KEY ANSWERS

1. Patient’s refusal to divulge information is a limitation because it is beyond the control of the
researcher. What type of research is appropriate for this study?
a. Descriptive- correlational b. Experiment
c. Quasi-experiment d. Historical
Answer: (A) Descriptive- correlational. Descriptive- correlational study is the most appropriate for this
study because it studies the variables that could be the antecedents of the increased incidence of
nosocomial infection.
2. Monica is aware that there are times when only manipulation of study variables is possible and the
elements of control or randomization are not attendant. Which type of research is referred to this?
a. Field study b. Quasi-experiment
c. Solomon-Four group design d. Post-test only design
Answer: (B) Quasi-experiment. Quasi-experiment is done when randomization and control of the
variables are not possible.
3. Martha wants to do a study on, this topic. “Effects of massage and meditation on stress and pain.”
The type of research that best suits this topic is:
a. applied research b. qualitative research
c. basic research d. quantitative research
Answer: (B) Qualitative research. Qualitative research would be the best type of research for Martha's
study on the effects of massage and meditation on stress and pain. Qualitative research focuses on
exploring and understanding people's experiences, perceptions, and behaviors in-depth. In this case,
Martha wants to gather detailed information about the subjective experiences of individuals who have
used massage and meditation to decrease stress and pain. Through qualitative research methods such as
interviews or observations, Martha can gain insights into the participants' thoughts, emotions, and the
impact of these practices on their well-being.
4.The type of research design that does not manipulate independent variable is:
a. experimental design b. quasi-experimental design
c. non-experimental design d. quantitative design
Answer: C. Non-experimental design. A non-experimental design is a type of research design that does
not manipulate the independent variable. In non-experimental designs, the researcher observes and
measures variables as they naturally occur, without intervening or manipulating any variables. This type
of design is often used when it is not possible or ethical to manipulate variables, or when the research
question is focused on observing and describing phenomena as they naturally exist in the real world.
Non-experimental designs are commonly used in observational studies, surveys, and correlational
research.
5. What are the characteristics of the literature review required for a quantitative research study?
a. The review is exhaustive and must include all studies conducted in the area.
b. Doctoral dissertations and masters' theses are excellent sources of information.
c. Computer-accessed materials are acceptable.
d. Primary sources are not as important as secondary sources
e. Objective self-review of findings.
Answers: B, C. Literature reviews provide important background information and details about a
specific research topic. An effective literature review also provides a space to elaborate on future work
to be done on a topic and allows an author to define where their work fits into a larger context.
6. What is the first step in the qualitative research process?
a. Data analysis
b. Sample
c. Review of literature
d. Study design
Review of literature is the 1st step in the qualitative research process. A literature review is a survey of
scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing the
researcher to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research.
7. Which statement best describes qualitative research? Select all that apply.
a. Studies are conducted in natural settings.
b. Data is collected from a large number of subjects.
c. Data collected tends to be numeric.
d. The research design is systematic and subjective.
Answers: A, D. Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text,
video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth
insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research.
8. Which of the following phrases would be found in a report of a quantitative study?
a. "A convenience sample was chosen?"
b. "The phenomenon studied was?"
c. "Data were analyzed and interpreted?"
d. "Researchers sought to explore the meaning of the hospital experience?"
Correct Answer: A. “A convenience sample was chosen?”. When a sample of convenience is chosen, the
study is a quantitative study. Data from large samples can be processed and analyzed using reliable and
consistent procedures through quantitative data analysis. Quantitative research is often used to
standardize data collection and generalize findings.
9. Which research design involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a
dependent variable?
a) Descriptive
b) Correlational
c) Experimental
d) Case study
Rationale: Experimental designs involve manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect
relationships.
10. What type of research design involves systematically recording behavior without intervention?
a) Experimental
b) Quasi-experimental
 c) Observational
d) Longitudinal
Rationale: Observational designs focus on observing and recording behavior in natural settings without
manipulating variables.
11. If a study collects data from participants at a single point in time, it is employing which type of
design?
a) Cross-sectional b) Longitudinal
c) Experimental d) Correlational
Rationale: Cross-sectional designs collect data from participants at a single point in time, providing a
snapshot.
12. What research design involves an in-depth, detailed examination of a single individual or small
group over time?
a) Experimental b) Correlational c) Case study d) Survey
Rationale: Case studies focus on intensive examination of unique cases to gain insights.
