP is a combination of guidelines and specific patient needs and values. D Quantitative and qualitative studies applied to the evaluation of patient outcomes are part of EBP but do not completely define EBP. 2. The nurse is collecting data about the sleep patterns of breastfed babies as part of a larger research study. Which research method will the nurse use when collecting data for this study? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction ANS: B A Control can be described as the ability to write a prescription to produce the desired outcome. B Description involves identifying and understanding the nature of nursing phenomena and the relationships among these phenomena. C Explanation clarifies the relationships among phenomena and identifies why certain events occur. D Through prediction, the probability of a specific outcome can be estimated in a given situation. 3. The nurse is participating in a study and is collecting data identifying the number of obese adults whose parents were also obese or overweight. Which research method is being used in this study? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction ANS: D A Control indicates the ability to use a prescribed intervention to produce a desired outcome. B Description involves identifying and understanding the nature of nursing phenomena and the relationships among these phenomena. C Explanation clarifies the relationships among phenomena and identifies why certain events occur. D Through prediction the probability of a specific outcome can be estimated in a given situation. By knowing the percentage of parents of obese adults who were obese, the probability of predicting this may be calculated. 4. The nurse reviews a study in which adherence to an asthma action plan is compared among groups of adolescents who received different asthma education. Which research method does this represent? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction ANS: C A Control indicates the ability to use a prescribed intervention to produce a desired outcome. B Description involves identifying and understanding the nature of nursing phenomena and the relationships among these phenomena. C Explanation clarifies the relationships among phenomena and identifies why certain events occur. D Through prediction, the probability of a specific outcome can be estimated in a given situation. 5. A nurse manager is interested in learning which attitudes among staff nurses may indicate relative risk of needle-stick injuries. To study this, the nurse manager will employ which method of study? a. Control b. Description c. Explanation d. Prediction ANS:D A Control indicates the ability to use a prescribed intervention to produce a desired outcome. B Explanation clarifies the relationships among phenomena and identifies why certain events occur. C Description involves identifying and understanding the nature of nursing phenomena and the relationships among these phenomena. D Through prediction, the probability of a specific outcome can be estimated in a given situation. 6. Which is the most important result of Florence Nightingale’s data collection and statistical analysis during the Crimean War? a. Bringing awareness of the rigors of war to the general public. b. Developing a process for statistical analysis and nursing documentation. c. Identifying and defining the role of nurses in modern health care. d. utrition. ANS: D C This was not the most important result D Nightingale’s research enabled her to instigate attitudinal, organizational, and social changes, including the military’s approach to the care of the sick and society’s sense of responsibility for testing public water, improving sanitation, and preventing starvation to decrease morbidity and mortality rates. 7. The nurse participates in data collection in a study in which two different pain management protocols are used with randomly assigned patients to measure differences in postoperative recovery time. Which method of study is this? a. Control b. Correlation c. Description d. Explanation ANS: A A Control indicates the ability to use a prescribed intervention to produce a desired outcome. B Correlation examines the relationships between different phenomena. C Description involves identifying and understanding the nature of nursing phenomena and the relationships among these phenomena. D Explanation clarifies the relationships among phenomena and identifies why certain events occur. 8. The development of nursing theories and conceptual models in the late 1960s and 1970s served to: a. determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions. b. establish the concept of evidence-based practice. c. provide funding for nursing research. d. provide direction for nursing research. ANS: D A Outcome studies are used to determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions. B The concept of EBP was developed in the 1970s and promoted by the ANCC Magnet Designation program. C The NINR seeks to provide funding for nursing research. D The theories developed in the 1960s and 1970s helped to direct future nursing research. 9. Under Ada Sue Hinshaw, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) began to change its focus to: a. funding nursing rather than medical research. b. evaluating outcomes rather than process studies. c. increasing the status and funding for nursing research. d. supporting the dissemination of nursing research. ANS: C A The change in focus from medical to nursing research came about with the first nursing programs. Specialty nursing organizations today and some nursing researchers still conduct medical research for specific studies. B Outcomes research emerged in the 1980s and 1990s to document the effectiveness of health care services. C Under Ada Sue Hinshaw, the national Center for Nursing Research (NCNR) changed its name to the NINR to increase the status and funding of nursing research. D The NCNR’s purpose was to support the dissemination of nursing research. 10. An emphasis of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Hospital Designation Program for Excellence in Nursing is: a. research and development of clinical practice guidelines. b. putting qualitative research into practice in clinical settings. c. using standard nursing care plans based on outcomes research. d. utilizing evidence-based practice in nursing. ANS: D A Clinical practice guidelines are a more recent phenomenon, using evidence-based research, expert opinion, and patient needs and values to standardize care. B Qualitative research was introduced in the late 1970s to gain insight into the phenomena related to nursing. C Outcomes research was important in the 1980s to 1990s to document the effectiveness of health care services. D ANCC implemented the Magnet Hospital Designation Program for Excellence in Nursing Service in 1990 that emphasized EBP for nursing. 11. In a position statement in 2006, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) identified a need to: a. acquire clinical knowledge and expertise. b. focus on evidence-based practice. c. fund academic nursing research. d. prepare a workforce of nurse scientists. ANS: D A Basic nursing education focuses on clinical knowledge and expertise. B Evidence-based practice is a focus of ANCC and the Magnet Designation Program for Excellence in Nursing Service. C The NINR focuses on funding for nursing research. D The AACN identified the importance of creating a research culture, providing high-quality educational programs to prepare a workforce of nurse scientists, develop a sound research structure, and obtain funding for nursing research. 12. The lead agency designated to improve health care quality is: a. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). b. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). c. