Question 1

A nursing professor administers three versions of a final examination to a class of students and compares the examinations for reliability.This is a measure of
A) homogeneity.
B) interrater reliability.
C) equivalence.
D) test-retest reliability.

Accepted Answer

Alternate forms reliability,or stability,seeks to determine whether two forms of an instrument measure the same attributes.Homogeneity,or internal consistency reliability,addresses the correlation of each question to other questions within the scale.Interrater reliability measures whether two or more observers measure the same attributes.Test-retest reliability measures whether the same attribute is consistent from one testing time to another.

Question 2

A researcher reviews study data about head circumference in newborns and notes that study personnel are measuring from the end of the measuring tape and not from the zero point,which is 1 cm from the end.This is an example of which type of measurement error?
A) Indirect
B) Random
C) Reliability
D) Systematic

Accepted Answer

Systematic error is the variation in measurement values from the calculated average that occurs systematically either because the instrument is also measuring something else,or because the instrument is set to a scale that is off the true measure.In this case,the personnel are inadvertently adding a centimeter to the measurements.Indirect error is an error that occurs when measuring indirect concepts.Random error occurs randomly,when the difference between the measured value and the true value is without pattern or direction.Reliability error occurs when a measurement method is not consistent.

Question 3

Among subjects with coronary artery disease,a researcher identifies three levels of symptoms which can be categorized by severity.This represents which level of measurement?
A) Interval
B) Nominal
C) Ordinal
D) Ratio

Accepted Answer

Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered.Interval level measurement uses interval scales,which have equal numerical distances between intervals.Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property,such as a disease diagnosis,but when categories cannot be rank ordered.Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories,exhaustive categories,ordered ranks,equally spaced intervals,and a continuum of values.

Question 4

A researcher studying the effects of an intervention on symptoms measures the time from intervention to absence of symptoms and reports this in the number of days.This measure represents which level of measurement?
A) Interval
B) Nominal
C) Ordinal
D) Ratio

Accepted Answer

Interval level measurement uses interval scales,which have equal numerical distances between intervals.Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property,such as a disease diagnosis,but when categories cannot be rank ordered.Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered.Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories,exhaustive categories,ordered ranks,equally spaced intervals,and a continuum of values.

Question 5

A researcher evaluates a measurement tool by administering the tool to a group of subjects every 2 weeks for 8 weeks.This is a measure of the tool's
A) alternate forms reliability.
B) internal consistency reliability.
C) interrater reliability.
D) test-retest reliability.

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability measures whether the same attribute is consistent from one testing time to another.Alternate forms reliability seeks to determine whether two forms of an instrument measure the same attributes.Internal consistency reliability addresses the correlation of each question to other questions within the scale.Interrater reliability measures whether two or more observers measure the same attributes.

Question 6

A researcher wishes to study the effects of preoperative teaching on anxiety levels among toddlers and preschoolers undergoing surgery.To reduce the potential for measurement error,the researcher will
A) ask study subjects to describe feelings of anxiety.
B) develop a new tool to measure anxiety levels in children.
C) rely on multiple observers to collect data for this study.
D) use a standardized checklist of anxiety behaviors.

Accepted Answer

Measurement will be more precise if researchers use a well-developed,reliable scale.Using a checklist of anxiety behaviors reduces the likelihood of observer error.The technique of asking subjects to describe feelings provides in-depth data,but not precise measures,and is used in qualitative research.A new tool that has not been evaluated for reliability and validity has an increased chance of error.Increasing the number of observers increases the likelihood of error.

Question 7

The nurse researcher understands that the levels of measurement,from low to high,are
A) nominal,interval,ratio,and ordinal.
B) nominal,ordinal,ratio,and interval.
C) nominal,ordinal,interval,and ratio.
D) nominal,interval,ordinal,and ratio.

Accepted Answer

The traditional levels of measurement were developed by Stevens (1946),who organized the rules for assigning numbers to objects so that a hierarchy in measurement was established.The levels of measurement from low to high are nominal,ordinal,interval,and ratio (NOIR).

Question 8

A researcher studying children identifies the following age groups: Birth to age 12 months
12 months to 3 years
3 years to 5 years
5 years to 12 years
12 years to 18 years
These categories are not
A) empirical.
B) equal.
C) exclusive.
D) exhaustive.

Accepted Answer

Exclusive means a datum must fit into only one of the categories.In this example,someone age 5 can fit into two categories.Empirical is a term implying some objective reality.The nonequal divisions would only relate to the level of measurement and not pose a problem.The example gives age ranges that exhaust all possibilities for ages of children.

