Nursing Research NCLEX Practice Quiz

The most accurate variable to explore in the literature on the effectiveness of meditation on people with anxiety disorders would be "Meditation techniques found to be effective." This variable directly addresses the effectiveness of meditation techniques specifically for individuals with anxiety disorders, which aligns with the nurse's research goal. The other variables mentioned, such as the use of meditation during childbirth and pain management for people with anxiety disorders, are not directly related to the effectiveness of meditation on anxiety disorders.

This statement is the most accurate because hypotheses are indeed statements that propose a relationship between variables. Hypotheses are formulated based on prior knowledge and research, and they aim to explain or predict the relationship between the independent and dependent variables in a study. By testing hypotheses, researchers can gather evidence to support or reject these statements and further advance scientific knowledge.

The independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or changes in an experiment. This means that the researcher has control over the independent variable and can intentionally alter its values or conditions. By manipulating the independent variable, the researcher can observe and measure the effect it has on the dependent variable, which is the variable being predicted to change. Therefore, the statement "It is manipulated by the researcher" accurately describes the characteristic of the independent variable.

A characteristic of a hypothesis is that it implies a causative or associative relationship. A hypothesis is a statement or assumption that suggests a possible explanation or prediction for a phenomenon or event. When formulating a hypothesis, researchers often propose a potential cause-and-effect relationship or an association between variables. This helps guide the research and allows for the testing of the hypothesis through empirical data collection and analysis.

A hypothesis should be developed by the researcher after the development of the research question. This is because the research question provides the overall direction and focus for the study, and the hypothesis is a specific statement that predicts the relationship between variables or the outcome of the research. By developing the research question first, the researcher can then formulate a hypothesis that addresses the specific objectives of the study and guides the data collection and analysis process. Developing the hypothesis after the research question ensures that it is grounded in the research objectives and aligns with the overall purpose of the study.

A characteristic of a statistical hypothesis is that it is a null hypothesis. A null hypothesis is a statement that assumes there is no significant relationship or difference between variables being tested. It is used as a starting point for statistical analysis and is usually tested against an alternative hypothesis to determine if there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis.

Hypotheses help frame a test of the validity of a theory. This statement accurately describes the role of hypotheses in research studies. Hypotheses are formulated based on a theory and are used to test the validity of that theory through empirical investigation. They provide a framework for designing experiments or gathering data to determine if the theory holds true or not. Hypotheses are not the main concern or foundation of research studies, nor are they problem statements or specifically related to nursing theory.

Level III is characteristic of the strength of evidence provided by the results of a quasi-experimental study. Quasi-experimental studies are research designs that lack random assignment to treatment groups, making them less rigorous than true experimental studies. Level III evidence indicates that the study is based on nonrandomized controlled trials or well-designed observational studies. This level of evidence provides moderate strength in terms of the validity and reliability of the results, but it is still considered weaker than evidence from randomized controlled trials (Level I) or systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (Level II). Level IV evidence refers to expert opinion or case studies, which are considered to be the weakest forms of evidence.

A null hypothesis is rejected when there is evidence that the independent and dependent variables are related. This means that the research has found a significant association or correlation between the variables being studied. Rejecting the null hypothesis indicates that there is a meaningful relationship between the variables, supporting the alternative hypothesis that there is indeed a connection between them.

The given answer is the most testable research hypothesis because it clearly states a cause-and-effect relationship between the ability to meditate and lower anxiety in patients with anxiety disorders. This hypothesis can be tested by conducting an experiment where one group of patients with anxiety disorders is taught meditation techniques and another group is not. The levels of anxiety can then be measured and compared between the two groups to determine if the ability to meditate indeed causes lower anxiety.