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). d. National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR). ANS: A A AHRQ is a scientific partner with the public and private sectors to improve the quality and safety of patient care. B ANCC provides credentialing for advanced practice nurses and for Magnet Designation for Excellence in Nursing Service C QSEN is focused on developing the requisite skills, knowledge, and attitude statements for the competencies for prelicensure and graduate education. D The National Institute of Nursing Research, originally the National Center for Nursing Research, is a federally funded arm of the National Institutes of Health, providing nursing with federal support for nursing research priorities. 13. To help fulfill the mission of the National Institute for Nursing Research—to promote and improve the health of individuals, families, communities, and populations—a study may be conducted which: a. assesses the effectiveness of strategies for weight management in patients with type 2 diabetes. b. compares the attitudes of nurses toward clients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. c. generates up-to-date nursing diagnoses reflecting the needs of clients with type 2 diabetes. d. reviews hospital nurses’ adherence to glucose-monitoring guidelines for patients with type 2 diabetes. ANS: A A A study that assesses the effectiveness of interventions helps to improve the health of patient populations by identifying appropriate strategies. B A comparison of attitudes is a descriptive study that does not improve outcomes. C A study to generate nursing diagnoses does not directly affect patient outcomes. D A study reviewing adherence to guidelines seeks to provide data for quality assurance. 14. Which best describes the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competency for evidencebased practice (EBP)? a. Adhering to published guidelines to provide care for a specific population. b. Empowering clients to choose among effective disease management strategies. c. Relying on expert knowledge to guide care plan development for an individual patient. d. Using evidence gained solely from experimental studies to guide care. ANS: B A Strict adherence to guidelines does not take the patient/family preferences into account. B The QSEN competency for EBP is defined as integrating the best evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences. C EBP does not rely solely on expert knowledge or experimental studies. D Although experimental studies provide the highest level of study data, EBP does not rely soley on experiemental studies.. 15. Through knowledge gained from her phenomenological qualitative study identifying levels of experience of professional nurses, Patricia Benner would identify which nurse as an expert? a. A hospice nurse who values the unique wishes of each patient when providing palliative care. b. A medical-surgical nurse who organizes care for a group of patients to ensure timely administration of medications. c. A neonatal intensive care nurse who is skilled in inserting peripherally inserted central catheters. d. A pediatric nurse who notes subtle changes and intervenes to prevent respiratory failure. ANS: D A The proficient nurse views the patient as a whole and recognizes that each patient responds differently to illness and health. B The competent nurse is able to achieve goals and plans and to take conscious actions to organize and provide efficient care. C The NIC nurse is also an example of a competent nurse who is skilled in a procedure. D The expert nurse has an extensive background of experience and is able to identify and accurately intervene skillfully in a situation. The pediatric nurse in this case recognizes subtle changes and is able to act to prevent serious circumstances. 16. Which study exemplifies qualitative research? a. A study that evaluates appetite among residents of a long-term care facility and correlates this data with whether or not residents are rooming together with their spouses. b. A study that defines levels of appetite based on residents’ descriptions of hunger in a long-term care facility. c. A study that observes the interactions of spouses during mealtimes in a long-term care facility. d. A study that observes the effectiveness of spousal encouragement to eat on the residents’ quality of appetite in a long-term care facility. ANS: C A Correlational studies are quantitative studies. B A descriptive study that measures appetite is a quantitative study. C Qualitative research involves the study of people as they interact in their sociohistorical settings. D A measure of the effectiveness of an intervention is a quasi-experimental quantitative study. 17. A nurse researcher wants to know how well adolescent mothers can learn to manage their children’s asthma and develops an initial study to explore and define perceptions of asthma among this population. Which best describes this initial study? a. Correlational research b. Descriptive research c. Phenomenological research d. Outcomes research ANS: B A Correlational research would attempt to make a connection between perceptions of asthma and a specific outcome. B Descriptive research explores new areas of research and describes situations as they exist in the world. This initial study aims to describe current perceptions of asthma in a given population. C Phenomenological research involves gaining deeper insights into perceptions and values, not simply describing them. D Qualitative research does not attempt to define variables. 18. Which research technique would be used by a nurse researcher who wishes to compare bonding patterns of neonatal intensive care (NIC) infants to non-NIC infants to test various theories about infantparent bonding? a. Experimental b. Exploratory c. Grounded-theory d. Quasi-experimental ANS: C A Experimental and quasi-experimental techniques determine the effectiveness of particular outcomes. B Exploratory research is performed to describe a problem or issue. C Grounded-theory research is performed to formulate, test, and refine a theory about a particular phenomenon. D Phenomenological research involves gaining deeper insights into perceptions and values. 19. What type of study design would be used to evaluate patient satisfaction in an outpatient clinic? a. Exploratory-descriptive research b. Outcomes research c. Qualitative research d. Phenomenological research ANS: B A Exploratory-descriptive research is performed to address an issue or problems by describing the problem in detail. B Outcomes research is designed to evaluate patient responses to interventions as well as satisfaction with care. C Qualitative research is observational and involves describing patients in a particular setting. D Phenomenological research involves gaining deeper insights into perceptions and values. 20. The nurse researcher wishes to review a body of qualitative studies about women’s attitudes toward health care in order to develop an overall interpretation of these findings. Which type of review will the nurse researcher use? a. Meta-analysis b. Meta-synthesis c. Mixed-methods systematic review d. Systematic review ANS: B A Meta-analyses are used to evaluate quantitative studies. B A meta-synthesis is used to evaluate qualitative studies. C A mixed methods systematic review is used to evaluate a variety of study designs. D A systematic review is a structured, comprehensive synthesis of the research literature to determine the best research evidence available to address a health care question. 