Question 9

A study measuring the effects of a new diuretic medication records hourly urine output of subjects.This measure represents which level of measurement?
A) Interval
B) Nominal
C) Ordinal
D) Ratio

Accepted Answer

Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories,exhaustive categories,ordered ranks,equally spaced intervals,and a continuum of values.Interval level measurement uses interval scales,which have equal numerical distances between intervals.Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property,such as a disease diagnosis,but when categories cannot be rank ordered.Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered.

Question 10

A researcher may use which strategy to reduce the potential for measurement error when evaluating obesity in study subjects?
A) Measure weight,abdominal girth,and BMI on all subjects.
B) Train multiple data collectors to take measurements.
C) Use scales in several different clinical settings to obtain data.
D) Utilize a single measure,such as BMI,applied to all subjects.

Accepted Answer

Obesity is less precise than some concepts,so multiple methods to measure obesity should be used to minimize measurement error.Using multiple data collectors and multiple instruments,such as scales,increases the risk of measurement error.Using multiple data collectors and multiple instruments,such as scales,increases the risk of measurement error.Obesity is less precise than some concepts,so multiple methods to measure obesity should be used to minimize measurement error.

Question 11

A researcher conducts a study to examine the effects of breastfeeding on infant weight at age 6 months.Which type of measurement is used to measure the infants' weight?
A) Direct
B) Indirect
C) Nominal
D) Ordinal

Accepted Answer

Direct measurement allows for measures of concrete factors,such as a person's height or weight.Indirect measurement measures abstract ideas or characteristics and often must use more than one measure to measure all aspects of the concept.Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property,such as a disease diagnosis,but when categories cannot be rank ordered.Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered.

Question 12

Which can be measured using direct measurement?
A) Anxiety level
B) Blood pressure
C) Diagnosis
D) Feelings

Accepted Answer

Direct measurement allows for measures of concrete factors,such as a person's height,weight,or blood pressure.Indirect measurement involves measuring abstract concepts such as anxiety or feelings.Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property,such as a disease diagnosis,but when categories cannot be rank ordered.Indirect measurement involves measuring abstract concepts such as anxiety or feelings.

Question 13

Which statement is true about validity?
A) Validity evaluates an instrument for a specific group or purpose.
B) Validity occurs when an instrument is valid across situations.
C) Validity measures are absolute.
D) Validity measures are independent of reliability.

Accepted Answer

Validity will vary from one sample to another and one situation to another,so validity testing evaluates the use of an instrument for a specific group or purpose.Validity measures are not all-or-nothing but occur on a continuum.Without reliability,a tool cannot be valid.

Question 14

In a pilot study to help train a group of data collectors who will evaluate children's pain using a FACES rating scale,the researcher examines the reliability of the scores of each data collector.This is an example of which type of reliability measure?
A) Alternate forms reliability
B) Internal consistency reliability
C) Interrater reliability
D) Test-retest reliability

Accepted Answer

Interrater reliability measures whether two or more observers measure the same attributes.Alternate forms reliability seeks to determine whether two forms of an instrument measure the same attributes.Internal consistency reliability addresses the correlation of each question to other questions within the scale.Test-retest reliability measures whether the same attribute is consistent from one testing time to another.

Question 15

A researcher evaluates scores of a paper and pencil instrument with dichotomous variables using the Kuder-Richardson formula.This is a test of
A) alternate forms reliability.
B) internal consistency reliability.
C) interrater reliability.
D) test-retest reliability.

Accepted Answer

Internal consistency reliability addresses the correlation of each question to other questions within the scale.Alternate forms reliability seeks to determine whether two forms of an instrument measure the same attributes.Interrater reliability measures whether two or more observers measure the same attributes.Test-retest reliability measures whether the same attribute is consistent from one testing time to another.

Question 16

Which is a true statement about measurement theory?
A) A measurement method used by one individual will consistently produce different results when used by another individual.
B) Measurement theory was recently developed by musicians,statisticians,and other scholars to guide how things are measured.
C) The purpose of measurement is to obtain trustworthy data that can be used to address the study purpose and objectives,questions,or hypotheses.
D) The levels of measurement,from low to high,are ratio,interval,nominal,and ordinal.

Accepted Answer

The purpose of measurement is to obtain trustworthy data that can be used to address the study purpose and objectives,questions,or hypotheses.The rules of measurement promote consistency in how individuals perform measurements; so a measurement method used by one individual will consistently produce similar results when used by another individual.Measurement theory was developed many years ago,by mathematicians,statisticians,and other scholars to guide how things are measured.The levels of measurement,from low to high,are nominal,ordinal,interval,and ratio.