13. Which type of research design assesses the relationship between two or more variables without
manipulating them?
a) Experimental b) Descriptive c) Correlational d) Longitudinal
Rationale: Correlational designs examine associations between variables without intervention.
14. In which research design are participants not randomly assigned to different conditions?
a) Experimental b) Quasi-experimental c) Longitudinal d) Observational
Rationale: Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment but still involve manipulation of
variables.
15. What research design involves collecting data from a large sample through self-report measures?
a) Case study b) Survey c) Experimental d) Observational
Rationale: Surveys gather information from a large number of participants through standardized
questionnaires.
16. Which research design combines both qualitative and quantitative research approaches in a single
study?
a) Descriptive b) Mixed Methods c) Cross-sectional d) Experimental
Rationale: Mixed-methods designs integrate qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
methods for a comprehensive understanding.
17. In which of these ways does the nurse researcher's literature review help select the appropriate
study design?
a. By enlarging the scope of the study's hypotheses
b. By objectively assessing available knowledge of the area
c. By comparing current findings with previous study findings
d. By ensuring faithfulness to the study's purpose
Answer: Objectivity in the conceptualization of the research question is derived from a thorough review
of the literature.
18. A nurse researcher is designing a quantitative research study involving a specific group of
patients admitted to local hospitals. Which factor would negatively affect the feasibility of this study?
a. The local region has a high percentage of families that could participate in the study.
b. Potential study subjects represented less than 1% of hospital admissions during the year
previous to the study.
c. Study participants who were hospitalized children younger than 5 years could not give direct
informed consent to participate in the study.
d. A comprehensive review of the literature revealed no studies were conducted that examined this
question during the past 15 years.
Answer: B - Potential study subjects represented less than 1% of hospital admissions during the year
previous to the study. Feasibility refers to the pragmatic considerations of a study (e.g., availability of
subjects, cost)
19. A nurse is designing a study to determine whether a videotape or a written pamphlet is more
effective in teaching young women how to perform breast self-examination (BSE). Which of these
actions would provide the best control for a mediating variable?
a. Include identical content in both BSE teaching methods
b. Exclude subjects who already perform BSE on a regular basis
c. Limit the study subjects to women who are heterosexual
d. Determine what breast cancer means to the individual participants
Answer: B - Exclude subjects who already perform BSE on a regular basis. Subjects who were already
performing BSE would not be appropriate to include in the study.
20. How would a nurse researcher ensure that the sample used in a quantitative study is
homogeneous?
a. Use eligibility criteria to limit extraneous variables relevant to the study.
b. Randomly assign subjects to either the experimental or the control group.
c. Assign one research assistant to collect data from all subjects.
d. Collect data from all subjects at the same time of day.
Answer: A - Use eligibility criteria to limit extraneous variables relevant to the study. Homogeneity of a
sample is ensured by restricting eligibility criteria.
21. How could a nurse researcher's use of a homogeneous sample weaken a research study?
a. By decreasing the reliability of the findings
b. By decreasing the generalizability of the findings
c. By increasing the number of subjects needed to reach statistical significance
d. By increasing the risk that the findings were the result of chance alone
Answer: B - By decreasing the generalizability of the findings Homogeneity of a sample can decrease
the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
22. When should a nurse researcher include an extraneous variable as part of a study's design?
a. When excluding the variable would limit the study's generalizability
b. When the variable is an important consideration for the study's outcome
c. When the researcher is limited by time or monetary constraints
d. When it would not make a difference in the overall study outcome
Answer: B - When the variable is an important consideration for the study's outcome If the researcher
believes that an extraneous variable is important to the outcome, it should be included in the design.
23. The nurse researcher designed a study examining anxiety among elementary school children. If
a widely publicized murder of a child occurred in the city during the time frame of the study, what type
of threat to internal validity would the murder represent?
a. Maturation b. Instrumentation c. Selection bias d. Historical
Answer: D – Historical. The murder would represent a historical event threatening internal validity.
24. A nurse researcher is planning to write a proposal for a research study using a quantitative
design. To maintain control in the study, the nurse should include which elements? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Valid, reliable collection methods b. Subjects of all ages
c. Trained data collectors d. Standardized data collection processes
e. Analysis of data by words or text only
Answer: A, C, D - Valid, reliable collection methods. Trained data collectors. Standardized data
collection processes
25. What is the term used for the coding and clustering of data to form categories in the grounded-theory
method?