21. Which type of evaluation of research yields the most precise estimates of treatment effects when describing results? a. Meta-analysis b. Meta-synthesis c. Mixed-methods systematic review d. Systematic review ANS: A A A meta-analysis is conducted to statistically combine or pool the results from previous quantitative studies into a single statistical analysis that provides one of the highest levels of evidence about an intervention’s effectiveness. B Meta-synthesis is defined as the systematic compiling and integration of qualitative study results to expand understanding and develop a unique interpretation of study findings in a selected area. C Mixed-methods systematic reviews might include a variety of study designs, such as qualitative research and quasi-experimental, correlational, and/or descriptive studies. D A systematic review is a structured, comprehensive synthesis of the research literature to determine the best research evidence available to address a health care question. 22. The nurse serves on a committee to develop a clinical protocol to guide dressing changes for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) abscesses. Which is the most important type of evidence to consider when formulating this protocol? a. Assertions from a panel of infectious disease physicians about existing protocols to treat this organism. b. c. A systematic review of all nursing and medical literature about the incidence of MRSA infection and various dressing change protocols. d. Studies identifying the correlations between variables such as dressing types and subsequent infection rates. ANS: B A Expert panel opinions are useful, but do not provide statistically significant evidence about interventions and results. B A statistical review of experimental studies is a meta-analysis and is the strongest level of evidence. C A literature review is an initial step in developing a protocol or designing a study. D Correlational studies are not as powerful as experimental studies. 23. What role will a new nurse graduate who has a BSN expect to play in research? a. Appraising studies and implementing evidence-based guidelines and protocols. b. Developing, evaluating, and revising evidence-based guidelines and protocols. c. None, since the BSN affords limited education on the research process. d. Synthesizing findings and leading health care teams to make evidence-based changes. ANS: A A The BSN prepares nurses to read and critically appraise research studies and to assist with implementation of evidence-based guidelines and protocols. B Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) may revise or develop protocols and identify and critically appraise the quality of evidence-based studies. C Nurses with a MSN are provided the educational preparation to critically appraise and synthesize findings from studies to revise or develop protocols, algorithms, or policies for use in practice (see Figure 1-4). They also have the ability to identify and critically appraise the quality of evidence-based guidelines developed by national organizations. D Advanced practice nurses and nurse administrators have the ability to lead health care teams in making essential changes in nursing practice and in the health care system based on current research evidence. DPNs may lead health care teams to make evidence-based changes in practice. 24. A job description for a nurse position in a teaching hospital includes “coordinating research teams to facilitate studies to generate knowledge about nursing actions.” Which type of advanced nursing degree would be required for this position? a. Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) b. Doctorate in Nursing (PhD) c. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) d. Post-Doctorate in Nursing ANS: B A DNP-prepared nurses translate nursing research into practice. B PhD-prepared nurses can critique, implement, plan, and develop new or revised guidelines, as well as generate and replicate knowledge via conduction of research. C MSN-prepared nurses identify problems requiring research and may conduct studies, but usually in collaboration with other nurse scientists. D The difference between PhD and post-PhD is unclear—in this situation you are one and the same MULTIPLE RESPONSE 1. Which are components of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)? (Choose all that apply.) a. Best research evidence b. Expert opinion consensus c. ANS: A, C, D Correct Best research evidence is used to formulate EBP. Patient needs and values are used to develop EBP. Safe, cost-effective care is a component of EBP. Incorrect Expert opinion consensus is not a part of EBP. 2. A nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is prepared to do which of the following? (Choose all that apply.) a. b. Conduct independent nursing udies d. Expand the body of nursing knowledge through independent research ANS: A, B Correct The BSN-prepared nurse is capable of appraising and summarizing research findings. The BSN-prepared nurse assists with the implementation of evidence-based guidelines. Incorrect The BSN-prepared nurse does not conduct independent nursing studies. The BSN-prepared nurse does not expand the body of nursing knowledge through independent research. 3. Which of the following is a research question for an experimental study? (Choose all that apply.) a. What is it like to live with asthma? b. Do children who have an updated asthma action plan have fewer missed school days caused by asthma? c. Which asthma triggers influence poor attitudes about chronic disease? d. Which bronchodilator medication has fewer side effects? ANS: B, D Correct Determining which interventions reduce asthma sick days is a controlled, quantitative, experimental study design. A study about the effects of a medication is an experimental study. Incorrect Asking what it is like to live with asthma will generate qualitative data. A study determining relationships between asthma triggers and attitudes about disease is a correlational study. Chapter 02: Introduction to the Quantitative Research 1. A researcher conducts a study which outlines the daily habits of women who are overweight. This study represents what type of research? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental ANS: B A Correlational research investigates the relationship between or among variables. B Descriptive research is the exploration of phenomena in real-life situations. C Experimental research is an objective, systematic, highly controlled investigation for the purpose of predicting and controlling phenomena. D The purpose of quasi-experimental research is to examine causal relationships or determine the effect of one variable on another. Thus, these studies involve implementing a treatment or intervention and examining the effects of this intervention using selected methods of measurement. 2. The researcher wants to learn whether there is a relationship between parental education and emergency room use among children who have asthma. Which type of research study will this researcher use? a. Basic b. Correlational c. Historical d. Phenomenological ANS: B A Basic research is scientific investigation that involves the pursuit of “knowledge for knowledge’s sake.” B Correlational research investigates the relationship between or among variables. C Historical research is a type of qualitative research. D Phenomenological research is a type of qualitative research. 3. The nurse evaluates a research study that examines the relationship between computer and television screen time and obesity. A correlational analysis reveals a correlation of +0.95. What can the nurse conclude about the relationship between these two variables? a. An increase in screen time causes obesity. b. An increase in obesity leads to increased screen time. c. Screen time and obesity vary in opposite directions. d. Screen time and obesity vary together. ANS: D A Variables that vary in opposite directions will have a negative correlation. B Descriptive research is the exploration of phenomena in real-life situations. C Correlational studies do not indicate cause, so an increase in screen time or an increase in obesity does not cause or lead to an increase in the other. D A positive correlation between variables indicates that the variables vary together. 