Nursing Research NCLEX Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following phrases would be found in a report of a qualitative study?

Data collected were perceptions of pain.

The sample size was 500 participants.

Statistical analysis was conducted using regression models.

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of a disease in a population.

Data collected were perceptions of pain

Explanation

Data collected were perceptions of pain

2. For which of the following research questions would qualitative methods be most appropriate?

What is the impact of a new drug on reducing cholesterol levels?

How do individuals perceive the quality of customer service in a particular store?

Is there a correlation between sleep duration and academic performance?

What is the effect of different teaching methods on students' math scores?

This question seeks to explore a phenomenon (health) for a specific population.

Explanation

This question seeks to explore a phenomenon (health) for a specific population.

3. Which statement best describes qualitative research? Select all that apply.

It focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings.

It aims to quantify data and analyze statistical relationships.

It seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

It uses open-ended questions and interviews.

Qualitative research focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings, as it aims to explore and gain insights into individuals' perspectives and interpretations. It also utilizes open-ended questions and interviews to gather rich and detailed data, allowing participants to express their thoughts and experiences freely. However, it does not aim to quantify data or analyze statistical relationships, nor does it seek to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Explanation

Qualitative research focuses on understanding subjective experiences and meanings, as it aims to explore and gain insights into individuals' perspectives and interpretations. It also utilizes open-ended questions and interviews to gather rich and detailed data, allowing participants to express their thoughts and experiences freely. However, it does not aim to quantify data or analyze statistical relationships, nor does it seek to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

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4. Which of the following hypotheses are indicative of an experimental research design?

There is a positive correlation between exercise and mental well-being.

Participants who receive the treatment will show a greater improvement in symptoms compared to the control group.

The level of motivation affects performance on a cognitive task.

There is no difference in anxiety levels between males and females.

The hypothesis "Participants who receive the treatment will show a greater improvement in symptoms compared to the control group" is indicative of an experimental research design because it involves comparing the treatment group to a control group and measuring the difference in symptom improvement. This suggests that the researcher is manipulating an independent variable (the treatment) and observing its effect on the dependent variable (symptom improvement) in a controlled setting, which is a key characteristic of experimental research.

Explanation

The hypothesis "Participants who receive the treatment will show a greater improvement in symptoms compared to the control group" is indicative of an experimental research design because it involves comparing the treatment group to a control group and measuring the difference in symptom improvement. This suggests that the researcher is manipulating an independent variable (the treatment) and observing its effect on the dependent variable (symptom improvement) in a controlled setting, which is a key characteristic of experimental research.

5. Which of the following phrases would be found in a report of a quantitative study?

Data collected were perceptions of pain.

The sample size was 500 participants.

Statistical analysis was conducted using regression models.

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of a disease in a population.

When a sample of convenience is chosen

Explanation

When a sample of convenience is chosen

6. What does a critique of a research study always include? Select all that apply.

Evaluation of the methodology

Examination of the findings

Discussion of potential limitations

Suggestions for future research

A critique of a research study always includes evaluation of the methodology to assess the validity and reliability of the study's design and data collection methods. It also involves examination of the findings to analyze the results and determine their significance. Additionally, a critique includes a discussion of potential limitations to acknowledge any flaws or weaknesses in the study. Finally, suggestions for future research may be provided to identify areas for further investigation or improvement in the study.

Explanation

A critique of a research study always includes evaluation of the methodology to assess the validity and reliability of the study's design and data collection methods. It also involves examination of the findings to analyze the results and determine their significance. Additionally, a critique includes a discussion of potential limitations to acknowledge any flaws or weaknesses in the study. Finally, suggestions for future research may be provided to identify areas for further investigation or improvement in the study.

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7. What are the criteria used to judge the worth of a research study? Select all that apply.

Validity

Reliability

Generalizability

Ethical considerations

The worth of a research study is judged based on several criteria. Validity refers to the accuracy and soundness of the study's findings and conclusions. Reliability measures the consistency and stability of the study's results. Generalizability determines the extent to which the findings can be applied to a larger population or other settings. Ethical considerations assess whether the study was conducted in an ethical manner, with respect for participants' rights and well-being. These criteria collectively help evaluate the quality and value of a research study.

Explanation

The worth of a research study is judged based on several criteria. Validity refers to the accuracy and soundness of the study's findings and conclusions. Reliability measures the consistency and stability of the study's results. Generalizability determines the extent to which the findings can be applied to a larger population or other settings. Ethical considerations assess whether the study was conducted in an ethical manner, with respect for participants' rights and well-being. These criteria collectively help evaluate the quality and value of a research study.

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8. Which statements are part of the criteria used to judge the soundness of a stated research question? Select all that apply.

The research question is clear and specific.

The research question is broad and covers multiple variables.

The research question is feasible and can be answered with available resources.

The research question is relevant and contributes to the existing knowledge.

The criteria used to judge the soundness of a stated research question include: the research question being clear and specific, feasible and answerable with available resources, and relevant and contributing to the existing knowledge.

Explanation

The criteria used to judge the soundness of a stated research question include: the research question being clear and specific, feasible and answerable with available resources, and relevant and contributing to the existing knowledge.

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9. What are the advantages to using directional hypotheses? Select all that apply.

The indication of the use of a theory base to derive the hypothesis

The provision of a specific theoretical frame of reference

Ensure that findings will be generalizable

The indication of a nonbiased selection of subjects

Directional hypotheses provide several advantages. First, they indicate the use of a theory base to derive the hypothesis, which ensures that the hypothesis is grounded in existing knowledge and research. Second, they provide a specific theoretical frame of reference, allowing researchers to make more precise predictions and interpretations of the results. However, they do not necessarily ensure that findings will be generalizable or indicate a nonbiased selection of subjects.

Explanation

Directional hypotheses provide several advantages. First, they indicate the use of a theory base to derive the hypothesis, which ensures that the hypothesis is grounded in existing knowledge and research. Second, they provide a specific theoretical frame of reference, allowing researchers to make more precise predictions and interpretations of the results. However, they do not necessarily ensure that findings will be generalizable or indicate a nonbiased selection of subjects.

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10. Which criteria are used to determine testability of a hypothesis? Select all that apply.

The hypothesis is supported by previous research.

The hypothesis is stated in a quantifiable manner.

The hypothesis is consistent with the research objectives.

The hypothesis is concise and specific.

To determine the testability of a hypothesis, two criteria are used: the hypothesis is supported by previous research and the hypothesis is stated in a quantifiable manner. These criteria ensure that the hypothesis is based on existing knowledge and can be measured or observed in a scientific experiment. The other two options, the hypothesis is consistent with the research objectives and the hypothesis is concise and specific, may be important considerations in hypothesis formulation but do not directly relate to its testability.

Explanation

To determine the testability of a hypothesis, two criteria are used: the hypothesis is supported by previous research and the hypothesis is stated in a quantifiable manner. These criteria ensure that the hypothesis is based on existing knowledge and can be measured or observed in a scientific experiment. The other two options, the hypothesis is consistent with the research objectives and the hypothesis is concise and specific, may be important considerations in hypothesis formulation but do not directly relate to its testability.

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