Chapter 11: Non-experimental Designs
LoBiondo-Wood: Nursing Research in Canada, 4th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the first question that should be asked in determining whether an experimental
design or a nonexperimental design should be used in a quantitative study?
a. Is there an independent variable?
b. What is the nature of the problem being studied?
c. Will a measurement tool or instrument be needed?
d. Can statistical analysis be applied to the study data?
ANS: B
Feedback
A. Independent variables are used in both experimental and nonexperimental studies.
B. The nature of the research problem determines whether an experimental or
nonexperimental design should be used.
C. A measurement tool or instrument can be used in both nonexperimental and
experimental designs.
D. Statistical analyses can be used in both experimental and nonexperimental
designs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
,2. When should a descriptive or exploratory design be used?
a. When expanding the results of a qualitative study
b. When direct contact with potential participants is not possible
c. When little is known about a particular participant or phenomenon
d. When issues of cause and effect in a situation have already been determined
ANS: C
Feedback
A. Expanding the results of a qualitative study does not mandate the use of a
descriptive or exploratory design.
B. Descriptive designs often involve direct contact with participants.
C. A descriptive or exploratory design is appropriate when little is known about a
research topic.
D. Cause and effect are determined by both quasi-experimental and experimental
designs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Which of the following titles suggests a descriptive study?
a. Characterization of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
b. The Lived Experience of Liver Transplantation Among Older Caucasian Men
c. Effect of Virtual Reality as a Distraction Intervention on Adolescents Undergoing
Chemotherapy
d. Correlation Between Current Income Level and Self-Esteem Among Recently
Widowed Women
ANS: A
, Feedback
A. The word characterization suggests that the researcher is conducting a descriptive
study on chemotherapy-related neuropathy.
B. The phrase lived experience is associated with phenomenological research.
C. The phrase effect of is associated with an experimental design.
D. The phrase correlation between is associated with correlational level quantitative
research.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which of the following is an advantage of research studies that examine the association or
relationships between variables?
a. Ability to determine a causal relationship
b. Possibility for greater manipulation of the variables
c. Randomization of participants that allows for increased generalizability
d. Potential for application in clinical settings and establishment of a foundation for
future experimental studies.
ANS: D
Feedback
A. Causal relationships are usually determined by experimental and quasi-
experimental designs.
B. Correlational or association-type designs do not involve manipulation of
variables.
C. Randomization can be used in various levels of research and is not reserved only
for associative research.
LoBiondo-Wood: Nursing Research in Canada, 4th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the first question that should be asked in determining whether an experimental
design or a nonexperimental design should be used in a quantitative study?
a. Is there an independent variable?
b. What is the nature of the problem being studied?
c. Will a measurement tool or instrument be needed?
d. Can statistical analysis be applied to the study data?
ANS: B
Feedback
A. Independent variables are used in both experimental and nonexperimental studies.
B. The nature of the research problem determines whether an experimental or
nonexperimental design should be used.
C. A measurement tool or instrument can be used in both nonexperimental and
experimental designs.
D. Statistical analyses can be used in both experimental and nonexperimental
designs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
,2. When should a descriptive or exploratory design be used?
a. When expanding the results of a qualitative study
b. When direct contact with potential participants is not possible
c. When little is known about a particular participant or phenomenon
d. When issues of cause and effect in a situation have already been determined
ANS: C
Feedback
A. Expanding the results of a qualitative study does not mandate the use of a
descriptive or exploratory design.
B. Descriptive designs often involve direct contact with participants.
C. A descriptive or exploratory design is appropriate when little is known about a
research topic.
D. Cause and effect are determined by both quasi-experimental and experimental
designs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Which of the following titles suggests a descriptive study?
a. Characterization of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
b. The Lived Experience of Liver Transplantation Among Older Caucasian Men
c. Effect of Virtual Reality as a Distraction Intervention on Adolescents Undergoing
Chemotherapy
d. Correlation Between Current Income Level and Self-Esteem Among Recently
Widowed Women
ANS: A
, Feedback
A. The word characterization suggests that the researcher is conducting a descriptive
study on chemotherapy-related neuropathy.
B. The phrase lived experience is associated with phenomenological research.
C. The phrase effect of is associated with an experimental design.
D. The phrase correlation between is associated with correlational level quantitative
research.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)
MSC: NCLEX Client Care Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment;
Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which of the following is an advantage of research studies that examine the association or
relationships between variables?
a. Ability to determine a causal relationship
b. Possibility for greater manipulation of the variables
c. Randomization of participants that allows for increased generalizability
d. Potential for application in clinical settings and establishment of a foundation for
future experimental studies.
ANS: D
Feedback
A. Causal relationships are usually determined by experimental and quasi-
experimental designs.
B. Correlational or association-type designs do not involve manipulation of
variables.
C. Randomization can be used in various levels of research and is not reserved only
for associative research.