4. In which type of research does the researcher seek to examine causal relationships among variables without being able to manipulate the variables? a. Descriptive b. Correlational c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental ANS: D A Descriptive research is the exploration of phenomena in real-life situations. B Correlational research investigates the relationship between or among variables but does not attribute cause. C Experimental design is considered the most powerful quantitative design because of the rigorous control of variables. D Quasi-experimental studies have less control than experimental studies, but they do exhibit some degree of control. 5. The nurse participates in data collection for a clinical drug trial in which subjects are randomly assigned to either a treatment or a placebo group to measure the effects of the drug on a specific outcome. This is which type of study? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental ANS: C A Correlational research investigates the relationship between or among variables but does not attribute cause. B Descriptive research is the exploration of phenomena in real-life situations. C Experimental design involves control of variables and random assignment of subjects so that effects of variables on specific outcomes can be measured. D Quasi-experimental studies have less control than experimental studies, but they do exhibit some degree of control. 6. A researcher studies the effect of asthma action plans on frequency of emergency department visits for asthma-related symptoms. The study would be described as: a. applied research. b. basic research. c. descriptive research. d. phenomenological research. ANS: A A Applied research involves research that is directly applicable to clinical practice. B Basic research is scientific investigation that involves the pursuit of “knowledge for knowledge’s sake.” C Descriptive research is the exploration of phenomena in real-life situations. D Phenomenological research would not investigate this type of research question. Phenomenological research asks “what is the lived experience of the person in this situation?” 7. Basic research seeks to: a. directly influence clinical practice. b. generate knowledge for knowledge’s sake. c. predict or control outcomes of variables. d. validate or test theoretical frameworks. ANS: B A Applied research is used to solve problems, make decisions, or predict or control outcomes in real-life practice situations. B Basic research is more likely to be found in a laboratory setting and generates knowledge for knowledge’s sake. It may be used as the foundation for other research. C Experimental research is conducted in order to be able to predict or control outcomes D Grounded theory research is used to validate theoretical frameworks. 8. When developing a study, a researcher establishes rules for measurement of independent and dependent variables in order to minimize the possibility of error. This is an example of: a. control. b. manipulation. c. precision. d. rigor. ANS: A A Control involves the imposing of rules by the researcher to decrease the possibility of error and thus increase the probability that the study’s findings are an accurate reflection of reality. B Manipulation is when the researcher makes changes in the treatment received by the subjects. C Precision encompasses accuracy, detail, and order and is evident in the concise statement of the research purpose. D Rigor is the discipline, attention to detail, and precision necessary when striving for excellence in research. 9. In which type of research study does the researcher have the most control? a. Correlational b. Descriptive c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental ANS: C A Correlational research investigates the relationship between or among variables but does not attribute cause. B Descriptive research is the exploration of phenomena in real-life situations. C Experimental design involves control of variables and random assignment of subjects so that effects of variables on specific outcomes can be measured. D Quasi-experimental studies have less control than experimental studies, but they do exhibit some degree of control. 10. A researcher designs a study to evaluate stress and anxiety associated with breastfeeding in which data collection takes place in the homes of mothers with premature newborns after discharge home from the NIC. This would be an example of which type of research setting? a. Highly controlled, field b. Highly controlled, laboratory c. Natural, field d. Partially controlled, laboratory ANS: C A There are three common settings for conducting research: natural, partially controlled, and highly controlled. A highly-controlled setting would involve experimental control of an independent variable, which this study does not do. B This is a field study, with data collection occurring in patients’ homes and not in a laboratory. C The setting describes where the research and data collection occur. A natural setting, or field setting, is an uncontrolled, real-life situation or environment, such as the home. In a natural setting, there is relatively little control over the setting and the variables associated with the setting. D There are three common settings for conducting research: natural, partially controlled, and highly controlled. A natural setting, or field setting, is an uncontrolled, real-life situation or environment. This is a field study, with data collection occurring in patients’ homes and not in a laboratory 11. When conducting a research study using a convenience sample of all first grade students from two classrooms in a nearby school, the nurse researcher may increase the sample control by: a. assigning one classroom to the experimental group and the other classroom to the control group. b. exposing all subjects to the treatment variable and then comparing the outcome data to pretreatment data. c. d. using all of these subjects as treatment subjects and comparing outcomes to a group of subjects from a similar study. ANS: C A Assigning one classroom to one group and the other classroom to the other group is less effective than random sampling. B Pre- and post-treatment comparison may be used when random assignment is not possible. C Randomly assigning subjects to either a treatment group or a control group improves sample control and decreases bias. Even when convenience sampling is used, subjects may be randomly assigned to groups. D Comparing a treatment group to a group in another study does not control the treatment variables because of variations between two studies. 12. A nurse is assisting with data collection for a study measuring the effects of a sleep aid medication on oxygen saturations. Subjects will sleep in a darkened room in a sleep lab while participating. Which type of research setting is this? a. Field b. Highly controlled c. Natural d. Partially controlled ANS: B A Field settings are uncontrolled, real-life situations or environments. B A highly controlled setting is one in which the influence of extraneous variables is greatly reduced. Examples of such a setting would include laboratories, research or experimental centers, and test units in hospitals. C Natural settings are uncontrolled, real-life situations or environments. D Partially controlled settings are environments that the researcher has manipulated or modified in some way. 13. A nurse researcher explains the relationships between research processes and the nursing process to a group of graduate-level nursing students. Which statement by a nursing student indicates the need for further teaching? a. “Nursing research leads to evidence-based nursing practice guidelines.” b. “Nursing research has a broader focus than the nursing process.” c. “The nursing process helps to identify potential nursing research problems.” d. “The nursing process requires rigorous application of research methods.” ANS: D A Nursing research may be used to develop evidence-based nursing practice guidelines. B Nursing research has a broader focus than the nursing process and is generally population based rather than individual based. C The nursing process can help to identify nursing research problems. D The nursing process may be based on research, but does not require the rigorous application of research methods. 