Question 1

An appropriate source for identification of a clinical-based research problem would be a/an:

Accepted Answer

Research in nursing should influence nursing practice and address needs in nursing practice. Practicing nurses are best able to identify pertinent clinical problems for research.
Nurse managers are best able to identify administrative and management concerns amenable for research.
Clinical-based research requires that nurse researchers develop close relationships with practicing nurses so as to identify pertinent problems for nursing research.
Nursing faculty are best able to identify pertinent education concerns for research.

Question 2

In the literature report of a study on quality of life, the researcher describes two previous investigations suggesting that spirituality is related to quality of life. This information suggests that the current study is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research. In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study.
The study does not appear to address multidisciplinary concerns. A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research. In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study.
There is no indication that the study will challenge existing theory. A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research. In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study.
From information given, it would be incorrect to conclude that the study influences theology. A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research. In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study.

Question 3

The statement, "This study explores the experience of caregiving by adult daughters of parents with Alzheimer's disease," is an example of which of the following components of a research study?

Accepted Answer

A research objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement that is expressed in the present tense.
A hypothesis is a prediction of what the study results will be.
An operational definition is an exact description of a variable in how it will be described in the research study.
A research question is a short, interrogative statement that helps direct a study.

Question 4

What type of hypothesis is the following? "Normal saline flush with heparin is more effective than normal saline flush alone in maintaining patency of an intermittent intravenous site."

Accepted Answer

A simple hypothesis states the relationship (associative or causal) between two variables. In this example, the variables are normal saline flush (one independent variable) and patency of an intermittent intravenous site (one dependent variable). A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "more effective."
There are just two variables involved; complex means more than that, and there is no causal relationship indicated. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
There are just two variables involved; complex means more than that, and there is a direction (more effective) indicated. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that there will be no difference. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.

Question 5

Read the following statement and answer the question: "Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support." This statement represents what type of hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. A research hypothesis that states there is a relationship between two or more variables. In this example, the variables are type of support (independent), perception of pain (dependent), and use of analgesics (dependent). A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "reducing surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
This hypothesis has more than two variables and is therefore complex. There is a direction (more effective) mentioned, so it is not nondirectional, and it predicts a difference. A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. The research hypothesis states that there is a relationship between two or more variables.
This hypothesis has more than two variables and is therefore complex. There is a direction (more effective) mentioned. It is a research hypothesis, as it states that there is a relationship between two or more variables. A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables.
This hypothesis has more than two variables and is therefore complex. There is a direction (more effective) mentioned, so it is not nondirectional, and it predicts a difference, so it is not the statistical hypothesis. A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. The research hypothesis states that there is a relationship between two or more variables.

Question 6

The initial and one of the most significant steps in conducting the research process is:

Accepted Answer

The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose.
Variables are defined once the study problem and purpose are clearly identified. The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose.
The feasibility of a study is an important consideration once the problem and purpose have been established. The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose.
The research purpose is a clear, concise statement regarding the goal of the study; it comes from the need identified through the research problem. The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose.

Question 7

The research purpose should identify the study variable(s) and what other key aspect of the study?

Accepted Answer

The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study.
The study design is how the research is going to be carried out. The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study.
Measurement tools that are used are included in the methodology section. The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study.
Statistics are included as part of the methodology. The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study.

Question 8

Read the following statement and answer the question: "Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support." What type of variable is "Perception of pain"?

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
The demographic or attribute variables are ones describing the sample. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
Extraneous variables are ones the researcher is not interested in, but have an effect in the study. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."

Question 9

Which of the following would be considered a demographic variable?

Accepted Answer

Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample.
Heart rate would not be considered a demographic variable. Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample.
Oral temperature would not be considered a demographic variable. Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample.
Pain intensity would not be considered a demographic variable. Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample.

Question 10

The dependent variable is defined as a:

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcomes that the researcher wants to predict or explain
The characteristic or element of the human subjects is a demographic variable.
The quality, property, or characteristic identified in the problem describe any variable. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcomes that the researcher wants to predict or explain.
The independent variable may be a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcomes that the researcher wants to predict or explain.