A. Theoretical sampling B. Constant-comparative method
C. Emic method D. Metasynthesis
RATIONALE: The constant-comparative method is the term used for the coding and clustering of data
to form categories in the grounded-theory method. This method involves constantly comparing new data
with previously collected data to identify similarities and differences, and then developing categories
based on these comparisons. It is a systematic and iterative process that allows researchers to develop a
theory grounded in the data.
26. For which of the following research questions would qualitative methods be most appropriate?
A. Which pain medications decrease the need for sleep medication in elderly patients?
B. What is the meaning of health for migrant farm-worker women?
C. Under what conditions does a decubitus ulcer heal most quickly?
D. How does frequency of medication administration impact the degree of pain experienced following
knee replacement surgery?
RATIONALE: This question seeks to explore a phenomenon (health) for a specific population.
Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to
understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem
or generate new ideas for research.
27. Which question will critique the method of a research project?
A. Is the strategy used for analysis compatible with the purpose of the study?
B. What is the projected significance of the work to nursing?
C. Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research?
D. What are the philosophical underpinnings of the research method?
RATIONALE: A research critique is an analysis of a research undertaking that focuses on its strengths
and limitations. Critiquing is a systematic process for evaluating research studies and the results
reported.
28. Which question will critique the credibility of a research project?
A. Is the strategy used for analysis compatible with the purpose of the study?
B. Does the researcher document the research process?
C. Are the researcher's conceptualizations true to the data?
D. Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon?
RATIONALE: This question will critique the credibility of a research project. “The necessary elements
in a research critique can be compiled in a series of questions for the process of critiquing research”
(Boswell & Cannon, 2009, p. 308).
29. What are the uses of qualitative research methods? Select all that apply.
A. Guiding nursing practice.
B. Studying the effects of nursing care on an outcome variable.
C. Developing survey instruments.
D. Developing nursing theory.
RATIONALE: Qualitative research refers to a method of inquiry in which the researcher, acting as a
data collection instrument, seeks to answer questions about how or why a particular phenomenon
occurs. Questions regarding what a phenomenon is comprised may also guide qualitative research.
30. Which of the following is most accurate regarding the grounded-theory method?
A. Data is collected using an etic perspective.
B. It is a process of constructing human experience.
C. Secondary sources are sometimes used.
D. It is an inductive approach.
RATIONALE: Grounded theory (GT) is a structured, yet flexible methodology. This methodology is
appropriate when little is known about a phenomenon; the aim being to produce or construct an
explanatory theory that uncovers a process inherent to the substantive area of inquiry. One of the
defining characteristics of GT is that it aims to generate a theory that is grounded in the data.
31. Which question is helpful in determining the study’s credibility?
A. Do the participants recognize the experience as their own?
B. What strategies were used to analyze the data?
C. How were human subjects protected?
D. Are the findings applicable outside the study situation?
RATIONALE: Credibility is the truth of findings as judged by the participants. To help establish, the
researcher should return to the original participants and get them to validate the findings. Others within
the discipline may also help establish by review of the data and findings.
32. Which of the following is an example of a primary source in a research study?
A. A published commentary on the findings of another study.
B. A doctoral dissertation that critiques all research in the area of attention deficit disorder.
C. A textbook of medical-surgical nursing.
D. A journal article about a study that used large, previously unpublished databases generated by
the United States census.
RATIONALE: This is a report of an original study, so it is the primary source of the study. Primary
sources provide raw information and first-hand evidence. Examples include interview transcripts,
statistical data, and works of art. A primary source gives direct access to the subject of the research.
33. In a study involving a weight loss program, the researcher weighs participants to determine if
the program is effective in helping individuals lose weight This is an example of which characteristics of
research?
a. Objectiveness b. Accuracy c. Alertness d. Relevance
RATIONALE: it must give correct or accurate data, which the footnotes, notes, and bibliographical
entries should honestly and appropriately documented or acknowledged.
34. Proceeding without being influenced by any bias or personal opinions.
a. Objectiveness b. Accuracy c. Timeliness d. Relevance
RATIONALE: it must deal with facts, not with mere opinions arising from assumptions, generalizations,
predictions or conclusions
35. The student looked for a date published or a "last updated" to be used in his research.
a. Objectiveness b. Accuracy c. Timeliness d. Relevance
RATIONALE: Research must work on topic that is fresh, new, and interesting to the present society
36. Considering the importance of the information for your research topic. Is what characteristics of
research?
a. Empirical b. Accuracy c. Clarity d. Relevance
RATIONALE: Research topic must be instrumental in improving society or in solving problems
affecting the lives of people in the community
37. Ana avoided the usage of jargon in her research. She also uses simple and precise language. Is
what characteristics of research?
a. Objectiveness b. Accuracy c. Clarity d. Relevance
RATIONALE: Research must succeed in expressing its central point or discoveries by using simple,
direct, concise and correct language
38. Researcher was interested in finding out whether listening to happy music promotes prosocial
behavior. An experiment was conducted where one group of the audience is exposed to happy music and
the other is not exposed to music at all.
a. Empirical b.Accuracy c. Clarity d. Relevance
RATIONALE: Research is based on observed and measured phenomena and derives knowledge from
actual experience rather than from theory or belief.