14. Research subjects in a study of body image after mastectomy will complete a questionnaire about body image after surgery. Which assumption would the researcher likely make when conducting this study? a. All mastectomy patients are likely to be negatively affected by the surgery. b. Body image and appearance are important to survivors of breast cancer. c. Subjects will be able to describe a personal awareness of body image. d. Subjects will complete every item on the questionnaire. ANS: C A The researcher does not indicate that negative effects of mastectomy are an assumption of the study. The results of the study may indicate whether this is true or not. B The researcher does not indicate that the importance of body image an appearance is an assumption of the study. The results of the study may indicate whether this is true or not. C Assumptions are statements taken for granted or considered true, even though they have not been scientifically tested. The researcher will assume that subjects have an awareness of this concept. D The researcher does not indicate that this is an assumption of the study. It is undoubtedly hoped for to get complete data. 15. Statements that will be scientifically tested as part of a research study are called: a. assumptions. b. hypotheses. c. limitations. d. variables. ANS: B A Assumptions are statements that are taken for granted or considered true, even though they have not been scientifically tested. B Hypotheses are the researcher’s best guess as to the outcome of the study. C Limitations are factors in the study that cannot be controlled or manipulated, but might have an influence on the outcome. D Variables are the factors influencing the hypotheses that the researcher wants to investigate. 16. A study that analyzes the effect of exercise on diabetes control among Native-American children with type II diabetes would most credibly be generalizable to which population? a. African-Americans with type II diabetes b. Native-American children with type I diabetes c. Children with type II diabetes d. All people with type II diabetes ANS: B A The population that the sample represents does not include all African-Americans with type II diabetes. B Generalization is the extension of the implications of the research findings from the sample to a larger population. The population represented in the study is Native-American children, so the results of this study may be generalized to this population. C The population that the sample represents does not include all children with type II diabetes. D The population that the sample represents does not include all patients with type II diabetes. 17. To evaluate data collection methodology prior to conducting a large-scale study, a researcher might carry out a smaller-scale study. This smaller-scale study is known as a/an: a. abstract. b. exploratory design. c. pilot study. d. proposal. ANS: C A The abstract is a synopsis of the study found at the beginning of a research report. B Exploratory design is used when the total situation is unclear. C A pilot study is frequently defined as a smaller version of a proposed study conducted to refine the methodology. D A proposal is a formal request to conduct a study; it can be submitted to obtain funds or get on the study’s methodology. 18. The nurse researcher is developing a study to examine the effects of asthma education on missed school days among grade school children. When defining the research problem in the research proposal, the nurse will discuss: a. the proposed methodologies for data collection. b. statistics about the number of school days missed by children with asthma. c. the costs and types of various medications to treat asthma symptoms. d. the need for future studies to examine asthma care for this population. ANS: B A The discussion about proposed methodologies is part of the study design. B When describing the research problem, the researcher identifies an area of concern for a particular population. C The costs and types of medications would be included in background information, but this discussion does not identify the research problem. D The discussion about the need for further studies is part of the discussion and summary. 19. Which portion of a research report would the nurse initially read to get an overview of the study? a. Abstract b. Conclusion c. Framework d. Methodology ANS: A A The research report usually begins with an abstract: a clear, concise summary of a study, including the research problem and purpose, methodology, and conclusions. The reader can gain an understanding of the study by reading the abstract. B Conclusions are presented at the end of the report and describe the findings based on the data collection and data analysis. C The framework is present later in the study report and tells about the foundation of the study. D The methodology is in the middle part of the report and describes the study methods, tools, data collection, and analysis. 20. The section of a research report that describes the purpose of a research study will include: a. what relationships among key variables will be examined. b. which various theories provide context for the research problem. c. what is currently understood about the research problem. d. why the research is necessary to help close a gap in knowledge. ANS: A A The research purpose is a statement generated from the research problem identifying the specific focus of goal of the study. B The theoretical framework identifies how theories provide context for the research question. C The literature review identifies what is currently known about the research problem. D The research problem is a statement about why the research is necessary to close gaps in knowledge. 21. A researcher conducts a review of relevant literature prior to developing a research study in order to: a. avoid duplication of research ideas. b. determine which theoretical framework is best adapted to the research problem. c. determine which type of study would be most cost-effective. d. identify what is known and unknown about a particular problem. ANS: D A The literature review identifies what is known and may describe past studies, but is not necessarily performed to avoid duplication of research ideas since many studies are replicated in order to confirm results. B The literature review does not evaluate the theoretical framework. C The literature review does not determine cost-effectiveness of a study. D The literature review is conducted in order to identify what is already known about a research problem and to document why a research study needs to be conducted. 22. In a qualitative study to describe stages of grief, the researcher asks parents who have lost a child to cancer to describe their experiences with grief at specific time intervals after their children’s deaths. Which assumption will the researcher make? a. Study subjects have knowledge about theoretical concepts about grief. b. Study subjects understand the concept of grief. c. Subjects will be able to articulate their feelings coherently. d. Subjects will be available for data collection at specific time intervals. ANS: B A Subjects who know what grief is do not necessarily have an understanding of theoretical concepts about grief. B A researcher may make an assumption that study subjects will understand the concept of grief. C Although it is desired that subjects will be able to articulate their feelings or be available at specific intervals, there is no assumption that they will be able to do so. D Subjects may not always be available at specific intervals. 