Question 11

The purpose of a research hypothesis is to:

Accepted Answer

The research hypothesis states that there is a relationship between two or more variables. The hypothesis translates the research problem and purpose into a clear explanation or prediction of the expected results or outcomes of the study.
The researcher clarifies concepts through definitions provided in the proposal and/or report of the study.
A theoretical framework is the basis for the hypotheses.
The source of the problem is what the researcher has identified through observation and a search of the literature.

Question 12

What type of hypothesis is the following? 
"Low-fat diet is related to lower total cholesterol and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein)."

Accepted Answer

A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. In this example, the variables are low-fat diet, total cholesterol, and HDL. A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "lower total cholesterol and higher HDL." An associative hypothesis proposes relationships among variables that occur or exist together.
This hypothesis is complex and directional, but no causal relationship is identified.
There are more than two variables included in this hypothesis, so it is complex. Directions (lower and higher) are also indicated.
There are more than two variables included in this hypothesis, so it is complex. It is directional, but no causal relationship is identified.

Question 13

Read the following statement and answer the question: "Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support." What type of variable is "Request for analgesics"?

Accepted Answer

The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
The demographic or attribute variables are ones describing the sample. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
Extraneous variables are ones the researcher is not interested in, but have an effect in the study. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. In this example, the outcome is "reduced surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."

Question 14

The feasibility of conducting a study is determined by examining which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
Previous studies may help guide a researcher to conduct a certain study, but do not determine its feasibility. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
The researcher's credibility may impact a grant award or the interpretation of the study, but not whether it can be carried out. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
The significance of the research problem relates to whether or not it is seen as important. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.

Question 15

Read the following statement and answer the question: "Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support." What type of variable is "Type of support"?

Accepted Answer

An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, "type of support" is being used to manipulate "surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
The demographic or attribute variables are ones describing the sample. An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, "type of support" is being used to manipulate "surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
A dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain. An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, "type of support" is being used to manipulate "surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."
Extraneous variables are ones the researcher is not interested in, but have an effect in the study. An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, "type of support" is being used to manipulate "surgical patients' perception of pain and request for analgesics."

Question 16

Identify the independent variable in the following hypothesis: "Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy."

Accepted Answer

An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, music therapy is the "treatment" that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher.
The number of pain complaints would be a dependent variable. An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, music therapy is the "treatment" that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher.
The incidence of cancer is a criterion for inclusion in the study. In this example, music therapy is the "treatment" that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher.
Pain medication use is a dependent variable. An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable. In this example, music therapy is the "treatment" that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher.

Question 17

A research question focuses on:

Accepted Answer

A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables.
The characteristic of a variable is given in the operational definition. A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables.
The framework for conducting the investigation comes from the researcher and is described in the literature review. A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables.
The variables to be manipulated are stated in the research design. A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables.

Question 18

The statement below is an example of which of the following? "In this study, pain is reflected as a score between 0 and 10 on the postoperative pain rating scale."

Accepted Answer

An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable. An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation. In this example, pain is the sensory impression being measured on a numerical scale.
A hypothesis indicates the researcher's educated guess at what the outcome of the research will be. An associative hypothesis describes a predicted relationship that the researcher develops between the established variables being studied. This statement is an operational definition, not a hypothesis.
A conceptual definition is the theoretical meaning of a variable.
The problem statement indicates the gap in knowledge needed for practice and provides a basis for the study.

Question 19

In a research proposal, the investigator notes that written permission has been obtained from three local hospitals to access patients for the proposed study. This is an example of what aspect of a study?

Accepted Answer

The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
Ethics should be at the core of any study, but is not determined by access to patients. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
The methodology is how the researcher plans the study and its analysis. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.
The reliability of a study has to do with its methodology and is not dependent on access. The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher's expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study's ethical considerations.

Question 20

What type of hypothesis is the following? "Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy."

Accepted Answer

A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent). A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "complain less frequently."
A complex hypothesis is correct, but the null hypothesis predicts no difference. A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent). A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "complain less frequently."
This study has more than two variables (not simple) and is simply indicating an association. A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent). A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "complain less frequently."
A simple hypothesis has only two variables (this study has more than two), and there is a direction predicted (fewer complaints of pain and need for less pain medication). A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables. In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent). A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables. In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction "complain less frequently."

Quiz 5: Research Problems, Purposes, and Hypotheses