Question 17

A researcher notes a reliability score of 0.75 between two observers in a clinical drug trial evaluating whether the drug decreases anxiety.This score means that
A) there is 25% random error.
B) there is 75% random error.
C) this is an acceptable measure of reliability.
D) this measurement tool is not reliable.

Accepted Answer

The interrater reliability value represents reliability.A 0.75 measure indicates 75% reliability and 25% random error.Generally,interrater reliability is best at 0.90,and any value less than 0.80 should generate serious concern about the reliability of the data or the data gatherer.This is a measure of interrater reliability and may not necessarily reflect on the reliability of the tool.

Question 18

A researcher conducts a study to identify the relationship of lifestyle choices to the development of chronic diseases.The researcher surveys subjects and identifies diabetes mellitus,coronary artery disease,and renal disease in study subjects.These measures represent which level of measurement?
A) Interval
B) Nominal
C) Ordinal
D) Ratio

Accepted Answer

Nominal level measurement is used when data can be organized into categories of a defined property,such as a disease diagnosis,but when categories cannot be rank ordered.Interval level measurement uses interval scales,which have equal numerical distances between intervals.Ordinal level measurement is used when data collected can be rank ordered.Ratio level measurement uses all aspects of other types of measurement: mutually exclusive categories,exhaustive categories,ordered ranks,equally spaced intervals,and a continuum of values.

Question 19

A researcher performs a series of pilot studies to evaluate whether a measurement tool produces consistent results.This is an evaluation of
A) accuracy.
B) precision.
C) reliability.
D) validity.

Accepted Answer

Reliability is concerned with the consistency of a measurement method.Accuracy and precision are part of the evaluation of physiological measurement tools.Accuracy and precision are part of the evaluation of physiological measurement tools.Validity is concerned with how well the instrument reflects the abstract concept being examined.

Question 20

Which is an accurate statement about measurement error?
A) Some error is always present in any measurement strategy.
B) There is no difference between the true measure and what is actually measured.
C) Direct measures,which generally are expected to be highly accurate,are not subject to error.
D) With indirect measures,the element being measured can be seen directly.

Accepted Answer

Some error is always present in any measurement strategy.Measurement error is the difference between the true measure and what is actually measured.Direct measures,which generally are expected to be highly accurate,are subject to error.With indirect measures,the element being measured cannot be seen directly.

Quiz 10: Clarifying Measurement and Data Collection in Quantitative Research

A nursing professor administers three versions of a final examination to a class of students and compares the examinations for reliability.This is a measure of

A researcher reviews study data about head circumference in newborns and notes that study personnel are measuring from the end of the measuring tape and not from the zero point,which is 1 cm from the end.This is an example of which type of measurement error?

Among subjects with coronary artery disease,a researcher identifies three levels of symptoms which can be categorized by severity.This represents which level of measurement?

A researcher studying the effects of an intervention on symptoms measures the time from intervention to absence of symptoms and reports this in the number of days.This measure represents which level of measurement?

A researcher evaluates a measurement tool by administering the tool to a group of subjects every 2 weeks for 8 weeks.This is a measure of the tool's

A researcher wishes to study the effects of preoperative teaching on anxiety levels among toddlers and preschoolers undergoing surgery.To reduce the potential for measurement error,the researcher will

The nurse researcher understands that the levels of measurement,from low to high,are

A researcher studying children identifies the following age groups: Birth to age 12 months 12 months to 3 years 3 years to 5 years 5 years to 12 years 12 years to 18 years These categories are not

A study measuring the effects of a new diuretic medication records hourly urine output of subjects.This measure represents which level of measurement?

A researcher may use which strategy to reduce the potential for measurement error when evaluating obesity in study subjects?

A researcher conducts a study to examine the effects of breastfeeding on infant weight at age 6 months.Which type of measurement is used to measure the infants' weight?

Which can be measured using direct measurement?

Which statement is true about validity?

In a pilot study to help train a group of data collectors who will evaluate children's pain using a FACES rating scale,the researcher examines the reliability of the scores of each data collector.This is an example of which type of reliability measure?

A researcher evaluates scores of a paper and pencil instrument with dichotomous variables using the Kuder-Richardson formula.This is a test of

Which is a true statement about measurement theory?

A researcher notes a reliability score of 0.75 between two observers in a clinical drug trial evaluating whether the drug decreases anxiety.This score means that

A researcher conducts a study to identify the relationship of lifestyle choices to the development of chronic diseases.The researcher surveys subjects and identifies diabetes mellitus,coronary artery disease,and renal disease in study subjects.These measures represent which level of measurement?

A researcher performs a series of pilot studies to evaluate whether a measurement tool produces consistent results.This is an evaluation of

Which is an accurate statement about measurement error?