23. How is theory tested in quantitative research? a. Assumptions about the theoretical framework are evaluated. b. Concepts become more clearly defined as they are tested. c. Relationships among concepts are tested. d. The entire theory is proven or disproven. ANS: C A Assumptions are statements that are taken for granted and are not tested in research. B Concepts are defined prior to initiating research. C In quantitative research, relational statements between two or more concepts are tested, not the entire theory. D Quantitative studies do not prove or disprove an entire theory, just relationships among key concepts. 24. An operational definition of a variable or concept ensures that the variable or concept will be: a. given theoretical meaning. b. linked to other variables or concepts. c. measured or manipulated. d. understood in context of a theoretical framework. ANS: C A A conceptual definition of a concept gives that concept theoretical meaning. B The research question links concepts and variables to other concepts and variables. C An operational definition of a concept allows the concept to be measured or manipulated. D The operational definition does not necessarily give meaning to a concept in the context of a theoretical framework. 25. In a research proposal, when describing a research design, the researcher would include: a. discussion of a theoretical framework. b. evaluation of the researcher’s expertise. c. methods for measurement of variables. d. purpose of the study. ANS: C A The theoretical framework is discussed in the theory section. B The evaluation of the researcher’s expertise is part of the discussion. C In the research design, the researcher will describe how variables are measured along with sampling procedures and plans for data collection and analysis. D The purpose of the study is discussed in the introduction and purpose section. 26. Prior to initiating a large-scale research study, the researcher conducts a small-scale study using similar subjects, methods, instruments, measurements, and analysis. This is done in order to: a. define the conceptual framework of the study. b. determine the quality of the study components. c. link study variables to one another. d. provide a study design. ANS: B A The pilot is not performed to define the conceptual framework of the study. B A pilot study is performed on a smaller scale in order to determine the quality of the study components before the study is conducted on a larger scale. C The pilot does not necessarily link study variables to one another and is not the purpose of performing a pilot study. D The pilot study tests components of the study design, which has already been determined. 27. The methodology portion of the research report is used to: a. describe the study design. b. discuss the implications of the study. c. provide a theoretical framework for the study. d. summarize the purpose, methods, and results. ANS: A A In the methodology section, the researcher describes the study design including sampling methods, measurement of variables, data collection, and data analysis. B The implications of the study are explored in the discussion section. C The theoretical framework is discussed in the introduction. D The summary is discussed in the conclusion. 28. When the researcher describes the population of a study, the research consumer understands that this represents: a. all members of the population at large. b. all people who meet inclusion criteria for the study. c. members of the study group and the control group. d. subjects selected for the study based on sampling techniques. ANS: B A Not all members of the population at large meet inclusion criteria and those who do not are not considered part of the population being studied. B The population is all people who meet inclusion criteria for the study whether they are sampled and included or not. C Members of the study and control group are the sample of the population selected for participation in the study. D Subjects selected for the study are a representative sample of the population. 29. When a researcher describes an instrument as being valid this indicates that the instrument: a. accurately measures a variable. b. consistently measures variables across studies. c. has been described as high quality by other researchers. d. has been routinely used in other, similar studies. ANS: A A When an instrument is valid, it is considered to be accurate. B Reliability of an instrument means that it is consistent across studies. C Quality of the instrument is not defined by validity measures. D Frequency of use of the instrument is not defined by validity measures. 30. When noting the limitations of a research study, the nurse might make which observation? a. Abstract concepts were defined using concrete, consistent terms. b. Findings could not be generalized to a population not included in the study. c. The researcher included a discussion of the links between the study’s variables. d. The subjects were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. ANS: B A The definition of concepts does not address the limitations of a study. B Limitations are restrictions in a study methodology or framework that may decrease the credibility and generalizability of the findings. C The theoretical framework contains a discussion about the links between study variables. D Random assignment to control or experimental groups increases the likelihood that the study’s findings may be generalized to a larger population. 31. The purpose of a study abstract is to: a. describe the reason for conducting the study. b. outline the theoretical framework that defines the study. c. summarize a study concisely and capture the reader’s attention. d. summarize previous research about the study’s topic. ANS: C A The research purpose describes the reason for conducting the study. B The theoretical framework clarifies links among variables. C An abstract is a clear, concise summary of a study which, researchers hope, will capture the reader’s attention. D The literature review summarizes previous research. 32. In a study about concussion recovery in high school football players, which statement would be part of the introduction? a. “The Functional Independence Measure was used to measure postconcussion symptoms.” b. ussion.” c. “The results of this study showed an average recovery time of 6 weeks among football players.” d. “The study included a convenience sample of high school football players in a five-county area.” ANS: B A The methods section contains descriptions of the tools used as well as the sampling methods. B The introduction section contains a statement about the study purpose. C The conclusion section includes statements about the results of the tests performed. D The methods section contains descriptions of the tools used as well as the sampling methods. 33. If a nurse wishes to critically appraise a study’s sampling criteria and measurement tools, the nurse will read which part of the study report? a. Abstract b. Introduction c. Methods d. Results ANS: C A The abstract contains a concise description of the entire study. B The introduction section contains a statement about the study purpose. C The methods section contains descriptions of the tools used as well as the sampling methods. D The results section includes statements about the results of the tests performed. 34. To learn whether there is a statistically significant difference between the control group and the experimental group in a study, the nurse would review which section of the research report? a. Introduction b. Methods c. Purpose d. Results ANS: D A The introduction section contains a statement about the study purpose. B The methods section contains descriptions of the tools used as well as the sampling methods. C The purpose section contains a discussion of the reason for conducting the study. D The results section includes statements about the results of the tests performed and includes statements about the statistical significance of the differences among the variables. 