Question 1

A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers. Which of the following descriptors can be applied to this hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.
The hypothesis goes further than predicting a relationship; it says that one variable causes the other. The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.
The hypothesis included only two variables, and the relationship predicted is a positive one. The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.
Although the hypothesis is simple, it is directional. The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression.

Question 2

Which of the following would be an appropriate research question for a qualitative study?

Accepted Answer

Exploring the reasoning of parents in making the decision to take their child to the physician is an appropriate research question for a qualitative study.
This response indicates a quantitative project because of its mention of numerical data.
This response is phrased as an evaluative question, requiring an ethical analysis. This is not a researchable question.
This response indicates a quantitative project because of its mention of numerical data.

Question 3

One researcher wanted to investigate whether nursing students should take psychiatric mental health nursing before they take medical surgical nursing. Which of the following is a correctly stated objective of this study?

Accepted Answer

An objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement that is expressed in the present tense and usually focuses on one or two variables.
"Do nursing students ultimately perform better on NCLEX when they have had the content in psychiatric mental health nursing first or when they have the content in medical surgical nursing first?" is not an objective. It is stated as a question. An objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement that is expressed in the present tense and usually focuses on one or two variables.
An objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement (not a question) that is expressed in the present tense and usually focuses on one or two variables.
The study referenced is not about student's opinions on psychiatric mental health and medical surgical nursing.

Question 4

What is a difference between correlational and quasi-experimental research?

Accepted Answer

Quasi-experimental designs seek to discover whether an independent variable causes an effect on a dependent one. Correlational research establishes an association between and among variables, and the number of variables is based on the study purpose and problem, not what kind of study it is. There can be significant findings in each type of study. The complexity of a hypothesis is determined by how many variables are involved, not the kind of study.
There can be significant findings in each type of study. All types of studies are needed to expand nursing knowledge and science.
The complexity of a hypothesis is determined by the number of variables are involved, not the kind of study.
The complexity of a hypothesis is determined by the number of variables are involved, not the kind of study.

Question 5

Demographic variables are often used to indicate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample. They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics.
Extraneous variables are not necessarily demographic in nature. Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample. They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics.
The population parameters are connected with the entire population, not just the sample. Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample. They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics.
The research hypothesis indicates the expected relationship between the variables. Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample. They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics.

Question 6

What is true about funding priorities in nursing research?

Accepted Answer

Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site. If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it.
The research of the past may have looked inward and studied nurses and nursing, but research today is focused on quality patient care practices. It may look at how nurses may impact that, but the focus is on better patient outcomes and ways to achieve them. Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site. If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it.
There are many organizations that develop research and funding priorities. Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site. If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it.
Many different organizations develop research priorities. A nurse should learn what they are for a group if applying for funding and match the request to the organization's priorities. Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site. If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it.

Question 7

A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: "Excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers." Which of the following dependent variables would need to be defined operationally in the research study?

Accepted Answer

An operational definition is developed so that variables and other terms in a study can be measured or manipulated and so that readers can understand all parts of the study and will be able to replicate the study as closely as possible if desired. Although all of the listed variables and terms require an operational definition to provide a common and measurable understanding of the concepts, "depression" is the only dependent variable in the study as described.
Alternative music is not the dependent variable in this study. However, it does need to be defined as so to provide a clear understanding of this particular genre of music to the reader of the study.
Excessive listening is the independent variable in this study. It needs to be defined to provide a clear understanding of how the term "excessive" will be measured.
"Young teenagers" are the target population under study. A clear definition is required to provide a boundary for who is to be included in the study.
C

Question 8

A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: "Excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers." Which of the following statements is an acceptable operational definition of "excessive listening"? Excessive listening is defined as:

Accepted Answer

An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable. Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music. The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression. An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation.
This definition does not tell the reader where the information needed to use it came from. An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable. Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music. The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression. An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation.
There is no mention of parental opinion in the hypothesis. This definition introduces an additional variable, so it is not correct. An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable. Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music. The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression. An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation.
The definition needs to be established before the study begins. Having the subjects within the study define the variables of the study is not useful. An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable. Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music. The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression. An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation.

Question 9

Which of the following is an acceptable operational definition according to the requirements of how to operationalize a variable? Depression will be operationalized as:

Accepted Answer

Although the study will receive much criticism as to its validity, the researcher has operationalized the variable in a correct manner. 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. They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings.
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. They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings.
There is no way to determine what the researcher will actually take into account for this definition. 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. They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings.
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. They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings.

Question 10

Which of the following statements describing the research purpose is true?

Accepted Answer

The research purpose captures the essence of the study and is often the first sentence of the abstract. It is also reflected in the title of the study report.
Usually the variables, population, and setting are included in the research purpose.
The research statement is usually disclosed early in the report, usually within the first paragraphs and can often be determined in most report titles.
The research statement is usually disclosed early in the report, usually within the first paragraphs and can oftentimes be determined in most report titles.

Question 11

What type of definition is the following? "CDD lymphocyte counts are the measure of immune function."

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.
A conceptual definition is the theoretical meaning of a variable.
These are physiological measurements, but the terms within the stem of the question are not defined physiologically. A physiological definition would provide an accurate description of the concept on a biologic level.
The conceptual definition can sometimes be a theoretical definition.

Question 12

What statement is true regarding objectives in qualitative studies?

