Question 1

In a quasi-experimental study design,the group that receives standard care is usually referred to as the
A) comparison group.
B) control group.
C) experimental group.
D) treatment group.

Accepted Answer

In a quasi-experimental study,the group that does not receive treatment is usually referred to as the comparison group.Subjects not receiving treatment in an experimental group are generally referred to as the control group.Groups that receive the intervention in either type of study are referred to as experimental or treatment groups.

Question 2

When using Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT)guidelines to critically appraise a randomized controlled trial (RCT),the nurse will make sure that the study
A) is designed to definitively test a hypothesis.
B) is conducted in a laboratory to minimize setting bias.
C) uses subjects selected by the researcher for participation.
D) uses a descriptive or correlational design.

Accepted Answer

RCTs should be designed to be a definitive test of the hypothesis that the intervention caused the defined dependent variables.RCTs should be conducted in a clinical setting and not a laboratory.Subjects selected by the researcher may be biased.Descriptive or correlational designs are not RCTs.

Question 3

Which action will the researcher take to improve construct validity?
A) Allow data collectors to know which subjects are assigned to which groups.
B) Ensure that operational definitions reflect theoretical constructs.
C) Make sure that the researcher is involved in data collection.
D) Utilize only one measurement method to measure study variables.

Accepted Answer

Construct validity depends on adequate definition and measurement of constructs.The conceptual definition should emerge from the concept analysis and the operational definition should clearly reflect both.Allowing data collectors to know which subjects are assigned to which groups and involving the researcher in data collection both increase the risk of bias.Using only one measurement tool increases the risk of mono-operation bias.

Question 4

Which statement is true about a quantitative research design?
A) A research design is a blueprint for conducting a quantitative study that minimizes control over factors that could interfere with the validity of the findings.
B) A research design is a blueprint for conducting a quantitative study that minimizes control over factors that could interfere with the reliability of the findings.
C) A research design is a blueprint for conducting a quantitative study that maximizes control over factors that could interfere with the validity of the findings.
D) A research design is a blueprint for conducting a quantitative study that maximizes control over factors that could interfere with the reliability of the findings.

Accepted Answer

A research design is a blueprint for conducting a quantitative study that maximizes control over factors that could interfere with the validity of the findings.All other statements are incorrect.

Question 5

In a quasi-experimental study using a convenience sample of subjects from a local high school,the researcher asks potential subjects to volunteer for placement in either a "low sugar" diet program or a "regular sugar" diet program.This technique for assigning participation may compromise
A) construct validity.
B) external validity.
C) internal validity.
D) statistical conclusion validity.

Accepted Answer

Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes.Construct validity is concerned with the fit between conceptual and operational variables and requires adequate conceptual and operational definitions.External validity is concerned with the extent to which findings can be generalized beyond the study sample.Statistical conclusion validity is concerned with whether the conclusions based on statistical analyses are an accurate reflection of the real world.

Question 6

A researcher wishes to conduct a study of a small number of subjects on a large hospital intensive care unit.To minimize problems associated with extraneous variables in the study setting,the researcher will
A) ensure double-blind data collection methods.
B) randomly assign subjects to treatment and control groups.
C) test the reliability of study measures.
D) train a small number of nurses to administer the intervention.

Accepted Answer

One way to reduce the effect of extraneous variables is to train a small number of staff to administer the intervention to improve consistency.Double-blind data collection,random assignment of subjects,and reliability of test measures are important to improve control and reduce bias.Extraneous variables in complex settings can influence scores on the dependent variable.

Question 7

A researcher wishes to study the effects of effective sleep hygiene on sleep quality and behavior among children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.To minimize mono-operation bias,the researcher will
A) accurately describe conceptual and operational definitions.
B) adequately discuss construct validity in the introduction.
C) evaluate multiple sleep hygiene techniques.
D) utilize a double-blind data collection methodology.

Accepted Answer

Mono-operation bias occurs when only one method of measurement is used to assess a construct and can be minimized with the use of multiple measures.Construct validity is improved with adequate description of conceptual and operational definitions.Use of double-blind data collection methods helps to minimize bias.

Question 8

In a research study,ambulatory clinic nurses teach children with asthma how to monitor peak expiratory flow volumes and how to use metered-dose inhalers to determine whether asthma control scores improve.The researcher discovers inconsistencies in how these measures were taught and how well the children understood the concepts.This represents a lack of
A) control of extraneous variables.
B) internal validity.
C) intervention fidelity.
D) precision of measurement.

Accepted Answer

Consistent implementation of the treatment is referred to as intervention fidelity.If the method of administering a research intervention varies from one person to another,the chance of identifying a true difference based on the independent variables decreases.To control for extraneous variables,the researcher would identify characteristics of subjects or settings that might influence outcomes.Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes.Precision of measurement refers to whether or not the tools yield the same readings or findings from one test to another.

Question 9

An important measure to decrease threats to internal validity in an experimental study is to
A) apply the intervention consistently.
B) improve the precision of measurement methods.
C) increase the sample size.
D) randomly assign subjects to study groups.

Accepted Answer

An important threat to internal validity is any concern about subject selection and assignment to groups.Randomly assigning subjects to treatment and control groups helps to minimize this threat.Consistent application of the intervention and improved precision of measurements help minimize threats to statistical conclusion validity.Increasing sample size minimizes threats to external validity.

Question 10

Which of the following are true statements about randomized controlled trials (RCTs)? Select all that apply.
A) The RCT design is noted to be the weakest methodology for testing the effectiveness of an intervention.
B) In a RCT design,participants are randomized to the intervention and control groups to reduce selection bias.
C) Blinding or withholding of study information from data collectors,participants,and their healthcare providers can enhance the potential for bias.
D) RCTs may be carried out in a single setting or in multiple geographic locations to decrease sample size and obtain a more representative sample.
E) RCTs,when appropriately conducted,are considered the gold standard for determining the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.