35. To help determine the relevance of a study to practice, it is recommended that the reviewer read which two sections of the study initially? a. Abstract, discussion b. Conclusions, references c. Literature review, purpose d. Methods, results ANS: A A Scanning the abstract or introduction and then the discussion will give an overview of the study’s findings. B The conclusions and references may be read partly or in full after skimming the abstract and discussion. C The literature review and purpose may be read partly or in full after skimming the abstract and discussion. D The methods and results may be read partly or in full after skimming the abstract and discussion. 36. The author of a research report describes the research problem in order to: a. conceptualize the research project. b. guide the development of the study methods. c. determine the goals and focus of the study. d. identify gaps in knowledge. ANS: D A The theoretical framework serves to conceptualize the research project. B The methodology section outlines the development of study methods. C The research purpose identifies the goals and focus of the study. D The research problem statement identifies gaps in current knowledge about the subject. MULTIPLE RESPONSE 1. Which of the following are true statements about quantitative research? (Choose all that apply.) a. Correlational research involves the use of statistics to determine relationships among variables. b. Experimental research is the only type of quantitative research that is valid. c. ANS: A, C, D Correct Correlational research involves statistical analysis of variables using correlational statistics. Quasi-experimental research is a useful option when controlled conditions are not possible. Statistical tests are employed with quantitative research studies. Incorrect Experiments are only one form of quantitative research. 2. What study design involves no intervention on the part of the researcher? (Choose all that apply.) a. c. Experimental d. Quasi-experimental ANS: A, B Correct A correlational study does not involve interventions by the researcher. A descriptive study does not involve interventions by the researcher. Incorrect An experimental study involves a highly controlled intervention. A quasi-experimental study involves a controlled intervention. 3. The nurse researcher submits a proposal for an initial study to evaluate the effects of regular moderate exercise on asthma control scores in adolescents with asthma. To achieve increased control in the initial study, the researcher will do which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Ask subjects to keep track of time spent exercising in a journal. b. Have subjects exercise on treadmills in the clinic three times weekly. ANS: B, C, D Correct To control variables, the researcher should have subjects participate in the action in as controlled a setting as possible. Having participants exercise in the clinic allows for better control and evaluation of the degree of exercise. Limiting subjects to those who have similar symptoms will help limit extraneous variables that might be attributed to differences in asthma severity or any differences attributed to gender. Incorrect Asking subjects to record unsupervised exercise limits the degree of control of this variable. 4. The nurse participates in data collection in a study comparing the effect of two antilipidemia medications on total cholesterol in patients with hyperlipidemia. Which are extraneous variables to consider in such a study? (Select all that apply.) a. Differences between the antilipidemia medications. b. ANS: B, C, D Correct One variable that can affect the study outcome is family history of hyperlipidemia in study participants. Patients who are obese may have different outcomes related to this variable than the reactions of those who are not obese. Other serum lipid values, such as high-density lipoproteins or low-density lipoproteins, can affect total cholesterol. Incorrect The differences between the two medications are controlled in this study and are not extraneous variables. Chapter 03: Introduction to the Qualitative Research 1. What role does qualitative research play in evidence-based practice (EBP)? a. cause it does not involve random-controlled trials (RCTs), it does not contribute directly to EBP. b. It offers a systematic approach for yielding insights into human experience and behavior. c. It provides a way to measure and evaluate quality outcomes that affect patient care. d. It provides the basis for most EBP guidelines and patient care protocols. ANS: B A Many insights gained through qualitative studies are used to develop theories on which RCTs may be based. B Qualitative research offers a systematic approach for collecting data about and evaluating human perception and experience that cannot be achieved through experimental research. C Qualitative research is not concerned solely with outcomes research, which looks at the effects of nursing interventions on patient care outcomes. D RCTs are the basis for most EBP guidelines and protocols 2. A researcher identifies a socioeconomic group of people to study. After developing a rapport with key members of the group, getting information about group members from the key members, and spending time working among group members, the researcher develops theories about the group based on this experience. Which type of qualitative research does this represent? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological ANS: A A Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures and involves immersion in the group in order to make observations and get information. B Grounded theory research is an inductive technique that emerged from the discipline of sociology. Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures. C Historical research examines events of the past. Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures. D Phenomenological research describes experiences as they are lived. Ethnographic research was developed by anthropologists as a mechanism for studying cultures. 3. What is true about phenomena in qualitative research? a. Human behavior is generally the result of the direct influence of independent variables. b. Knowledge gained by qualitative research is concrete and derived from statistical data. c. Multiple realities are possible based on meanings created by individuals and groups. d. Time and context have very little influence on individual or group perspectives. ANS: C A Human behavior is complex and not just the result of the influence of independent variables. B Knowledge gained in qualitative research is less concrete than that gained through quantitative research. C The understanding of phenomena in qualitative research is not the same as in quantitative research. In qualitative research, multiple realities, based on individual and group meanings, may be derived from research data. D Phenomena in qualitative research are considered unique to the individual and in the time and the context that they occur. 4. A researcher conducts a qualitative study and learns that individuals have a variety of reactions to an event. What can the researcher conclude from this finding? a. The findings are interesting, but are not useful for theory development. b. The reactions described in this study may be generalized to a larger population. c. The study has little significance since there is no well-defined single outcome. d. The variety of reactions is expected since perception varies with individuals. ANS: D A Findings in qualitative studies are often used to guide initial theory development whose constructs are later tested through experimental studies. B Reactions in qualitative studies do not have statistical significance and cannot be generalized to a larger population. C Even without a well-defined outcome, the results do have significance and contribute to the larger body of scientific knowledge. D Because meaning is subjective, there can be multiple realities in qualitative research, which seeks to learn how individuals and groups respond to experiences. 