39. If a new research paper concludes that smoking is not related to lung cancer, readers would be
very skeptical because it disagrees with the weight of existing evidence. Is what characteristics of
research?
a. Empirical b. Accuracy c. Clarity d. Replicability
RATIONALE: The research should be replicable. This asserts that there should be scope to confirm
previous research findings in a new environment and different settings with a new group of subjects or
at a different point in time.
40. Question: What is the first step in selecting a research design?
a. Data Collection b. Literature Review
c. Hypothesis Formulation d. Research Design Selection
Rationale: Before selecting a research design, it's essential to conduct a literature review to understand
existing research, identify gaps, and determine the most appropriate design.
41. Question: Which research design is most suitable for exploring cause-and-effect relationships?
a. Descriptive b. Experimental c. Correlational d. Cross-Sectional
Rationale: Experimental designs involve manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a
dependent variable, making them ideal for studying cause-and-effect relationships.
42. Question: What is a key characteristic of a longitudinal research design?
a. Focuses on a single point in time
b. Involves multiple data collection waves over time
c. Studies variables in relation to each other
d. Utilizes random sampling
Rationale: Longitudinal designs involve collecting data from the same subjects over an extended period,
allowing researchers to observe changes and trends over time.
43. Question: In survey research, what is the primary advantage of using a stratified sampling method?
a. Simplicity b. Cost-effectiveness c. Representativeness d. Randomness
Rationale: Stratified sampling ensures that different subgroups in the population are adequately
represented, leading to a more accurate and generalizable sample.
44. Question: Which research design is best suited for studying phenomena in their natural context
without manipulation?
a. Experimental b. Correlational c. Case study d. Cross-Sectional

Rationale: Case studies involve an in-depth examination of a particular instance, making them suitable
for exploring phenomena in their natural context.
45. Question: What is the purpose of a pilot study in the research design process?
a. To collect final data b. To refine research methods and instruments
c. To conduct a literature review d. To select a research design
Rationale: A pilot study helps identify and address potential issues with data collection instruments and
procedures before the main study.
46. Question: Which type of validity assesses whether a research study measures what it intends to
measure?
a. Internal validity b. External validity c. Construct validity d. Face validity
Rationale: Construct validity is concerned with the degree to which a test measures the construct it
claims to measure.
47. Question: When is a cross-sectional design most appropriate?
a. When studying changes over time
b. When exploring cause-and-effect relationships
c. When examining a single point in time
d. When using stratified sampling
Rationale: Cross-sectional designs involve collecting data at a single point in time, making them suitable
for studying a specific moment or phenomenon.
48. Systematic reviews of qualitative evidence are sometimes characterized as being either:
a.) quantitative or qualitative. b.) aggregative or interpretive.
c.) heterogeneous or homogeneous. d.) fixed or random.
Rationale: Some qualitative reviews emphasize the pooling of evidence from primary qualitative
studies, and others emphasize the interpretation and transformation of evidence. Reviews of qualitative
evidence are never quantitative. In a meta-analysis, a fixed or random model may be used, but these
terms are not used in connection with qualitative reviews. Systematic reviews of qualitative evidence are
not characterized as being diverse or not diverse (heterogeneous vs. homogeneous).
49. Which of the following types of information is typically extracted from each primary study and
encoded for analysis?
a.) Age of individual study participants
b.) Number of study participants
c.) The academic degrees of members of the study team
d.) The amount of funding received for the study
Rationale: Reviewers conducting a systematic review record key methodological features of each
primary study, such as the sample size. Primary studies seldom list the age of individual participants,
and such information would be of little value; the mean age of participants would, however, usually be
encoded. Information about the amount of funding received for studies is seldom published in research
articles. The academic qualifications of members of the primary study team would not be relevant.
