Deck 3: Conducting a Literature Review

Question 1

Which goal best describes the purpose of a literature review?

A) Summarizing existing research about a selected topic
B) Helping to broaden the research question or hypothesis
C) Listing publications that are relevant to the research idea
D) Establishing the value of previous research on the study topic

Answer 1

D
Explanation: The main purpose of a literature review is establishing the value of previous research on the study topic. A literature review comprises examining material published on a topic by researchers and critically appraising each data source included for its relevance rather than simply summarizing the publications. A correctly formulated literature review will allow for the research question or hypothesis to be further refined, if necessary. Rather than merely seeking the literature that is available on a topic, the researcher uses critical appraisal skills to guide the literature review. The review should not deteriorate into simply summarizing one publication after another.

Question 2

Describe three formats commonly used by the DNP researcher to structure a literature review.

Answer 2

Most commonly, a literature review uses one of three formats: (1) a discussion and evaluation of previous research beginning in chronologic order; (2) a review of literature organized around a central concept; or (3) an evaluation of studies that apply to the general research topic followed by discussion of the more narrowly defined research topic of the researcher.

Question 3

In the process of seeking data sources, which step will the DNP researcher implement?

A) Identifying general key terms that apply to several study topics
B) Expanding the search to include a broad-based patient population
C) Reviewing resources and publications relevant to multiple professions
D) Clarifying the topic that is the basis for the hypothesis or research question

Answer 3

D
Explanation: As the DNP researcher begins the process of seeking data sources that will be critically appraised for possible inclusion in the literature review, the initial step involves ensuring clarity of the topic that is the central focus of the research question or hypothesis. The researcher should remain focused on the practice-related topic as well as the basic patient population studied. Next, the researcher should identify terms that are unique to the study. When using the selected terms to initiate a computerized search for data sources, broad-spectrum medical/nursing databases initially should be used.

Question 4

The DNP researcher formulates the following research question: "Is the perception of workplace incivility higher among registered nurses who serve in critical care settings than in nurses who serve in long-term care facilities?" Based on the research question, identify three keywords or keyword phrases that will be researched.

Question 5

Summarize the purpose of a peer review in relationship to journal articles.

Question 6

In the context of a literature review, distinguish between a primary source and a secondary source.

Question 7

When critically appraising a research article, which step will the DNP researcher implement first?

A) Evaluating any funding sources the author(s) used
B) Identifying the potential for bias in the research findings
C) Determining whether the research article underwent a peer review
D) Reviewing the stated credentials and qualifications of the author(s)

Question 8

During critical appraisal of a research article, which component will the DNP review first?

A) Abstract
B) Introduction
C) Methods section
D) Results section

Question 9

The introduction section of a well-crafted research article will include which information?

A) Project limitations
B) Unexpected findings
C) Research question or hypothesis
D) Evaluation and interpretation of results

Question 10

When critically appraising a research article, what is the purpose of reviewing footnotes, tables, and figures?