5. A researcher develops a study to examine various phenomena that contribute to theory development. This is an example of which type of research? a. Ethnographic research b. Grounded theory research c. Historical research d. Phenomenological research ANS: B A Ethnographers observe and document interactions within a culture. B Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. C Historical research examines events of the past. D Phenomenological research attempts to capture the “lived experience” of study participants. 6. A researcher conducts a study to examine the feelings of cancer patients at various points during their disease, including at diagnosis, when beginning chemotherapy, and during remission. Which type of study will the researcher use for this study? a. Ethnographic b. Grounded Theory c. Historical d. Phenomenological ANS: D A Ethnographers observe and document interactions within a culture. B Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. C Historical research examines events of the past. D Phenomenological research attempts to capture the “lived experience” of study participants. 7. What is true about scientific rigor in qualitative nursing research? a. Studies are rigorous only when results are quantifiable. b. Study findings are considered trustworthy when rigor is applied. c. Scientific rigor is not applicable with qualitative studies. d. Scientific rigor is only used with random-controlled trials. ANS: B A Rigor can be applied to qualitative research. B Rigor is valued because the findings of rigorous studies are seen as being more credible and of greater worth. C Rigor can be applied to both qualitative and quantitative research. D Rigor is used with qualitative research. 8. When designing a study, which has the greatest influence as a researcher decides which type of qualitative study design to use? a. Funding and resources b. Literature review c. Population d. Research question ANS: D A Funding and resources influence the size of the population and the types of measures that may be employed. B The literature review and the population do not influence the study design directly. C The literature review and the population do not influence the study design directly. D Deciding which qualitative approach to use depends on the research question and the purpose of the study. 9. A researcher wishes to learn about the experiences that women have when breastfeeding their infants in the workplace. Which type of study design will the researcher employ? a. Ethnographic b. Exploratory-descriptive c. Grounded theory d. Historical ANS: B A Ethnographers observe and document interactions within a culture. B Exploratory-descriptive studies are used when researchers are exploring a new topic or describing a situation. C Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. D Historical research examines events of the past. 10. A researcher who bases phenomenological research on Husserl’s philosophy will: a. incorporate personal biases into conclusions and discussion of the research. b. interpret subjects’ experiences according to the researcher’s own biases. c. place personal biases aside when considering and reporting research findings. d. use personal biases to look for hidden meanings in research data. ANS: C A This is not an accurate statement. B This is not an accurate statement. C According to Husserl, to capture the “lived experience” of study participants, the researcher must set aside personal biases to describe the phenomena in a naïve way. Heidegger describes ways that personal biases are incorporated into qualitative research. D This is not an accurate statement. 11. What is a key element of hermeneutics in research? a. Analysis of documents and interviews to identify themes and subthemes in data b. Bracketing of the researcher’s own perceptions for the duration of the study c. Description of phenomena without interpretation by the researcher d. Focusing solely on phenomena themselves without consideration of biases ANS: A A Hermeneutics is a type of interpretive phenomenological research method that involves textual analysis and identification of themes and subthemes present in interviews and published documents in light of the study’s research questions. B Husserl suggested that the researcher must bracket personal biases in order to examine the research data. Husserl differs from Heidigger in this regard.Heidigger argued that it is impossible to set aside beliefs and biases. C Heidigger’s approach is interpretive and is part of hermeneutics. D Heidigger believed that researchers cannot set aside their biases. 12. When performing an external criticism of the documents used in historical research, the reviewer must determine whether the documents are: a. genuine or fraudulent. b. interesting or dull. c. well known or obscure. d. written by authors who are still living. ANS: A A External criticism determines the validity of source material. B Whether or not the document is interesting has little to do with the importance of the document. C As long as the document is genuine and of interest to the study, whether it is well known or not is irrelevant. D Although it might be useful to know whether or not the writers of the document are living, this does not relate to external criticism. 13. What is true about grounded theory research? a. It is a method used to quantify theoretical constructs in theory development. b. It is used to further research in areas where much concrete data is already known. c. Study designs use a theoretical basis to develop the research questions. d. Theory is developed from the data collected during the research. ANS: D A Experimental studies are used to quantify theoretical constructs to test theories. B Grounded theory research is preliminary and is often used when little is known about a subject. C Theory is developed from the research findings of grounded theory research. D Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. 14. A researcher wishes to understand how inner-city Somali immigrants adapt health care practices into their experiences with the U.S. health care system. Which type of study approach will the researcher use? a. Descriptive-qualitative b. Ethnographic c. Grounded theory d. Phenomenological ANS: B A Exploratory-descriptive studies are used when researchers are exploring a new topic or describing a situation. B Ethnographic research involves observation and documentation of interactions within a culture. C Grounded theory develops theory directly from the research data. D Phenomenological research attempts to capture the “lived experience” of study participants. 15. Which is an example of an etic approach in an ethnographic study? a. A longitudinal study examining individual immigrants’ attitudes about health care b. A study about African tribal women and their feelings about HIV prevention c. A study comparing various ethnic groups’ folk health practices d. A study of differences between BSN- and AND-prepared nurses’ attitudes about health care ANS: C A A study of immigrants’ attitudes about health care is a phenomenological study. B A study examining a particular cultural group is an ethnographic study. C The etic approach involves studying behavior from outside the culture and examining similarities and differences across cultures. D A study of attitudes about health care is a phenomenological study. 16. Which qualitative study will call for an exploratory-descriptive study approach? a. An eva