Accepted Answer

In a RCT design,participants are randomized to the intervention and control groups to reduce selection bias.RCTs,when appropriately conducted,are considered the gold standard for determining the effectiveness of healthcare interventions.An RCT design is noted to be the strongest methodology for testing the effectiveness of an intervention.Blinding or withholding of study information from data collectors,participants,and their healthcare providers can reduce the potential for bias.RCTs may be carried out in a single setting or in multiple geographic locations to increase sample size and obtain a more representative sample.

Question 11

In a study to examine the effects of a newly modified anxiety-reducing nursing action on a group of subjects who have cancer,the control group will receive
A) an alternative intervention.
B) no intervention.
C) the newly modified intervention.
D) the standard intervention.

Accepted Answer

In many nursing studies,offering no intervention (when one exists)to subjects in the control group is considered unethical.Subjects in this group generally receive the standard intervention as a comparison to those in the treatment group.An alternative intervention would invite comparison,but if it is new,it would also be experimental.Offering no intervention is often unethical.Giving the newly modified intervention would not create a difference between the treatment and the control groups.

Question 12

Which type of study is considered strongest for testing the effectiveness of an intervention?
A) Experimental
B) Pretest/posttest
C) Quasi-experimental
D) Randomized controlled trial

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials are noted to be the strongest methodology for testing the effectiveness of a treatment due to the elements of the design that limit the potential for bias.Experimental designs involve manipulation of independent variables,but without random assignment of subjects to groups,which can weaken the study by increasing the potential for bias.Pretest/posttest designs are a type of quasi-experimental study design that generally doesn't use random assignment of subjects.Quasi-experimental studies do not have complete control over variables and usually do not use random assignment of subjects.

Question 13

To increase participation among potential subjects of a larger population,the researcher will
A) limit the time and effort required to participate in the study.
B) provide demographic information about those who refuse to participate.
C) provide instruments that are detailed to increase the amount of data collected.
D) offer potential subjects a financial incentive to participate in the study.

Accepted Answer

Limiting the investment demands on subjects helps to improve participation.Providing demographic information about those who do not participate is an important part of the discussion of limitations of a study but does not ensure generalization to a larger population.Detailed instruments may be time consuming and may limit participation to a small sample size.Offering financial incentives does not ensure a sample that is representative of the larger population.

Question 14

To attribute causality of a posttest measure in an experimental study,the independent variable will be
A) administered to control group subjects only.
B) administered to subjects selected by the researcher.
C) administered to treatment group subjects.
D) defined loosely to avoid bias.

Accepted Answer

To improve determinations of causality,the independent variable should be administered consistently to all subjects in the treatment group.The independent variable is administered to the treatment group and not the control group.Selection of subjects by the researcher increases the likelihood of bias.The independent variable should be precisely defined.

Question 15

A researcher reviews demographic characteristics of potential study subjects,such as age and gender,to determine whether these characteristics may influence the outcome of the study.This is done to help ensure
A) construct validity.
B) external validity.
C) internal validity.
D) statistical conclusion validity.

Accepted Answer

Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes.Construct validity is concerned with the fit between conceptual and operational variables and requires adequate conceptual and operational definitions.External validity is concerned with the extent to which findings can be generalized beyond the study sample.Statistical conclusion validity is concerned with whether the conclusions based on statistical analyses are an accurate reflection of the real world.

Question 16

Multiple replications of an initial study conducted in different populations produce findings that do not match those in the initial study.The initial study may lack which type of validity?
A) Construct validity
B) External validity
C) Internal validity
D) Statistical conclusion validity

Accepted Answer

External validity is concerned with the extent to which findings can be generalized beyond the study sample.Construct validity is concerned with the fit between conceptual and operational variables and requires adequate conceptual and operational definitions.Internal validity looks at the influence of extraneous variables on study outcomes.Statistical conclusion validity is concerned with whether the conclusions based on statistical analyses are an accurate reflection of the real world.

Quiz 8: Clarifying Quantitative Research Designs

In a quasi-experimental study design,the group that receives standard care is usually referred to as the

When using Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines to critically appraise a randomized controlled trial (RCT) ,the nurse will make sure that the study

Which action will the researcher take to improve construct validity?

Which statement is true about a quantitative research design?

In a quasi-experimental study using a convenience sample of subjects from a local high school,the researcher asks potential subjects to volunteer for placement in either a "low sugar" diet program or a "regular sugar" diet program.This technique for assigning participation may compromise

A researcher wishes to conduct a study of a small number of subjects on a large hospital intensive care unit.To minimize problems associated with extraneous variables in the study setting,the researcher will

A researcher wishes to study the effects of effective sleep hygiene on sleep quality and behavior among children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.To minimize mono-operation bias,the researcher will

An important measure to decrease threats to internal validity in an experimental study is to

Which of the following are true statements about randomized controlled trials (RCTs) ? Select all that apply.

In a study to examine the effects of a newly modified anxiety-reducing nursing action on a group of subjects who have cancer,the control group will receive

Which type of study is considered strongest for testing the effectiveness of an intervention?

To increase participation among potential subjects of a larger population,the researcher will

To attribute causality of a posttest measure in an experimental study,the independent variable will be

A researcher reviews demographic characteristics of potential study subjects,such as age and gender,to determine whether these characteristics may influence the outcome of the study.This is done to help ensure

Multiple replications of an initial study conducted in different populations produce findings that do not match those in the initial study.The initial study may lack which type of validity?