Question 1

The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study's credibility?&#10;A) Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon?&#10;B) Are the results meaningful to individuals not involved in the research?&#10;C) Does the investigator document the research process?&#10;D) What is the projected significance of the research to nursing?

Accepted Answer

Credibility is one of the key components of trustworthiness in qualitative research. It refers to the degree to which the results of the research are believable, and the extent to which the findings accurately reflect the experiences and perspectives of the participants. To assess credibility, the nurse should ask whether adequate time was allowed to fully understand the phenomenon under investigation. This means that the researcher should have spent enough time with the participants to develop a deep understanding of their experiences, and that the data should have been collected over a sufficient period to ensure that all relevant information was captured. By asking this question, the nurse can determine whether the researcher has established a credible connection with the participants and has gained a thorough understanding of the phenomenon being studied.

Question 2

Which criterion helps to determine whether the results of a qualitative study can be applied beyond the study sample or population?&#10;A) Evidence of fittingness or transferability of the findings&#10;B) Evidence of trustworthiness or validity of the findings&#10;C) Credentials and experience of the person applying the findings&#10;D) Statistical significance and reliability of the findings

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research is often used to explore complex phenomena and generate in-depth understanding of human experiences, behaviors, and social processes. However, unlike quantitative research, qualitative studies typically involve a small sample size and non-random sampling, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other settings or populations.
To determine whether the results of a qualitative study can be applied beyond the study sample or population, researchers can assess the fittingness or transferability of the findings. Fittingness refers to the degree to which the findings fit with the data, while transferability refers to the degree to which the findings can be transferred to other settings or populations.
To assess fittingness, researchers can examine the coherence, consistency, and richness of the data, as well as the extent to which the findings capture the complexity and diversity of the phenomenon under study. To assess transferability, researchers can examine the similarities and differences between the study context and other contexts, as well as the extent to which the findings resonate with the experiences and perspectives of other populations.
Therefore, evidence of fittingness or transferability of the findings is the best criterion to determine whether the results of a qualitative study can be applied beyond the study sample or population.

Question 3

The identification of themes is important when reviewing findings of a qualitative research report because themes do what?&#10;A) Reflect congruence between the questions asked and the methodology&#10;B) Allow description of a large quantity of data in a condensed format&#10;C) Demonstrate both the emic and etic views of a topic&#10;D) Explain the nature of differences reported by participants experiencing a common phenomenon

Accepted Answer

Identifying themes is important in qualitative research because it allows for the description of a large quantity of data in a condensed and organized format. Themes represent recurring patterns or topics that emerge from the data, which help to make sense of the findings and provide a comprehensive overview of the research. Themes can also help to identify similarities and differences between participants' experiences and perspectives, as well as identify gaps in the data or areas for further investigation. While the other options may also be important aspects of qualitative research, they do not directly relate to the importance of identifying themes in reviewing qualitative research findings.

Question 4

Which outcome or overall purpose would be consistent with a qualitative study?&#10;A) Development of creative solutions to practical problems&#10;B) Prediction and control of a human phenomenon&#10;C) Description of behavior within a context-free theoretical framework&#10;D) Use of statistical analyses to determine significant differences between variables

Accepted Answer

Qualitative studies often aim to develop creative solutions to practical problems by exploring the complexities and nuances of human behavior and social phenomena, rather than focusing on prediction, control, or statistical analyses.

Question 5

What information in the report of a qualitative research study indicates to the nurse that the research meets the criterion of auditability?&#10;A) The study's participants recognize the experience described as their own.&#10;B) The results are meaningful to individuals beyond those in the study population.&#10;C) The projected significance of the study to nursing is described.&#10;D) The researcher documented how the data led to the conclusions.

Accepted Answer

Auditability is one of the criteria for evaluating the trustworthiness of qualitative research, which refers to the ability to track the research process and decision-making throughout the study. To indicate that the research meets the criterion of auditability, the researcher must provide a clear and thorough documentation of the data collection, analysis, and interpretation process, including how the data led to the conclusions. This documentation allows other researchers to examine the researcher's decision-making process and verify the research findings. Therefore, the best answer is D.
Option A is related to credibility, which indicates whether the study findings are an accurate representation of the experiences of the study participants. Option B is related to transferability, which indicates the extent to which the research findings can be applied to other settings or populations. Option C is related to significance, which indicates the importance of the study to the nursing field. While these are also important criteria for evaluating the trustworthiness of qualitative research, they are not specific to auditability.

Question 6

When critiquing a report of a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, "How has the researcher made explicit the significance of the study to nursing theory, research, or practice?" This question is critiquing what section of the report?

A) Data analysis
B) Data collection
C) Statement of the phenomenon of interest
D) Conclusions, implications, and recommendations

Accepted Answer

Protection of human participants is a critical aspect that is addressed during the data collection phase of a research study. This includes ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and ethical treatment of participants.

Question 7

When critiquing a report of a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, "How has the researcher made explicit the significance of the study to nursing theory, research, or practice?" This question is critiquing what section of the report?

A) Data analysis
B) Data collection
C) Statement of the phenomenon of interest
D) Conclusions, implications, and recommendations

Accepted Answer

The question posed by the nurse is related to the "Conclusions, implications, and recommendations" section of the report. This section typically includes a discussion of the study's findings in relation to the broader literature and implications for nursing theory, research, and practice. The nurse is essentially asking whether the researcher has provided a clear explanation of how the study contributes to the field of nursing and what practical applications the findings may have. This type of critique is important because it helps to evaluate the significance and relevance of the study's results.

Question 8

The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study's fittingness?&#10;A) Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon?&#10;B) Are the results meaningful to individuals not involved in the research?&#10;C) Does the investigator document the research process?&#10;D) What is the projected significance of the research to nursing?

