Chapter 05: Finding and Appraising the
Literature
LoBiondo-Wood: Nursing Research in Canada, 4th Edition
1. Which of the following best describes a student’s task of gathering information on a topic
in preparing a paper for a class assignment?
a. Critiquing a study
b. Researching a topic
c. Conducting a study
d. Searching the literature
ANS: B
Feedback
A. A critique of a study determines the study’s strengths and weaknesses; the
critique of the literature review is only one focus of the overall critique.
B. A critical review of the literature is used to investigate topics for class
assignments.
C. A literature review in a study includes a critical evaluation of data-based and
conceptual literature.
D. Searching the literature is conducted both in information-seeking efforts for
research and in academic assignments.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
,2. Where is the literature review typically found in a research report?
a. In the abstract
b. In the Discussion section
c. Following the Methods section
d. After the beginning of the report
ANS: D
Feedback
A. Although it may be referred to, the abstract does not contain the full literature
review.
B. There may be some reference to the literature to explain the findings; however,
the Discussion section is not typically where the full literature review is found.
C. The literature review is not found following the Methods section.
D. The literature review is found after the beginning of the report, typically after the
Introduction to the study.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Which of the following statements about the importance of literature review to the
research process is accurate?
a. Literature review guides all steps of the research process.
b. Literature review is necessary only in defining the problem statement.
c. Literature review provides a vehicle to disseminate the findings of the study.
d. The value of literature review is limited to finding gaps or inconsistencies in the
knowledge base.
ANS: A
, Feedback
A. Literature review is constantly referred to and is important throughout all stages
of a research study.
B. Literature review guides the problem statement as it is defined, along with all
other parts and stages of a research study.
C. A completed study may be published to disseminate its findings and thus
becomes one citation in a literature review for future studies.
D. Literature review contributes to consistencies in the literature, locates instruments
used to measure variables, identifies experts on topics, and has other functions as
well.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which of the following objectives of literature review is unique to a review for research
purposes?
a. Discovering conceptual traditions used to examine problems
b. Generating useful research questions and hypotheses for nursing
c. Determining what is known and unknown about a subject, concept, or problem
d. Uncovering a new practice intervention or gaining support for current
interventions, protocols, and policies
ANS: B
Feedback
A. Discovering conceptual traditions used to examine problems applies to systematic
reviews and to reviews for research purposes.
Literature
LoBiondo-Wood: Nursing Research in Canada, 4th Edition
1. Which of the following best describes a student’s task of gathering information on a topic
in preparing a paper for a class assignment?
a. Critiquing a study
b. Researching a topic
c. Conducting a study
d. Searching the literature
ANS: B
Feedback
A. A critique of a study determines the study’s strengths and weaknesses; the
critique of the literature review is only one focus of the overall critique.
B. A critical review of the literature is used to investigate topics for class
assignments.
C. A literature review in a study includes a critical evaluation of data-based and
conceptual literature.
D. Searching the literature is conducted both in information-seeking efforts for
research and in academic assignments.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
,2. Where is the literature review typically found in a research report?
a. In the abstract
b. In the Discussion section
c. Following the Methods section
d. After the beginning of the report
ANS: D
Feedback
A. Although it may be referred to, the abstract does not contain the full literature
review.
B. There may be some reference to the literature to explain the findings; however,
the Discussion section is not typically where the full literature review is found.
C. The literature review is not found following the Methods section.
D. The literature review is found after the beginning of the report, typically after the
Introduction to the study.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Which of the following statements about the importance of literature review to the
research process is accurate?
a. Literature review guides all steps of the research process.
b. Literature review is necessary only in defining the problem statement.
c. Literature review provides a vehicle to disseminate the findings of the study.
d. The value of literature review is limited to finding gaps or inconsistencies in the
knowledge base.
ANS: A
, Feedback
A. Literature review is constantly referred to and is important throughout all stages
of a research study.
B. Literature review guides the problem statement as it is defined, along with all
other parts and stages of a research study.
C. A completed study may be published to disseminate its findings and thus
becomes one citation in a literature review for future studies.
D. Literature review contributes to consistencies in the literature, locates instruments
used to measure variables, identifies experts on topics, and has other functions as
well.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which of the following objectives of literature review is unique to a review for research
purposes?
a. Discovering conceptual traditions used to examine problems
b. Generating useful research questions and hypotheses for nursing
c. Determining what is known and unknown about a subject, concept, or problem
d. Uncovering a new practice intervention or gaining support for current
interventions, protocols, and policies
ANS: B
Feedback
A. Discovering conceptual traditions used to examine problems applies to systematic
reviews and to reviews for research purposes.