50Which of the following issues has been controversial in conducting a metasynthesis?
a.) Whether to include quantitative findings
b.) Whether to include studies done by researchers in disciplines other than nursing
c.) Whether to have a minimum number of studies
d.) Whether to include studies judged to be of low quality
Rationale: Some argue that low -quality studies should not be included in a metasynthesis, but others
argue that poor study quality does not diminish the value of experiences articulated by study
participants. The inclusion of quantitative findings is not controversial; quantitative findings are not
appropriate in a metasynthesis. Metasyntheses have been done with both very few studies and with large
numbers of studies; there has not been a controversy about the number of studies needed to undertake a
metasynthesis. Metasynthesists focus a particular phenomenon, and do not restrict their integration to
studies done in one discipline; qualitative studies focusing on phenomena of interest to nurses are done
in a wide range of health-related disciplines.
51. What is the grey literature?
a.) Studies published in open-access journals
b.) Poor-quality studies
c.) Research reports that are not widely circulated or easily accessible.
d.) Studies with nonsignificant results
Rationale: The grey literature encompasses research that is not published in journals and may be
difficult to access. Unpublished studies are not necessarily of poor quality. Unpublished studies
disproportionately have nonsignificant results, but the grey literature also includes studies with
significant results. Studies published in open-access journals are easily accessible and are thus the
opposite of the grey literature.
52. Which of the following would not be an appropriate eligibility criterion for sampling studies in a
meta-analysis?
a.) The primary studies must have included fatigue as an outcome of the intervention.
b.) The primary studies must have included patients with a diagnosis of dementia.
c.) The primary studies must have been conducted by doctorally prepared researchers.
d.) The primary study reports must be written in English.
Rationale: Researcher qualifications are not used to disqualify studies from a systematic review. For
practical reasons, meta-analysts frequently restrict their sample to studies written in a language that they
themselves can comprehend. It is the case that meta-analyses focus on studies with specific populations
(e.g., patients with dementia), interventions, and outcomes (e.g., fatigue).

53. Which of the following statement is not true?

a.) Standard meta-analytic procedures cannot be used with qualitative findings.
b.) A major advantage of meta-analysis is that integration of results can be done objectively.
c.) It is not always appropriate to use meta-analysis to synthesize quantitative findings.
d.) Research synthesis and integration are important primarily to academics and researchers.
Rationale: Practicing nurses and the entire profession—not just academics—benefit greatly by efforts to
integrate research evidence that can be used in practice
54. What does the term "population" refer to in a research study?
a. The sample group selected for analysis
b. The entire group that the study is interested in
c. The individuals who participate in the study
d. The subgroup chosen for statistical testing
Rationale: The correct answer is b. The entire group that the study is interested in. The population is the
larger group that the study aims to generalize findings to.
55. In a study on the dietary habits of teenagers, what would the sample consist of?
a. All teenagers in the country
b. The teenagers who respond to the survey
c. Teenagers who follow a vegetarian diet
d. Teenagers participating in a sports program
Rationale: The correct answer is b. The teenagers who respond to the survey. The sample is the subset
of the population that participates in the study.
56. What is the population in a study investigating the effects of meditation on stress levels?
a. Individuals who practice meditation regularly
b. Individuals experiencing high stress levels
c. The general adult population
d. Yoga instructors
Rationale: The correct answer is c. The general adult population. The population refers to the larger
group to which the study aims to generalize findings.
57. In a survey on smartphone usage, if 500 people are randomly selected from a city's population of 2
million, what is the sample?
a. The entire city population
b. The 500 people who respond to the survey
c. Smartphone users in the city
d. Individuals who own iPhones
Rationale: The correct answer is b. The 500 people who respond to the survey. The sample is the subset
of the population participating in the study.
58. For a study on the impact of a new teaching method, what is the sample?
a. All students in a specific grade b. Students who excel academically
c. Participants in the new teaching program d. Teachers using the new method
Rationale: The correct answer is c. Participants in the new teaching program. The sample consists of
individuals directly involved in the study.
59. In a study on the effects of a sleep aid, if 200 adults are given the sleep aid and 200 are given a
placebo, what is the population?
a. Adults using sleep aids b. The entire adult population
c. Individuals with insomnia d. Those who respond positively to the sleep aid
Rationale: The correct answer is b. The entire adult population. The population is the broader group to
which the study aims to generalize.
60. In a research project on coffee consumption habits, what is the population if the study is conducted
worldwide?
a. Coffee growers and producers b. Individuals surveyed for the study
c. All coffee drinkers globally d. Individuals who prefer tea over coffee
Rationale: The correct answer is c. All coffee drinkers globally. The population represents the larger
group of interest to the study.