Accepted Answer

The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies.
The statement for this choice is incorrect. The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies.
There is not a certainty that an objective statement for qualitative research will itself be more lengthy and complex than one for quantitative research. The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies.
A qualitative study does have objectives; they have a slightly different focus than for quantitative studies. The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies.

Question 13

What would be the strongest evidence in support of a researcher's qualifications for conducting a study? The researcher has

Accepted Answer

If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study.
A doctoral degree does demonstrate educational credentials that lend feasibility to the study, but the degree alone does not provide as much support as published studies. If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study.
The use of a talented team is commendable and would probably make the study stronger, but does not provide as much support as previously published studies. If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study.
The years of clinical practice are very valuable in developing clinically relevant research, but do not provide as much support as published studies. If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study.

Question 14

A researcher found significant evidence that women who had undergone chemotherapy treatment develop a very strong sensitivity in recognizing the smell of the chemotherapeutic agent. The researcher now wants to apply for a grant to further investigate this result. Given that reviewers will consider the significance of this study, what feedback are they likely to include? "The present study:

Accepted Answer

The stated research focus will most likely produce exploratory, preliminary information at best, therefore the information gained will have little to no immediate implication for nursing practice.
The stated research focus does not address any noted area targeted as a priority need per the National Institutes of Health (Healthy People 2010) and thus likely to generate funding.
The stated research focus does not imply that previous research has been conducted, thus making this project less likely to have an immediate impact on nursing practice.
As this research focus is not based on previous research, the production of a testable theory for nursing practice as an outcome of the study is unlikely.

Question 15

What question helps determine the significance of a research study?

Accepted Answer

The significance of research is to fill in the gaps in current knowledge, building on previous research to provide a foundation for determining new information.
The skill with which the report was written does not correlate with the significance of the study.
The topic of interest in the research study needs to be one that will provide a significant difference to nursing practice, education, or further science for continued research. Although it is important that the researcher is interested in the topic being investigated, it is not imperative to the significance of the research to nursing.
What makes a study significant is not the actual statistical results but the relevance of the topic being researched to nursing practice, education and research, in the expansion of nursing science.

Question 16

An experienced, published researcher's funded study is to recruit a sample of mothers with children under the age of 30 entering a shopping complex with $100 spending money. The purpose of the study is to test the hypothesis that younger mothers will spend the money on themselves rather than on their children. What are the possible issues with the feasibility of this study?

Accepted Answer

In using only one shopping complex, procuring a suitable, representative sample may be problematic. The women who consent to participate would probably be a biased group.
There are no apparent ethical violations noted within the study.
The researcher's expertise is clearly stated.
Because the research is funded, the money commitment to the sample is secured.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement regarding operational and conceptual definitions in qualitative studies?

Accepted Answer

An operational definition is used in qualitative research. However, it can be one of the parts of data collection and is not as concrete as in quantitative research. The main point in critiquing the characteristics of the operational and conceptual definitions within a qualitative research study is that the two are consistent.
A conceptual definition is not the main reason for conducting all qualitative research, although it may be part of the process of the study. An operational definition is used in qualitative research. Both operational and conceptual definitions can be part of data collection and are not as concrete as in quantitative research.
An operational definition is used in qualitative research. Both operational and conceptual definitions can be parts of data collection and are not as concrete as in quantitative research.
The conceptual and operational definitions can be found in different places in a qualitative study, but it is not likely that they first appear in the last section of the report. An operational definition is used in qualitative research. Both operational and conceptual definitions can be part of data collection and are not as concrete as in quantitative research.

Question 18

A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: "Excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers." Which kind of variable is "listening"?

Accepted Answer

Although "listening" could be a discrete variable, depending on how it is measured, all other choices can be eliminated as wrong. Excessive listening is the independent variable. It is not complex because it is only one concept. Listening is a central or integral concept in the study and therefore not extraneous. Because "listening" is more than likely measured by time, a continuous variable, this answer is correct.
There are only two variables in the study, so it is a simple hypothesis, and complex does not describe variables used, but the number of variables noted in the hypothesis.
The dependent variable in this study is degree of depression, which is dependent on or affected by the listening to alternative music.
The amount of listening to alternative music is an integral part of the study, so it is not an extraneous variable.

Question 19

A researcher wants to investigate the possibility that diabetic patients who are allowed to cook their own meals will adhere to dietary restrictions better than patients who do not. What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

It is hypothesized that cooking one's meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions. Self-cooking influences compliance. Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable.
The study population appears to be patients with diabetes, so diabetes is constant and not a variable. It is hypothesized that cooking one's meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions. Self-cooking influences compliance. Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable.
Actually, all patients in the population have dietary restrictions, so this is not a variable. It is hypothesized that cooking one's meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions. Self-cooking influences compliance. Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable.
Meal cooking is the independent variable. It is hypothesized that cooking one's meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions. Self-cooking influences compliance. Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable.

Question 20

In which situation would the research and the null hypothesis be the same?

Accepted Answer

The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship. It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables.
If the researcher does not think the research is going to mean anything, it is probably best not to conduct it. The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship. It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables.
The correlation coefficient may be found to be zero; however, the researcher's hypothesis may have been other than that. The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship. It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables.
There is no connection between finding serious flaws in a study and the research and null hypotheses. The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship. It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables.

Quiz 5: Research Problems, Purposes, and Hypotheses