Accepted Answer

Fittingness refers to how well the findings from the study can be applied or are meaningful to contexts outside of the study itself, including to individuals not involved in the research.

Question 9

Which activity represents attention to credibility in a qualitative study?&#10;A) Ensuring that all subjects self-identified with a specific ethnic group.&#10;B) Providing direct quotations from study participants.&#10;C) Identifying the basic social psychological process (BSP) under study.&#10;D) Determining usefulness of the data outside of the study.

Accepted Answer

Providing direct quotations from study participants represents attention to credibility in a qualitative study. Credibility is the extent to which the findings of a qualitative study are believable or trustworthy. Providing direct quotations from study participants is a way to enhance the credibility of a study by demonstrating the authenticity of the data and allowing readers to assess the validity of the interpretations made by the researchers. It also helps to ensure that the study findings are grounded in the perspectives and experiences of the participants, rather than being overly influenced by the researchers' own biases or preconceptions. The other options listed (A, C, and D) do not directly address credibility in the same way that providing direct quotations does.

Question 10

In the report of a qualitative research study, what does a theme represent?&#10;A) A guideline for evaluating the appropriateness of the study&#10;B) The operational definition of the study's conceptual framework&#10;C) A label that describes key ideas shared by study participants&#10;D) The relationship between the study's hypotheses and the research questions

Accepted Answer

In a qualitative research study, a theme represents a label or category that describes key ideas, patterns or concepts that emerge from the data collected during the study. Themes are identified through careful analysis of the data, and they help to provide structure and coherence to the study's findings. They are not a guideline for evaluating the appropriateness of the study, nor are they the operational definition of the study's conceptual framework. Additionally, while themes may be related to the study's hypotheses and research questions, they are not equivalent to them.

Question 11

The nurse researcher reports that after data collection was completed, a follow-up focus group session with participants was used to validate that the participants agreed the findings were true to their own experiences. What aspect of the study does this support?

A) The study's credibility
B) The study's auditability
C) The study's transferability
D) The study's fittingness

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse researcher reports that after data...

Question 12

The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study's methodology?&#10;A) Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research?&#10;B) If a particular approach is used to guide the inquiry, does the researcher complete the study according to the processes described?&#10;C) Does the researcher address the credibility, auditability, and fittingness of the data?&#10;D) Does the researcher place the report in the context of what is already known about the phenomenon (e.g., the existing literature)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research...

Question 13

During the critique of a qualitative research study, the nurse notes the statement, &#34;Saturation was achieved at the completion of 20 interviews.&#34; What is the significance of this statement?&#10;A) The investigator should collect additional data.&#10;B) The data collection period has ended.&#10;C) Purposive sampling is now required.&#10;D) Random sampling should be initiated.

Accepted Answer

The answer of During the critique of a qualitative research...

Question 14

One outcome of collecting evidence about a phenomenon of interest in a qualitative research study may be what?&#10;A) Triangulation&#10;B) Participant cross-checking&#10;C) Metasynthesis&#10;D) Instrument development

Accepted Answer

The answer of One outcome of collecting evidence about a...

Question 15

The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study's sample selection?&#10;A) Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research?&#10;B) If a particular approach is used to guide the inquiry, does the researcher complete the study according to the processes described?&#10;C) Does the researcher address the credibility, auditability, and fittingness of the data?&#10;D) Does the researcher place the report in the context of what is already known about the phenomenon (e.g., the existing literature)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research...

Question 16

Which of these titles of a research report indicates the study is qualitative, rather than quantitative?&#10;A) Predicting the treatment choice for women older than age 50 experiencing breast cancer&#10;B) Evaluating nursing interventions for complex oncology clinical phenomena&#10;C) Using virtual reality as a distraction method during chemotherapy&#10;D) Transcending pain during bone marrow aspiration

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these titles of a research...

Question 17

Qualitative research is designed to describe what?&#10;A) Results of hypothesis testing&#10;B) Definitive conclusions to research questions&#10;C) Insiders' views of a human phenomenon&#10;D) Findings derived from a large, randomly selected sample

Accepted Answer

The answer of Qualitative research is designed to describe what?&#10;A)...

Question 18

Which study characteristic would indicate that a grounded theory approach, rather than a phenomenologic approach, was used?&#10;A) Data were collected by more than one person.&#10;B) Participants reviewed and evaluated the transcripts for accuracy.&#10;C) The focus was on the process elements of the phenomenon.&#10;D) It studied a lived human experience.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which study characteristic would indicate that a...

Question 19

When critiquing a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, &#34;Has the researcher remained true to the data?&#34; This question is critiquing which area of the report?&#10;A) Method&#10;B) Data collection&#10;C) Data analysis&#10;D) Findings

Accepted Answer

The answer of When critiquing a qualitative research study, the...

Question 20

Before applying the results of a qualitative study in practice, the nurse should take several actions including which of these actions?&#10;A) Use triangulation to combine quantitative and qualitative methods in a replication study.&#10;B) Evaluate the credentials and experience of the researcher who conducted the study.&#10;C) Determine if the concepts/themes identified in the study support the work completed by other researchers.&#10;D) Be sure that the study's findings were significant at the 0.05 or greater level of probability.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Before applying the results of a qualitative...

Question 21

Which of the following elements would the nurse expect to see in a report of a grounded theory study? (Select all that apply).&#10;A) Hypotheses&#10;B) Independent variable&#10;C) Themes&#10;D) Basic social psychological process&#10;E) Statistical procedures&#10;F) Participant quotes&#10;G) Purposive sample

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following elements would the...

Deck 7: Appraising Qualitative Research