MATH 225 Week 1 Assignment – Evidence, Claims, and Types | Complete Questions & Correct Answers (Chamberlain College of Nursing)

MATH 225 Week 1 Assignment – Evidence, Claims, and Types | Complete Questions & Correct Answers (Chamberlain College of Nursing) Questions and Answers (20) Q1. What is a claim in statistics and research? A1. A claim is a statement or assertion about a population, situation, or relationship that can be evaluated using evidence. In statistics, claims are often tested through data collection and analysis to determine if they are valid. Q2. Define evidence in the context of research. A2. Evidence refers to the data, observations, or facts collected to support or refute a claim. Strong evidence is reliable, relevant, and sufficient to demonstrate whether a claim is accurate. Q3. Differentiate between factual and opinion-based claims. A3. A factual claim can be tested and proven true or false using data (e.g., “Smoking increases risk of lung cancer”), while an opinion-based claim reflects personal beliefs or values (e.g., “Nursing is the most rewarding career”). Q4. What is anecdotal evidence, and why is it considered weak? A4. Anecdotal evidence is based on personal stories or isolated experiences rather than systematic data. It is weak because it lacks objectivity and does not represent a whole population. Q5. Provide an example of a statistical claim. A5. An example is: “70% of nursing students pass the NCLEX on their first attempt.” This is measurable, testable, and based on statistical data. Q6. What role does evidence play in evaluating claims? A6. Evidence helps determine whether a claim is credible, accurate, and valid. Without evidence, claims remain assumptions or opinions that cannot be reliably used in decision-making. Q7. What is the difference between a descriptive and an inferential claim? A7. Descriptive claims summarize observed data (e.g., “The average age of nursing students is 27”), while inferential claims use sample data to make predictions or generalizations about a population. Q8. Explain why peer-reviewed sources are considered stronger evidence. A8. Peer-reviewed sources undergo evaluation by experts in the field, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and validity. This makes them stronger than unverified sources or anecdotal claims. Q9. Define a causal claim with an example. A9. A causal claim suggests that one factor directly influences another. Example: “Regular exercise reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.” Evidence must show a cause-and-effect relationship. Q10. Differentiate between correlation and causation in claims. A10. Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables but not necessarily cause-and-effect, while causation means one variable directly affects the other. Confusing them can lead to false conclusions. Q11. What is testimonial evidence, and when is it useful? A11. Testimonial evidence is based on personal accounts or expert opinions. It is useful for providing perspective but must be supported by data to strengthen its reliability. Q12. Why is statistical evidence preferred in nursing research? A12. Statistical evidence is measurable, generalizable, and objective, making it more reliable for clinical decisions and evidence-based practice compared to anecdotal or testimonial evidence. Q13. Provide an example of a normative claim. A13. A normative claim reflects a value judgment about what should be. Example: “All hospitals should provide free flu vaccinations for staff.” Unlike factual claims, these cannot be proven true or false by data alone. Q14. What is a counterclaim, and why is it important in research? A14. A counterclaim challenges or opposes the original claim. Considering counterclaims ensures balanced reasoning, prevents bias, and strengthens research arguments by addressing multiple perspectives. Q15. How can bias affect the strength of evidence? A15. Bias distorts data or interpretation, leading to misleading conclusions. Biased evidence reduces credibility and can invalidate claims, making it critical to use unbiased, well-designed studies. Q16. Define empirical evidence. A16. Empirical evidence is information obtained through direct observation, measurement, or experimentation. It is one of the strongest forms of evidence because it is based on systematic data collection. Q17. Give an example of a claim supported by weak evidence. A17. Claim: “Drinking green tea cures cancer.” Weak evidence might include personal stories or isolated cases, but without large-scale scientific studies, the claim lacks validity. Q18. What is the importance of replicability in evidence? A18. Replicability ensures that results can be repeated under similar conditions, strengthening the reliability of evidence and confirming that findings are not due to chance. Q19. How do researchers determine if evidence is strong enough to support a claim? A19. They assess the quality, reliability, sample size, methodology, and whether results are consistent with other studies. Strong evidence is clear, unbiased, and statistically significant. Q20. Why is distinguishing between types of claims important in nursing practice? A20. It helps nurses separate evidence-based facts from opinions or assumptions, ensuring decisions are grounded in reliable data, which is essential for patient safety and effective care.