Test Bank for Understanding Nursing Research Building an Evidence Based Practice 5th Edition by Nancy Burns Chapter 05: Research Problems, Purposes, and Hypotheses MULTIPLE CHOICE The initial and one of the most significant steps in conducting the research process is: a defining the research variables b determining the feasibility of the study c identifying the research problem d stating the research purpose ANS: C The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose Variables are defined once the study problem and purpose are clearly identified The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose The feasibility of a study is an important consideration once the problem and purpose have been established The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose The research purpose is a clear, concise statement regarding the goal of the study; it comes from the need identified through the research problem The problem provides the basis for developing the research purpose DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 148 The research purpose should identify the study variable(s) and what other key aspect of the study? a Design b Measurement tools c Population d Statistics ANS: C The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study The study design is how the research is going to be carried out The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study Measurement tools that are used are included in the methodology section The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study Statistics are included as part of the methodology The purpose includes the variables, population, and often the setting for the study DIF: Cognitive level: Knowledge REF: p 146 An appropriate source for identification of a clinical-based research problem would be a/an: a Chief nurse administrator Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-2 b Nurse researcher c Nursing faculty d Practicing registered nurse ANS: D Research in nursing should influence nursing practice and address needs in nursing practice Practicing nurses are best able to identify pertinent clinical problems for research Nurse managers are best able to identify administrative and management concerns amenable for research Clinical-based research requires that nurse researchers develop close relationships with practicing nurses so as to identify pertinent problems for nursing research Nursing faculty are best able to identify pertinent education concerns for research DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 145 In the literature report of a study on quality of life, the researcher describes two previous investigations suggesting that spirituality is related to quality of life This information suggests that the current study is significant because it: a addresses multidisciplinary concerns b builds on previous research c challenges existing theory d influences theology ANS: B A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study The study does not appear to address multidisciplinary concerns A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study There is no indication that the study will challenge existing theory A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study From information given, it would be incorrect to conclude that the study influences theology A significant study problem and purpose are based on previous research In a research article, the introduction and literature review sections include relevant studies that provide a basis for a study DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 155 The feasibility of conducting a study is determined by examining which of the following? a Availability of subjects b Previous studies c Researcher’s credibility d Significance of research problem Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-3 ANS: A The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations Previous studies may help guide a researcher to conduct a certain study, but not determine its feasibility The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations The researcher’s credibility may impact a grant award or the interpretation of the study, but not whether it can be carried out The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations The significance of the research problem relates to whether or not it is seen as important The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations DIF: Cognitive level: Knowledge REF: p 158 In a research proposal, the investigator notes that written permission has been obtained from three local hospitals to access patients for the proposed study This is an example of what aspect of a study? a Ethics b Feasibility c Methodology d Reliability ANS: B The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations Ethics should be at the core of any study, but is not determined by access to patients The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations The methodology is how the researcher plans the study and its analysis The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations The reliability of a study has to with its methodology and is not dependent on access The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p 159 The purpose of a research hypothesis is to: Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-4 a clarify the concepts used in the study b define the theoretical framework for the study c identify the source of the problem under study d predict the expected results or outcomes of the study ANS: D The research hypothesis states that there is a relationship between two or more variables The hypothesis translates the research problem and purpose into a clear explanation or prediction of the expected results or outcomes of the study The researcher clarifies concepts through definitions provided in the proposal and/or report of the study A theoretical framework is the basis for the hypotheses The source of the problem is what the researcher has identified through observation and a search of the literature DIF: Cognitive level: Knowledge REF: p 175 The statement, “This study explores the experience of caregiving by adult daughters of parents with Alzheimer’s disease,” is an example of which of the following components of a research study? a Aim or objective b Hypothesis c Operational definition d Question ANS: A A research objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement that is expressed in the present tense A hypothesis is a prediction of what the study results will be An operational definition is an exact description of a variable in how it will be described in the research study A research question is a short, interrogative statement that helps direct a study DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 160 What type of hypothesis is the following? “Normal saline flush with heparin is more effective than normal saline flush alone in maintaining patency of an intermittent intravenous site.” a Complex, causal b Complex, nondirectional c Simple, directional d Simple, null ANS: C Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-5 A simple hypothesis states the relationship (associative or causal) between two variables In this example, the variables are normal saline flush (one independent variable) and patency of an intermittent intravenous site (one dependent variable) A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction “more effective.” There are just two variables involved; complex means more than that, and there is no causal relationship indicated The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations There are just two variables involved; complex means more than that, and there is a direction (more effective) indicated The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that there will be no difference The feasibility of a research problem and purpose is determined by examining the researcher’s expertise; money commitment; availability of subjects, facilities, and equipment; and the study’s ethical considerations DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: pp 172-173 10 A research question focuses on: a the characteristics of a variable b the framework for conducting the investigation c what relationships might exist among variables d the framework for conducting the investigation, which variables are to be manipulated ANS: C A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables The characteristic of a variable is given in the operational definition A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables The framework for conducting the investigation comes from the researcher and is described in the literature review A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables The variables to be manipulated are stated in the research design A research question focuses on description of variables or concepts, examination of relationships among variables, and determination of differences between two or more groups regarding selected variables DIF: Cognitive level: Knowledge REF: p 163 11 What type of hypothesis is the following? Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-6 “Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy.” a Complex, directional b Complex, null c Simple, associative d Simple, nondirectional ANS: A A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent) A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction “complain less frequently.” A complex hypothesis is correct, but the null hypothesis predicts no difference A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent) A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction “complain less frequently.” This study has more than two variables (not simple) and is simply indicating an association A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent) A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction “complain less frequently.” A simple hypothesis has only two variables (this study has more than two), and there is a direction predicted (fewer complaints of pain and need for less pain medication) A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables In this example, the variables are music therapy (independent), pain (dependent), and medication (dependent) A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction “complain less frequently.” DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: pp 172173 12 What type of hypothesis is the following? “Low-fat diet is related to lower total cholesterol and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein).” a Complex, directional, associative b Complex, directional, causal c Simple, nondirectional, research d Simple, directional, causal ANS: A Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-7 A complex hypothesis predicts the relationship among three or more variables In this example, the variables are low-fat diet, total cholesterol, and HDL A directional hypothesis states the nature of the interaction between two or more variables In this example, the direction is indicated by the prediction “lower total cholesterol and higher HDL.” An associative hypothesis proposes relationships among variables that occur or exist together This hypothesis is complex and directional, but no causal relationship is identified There are more than two variables included in this hypothesis, so it is complex Directions (lower and higher) are also indicated There are more than two variables included in this hypothesis, so it is complex It is directional, but no causal relationship is identified DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: pp 167, 172-174 13 The dependent variable is defined as a: a characteristic or element of the human subjects involved in the study b quality, property, or characteristic identified in the problem c response or outcome that the researcher wants to understand d stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher ANS: C The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcomes that the researcher wants to predict or explain The characteristic or element of the human subjects is a demographic variable The quality, property, or characteristic identified in the problem describe any variable The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcomes that the researcher wants to predict or explain The independent variable may be a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcomes that the researcher wants to predict or explain DIF: Cognitive level: Knowledge REF: p 176 14 Identify the independent variable in the following hypothesis: “Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy.” a Complaints of pain b Incidence of cancer c Music therapy d Pain medication use ANS: C An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable In this example, music therapy is the “treatment” that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-8 The number of pain complaints would be a dependent variable An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable In this example, music therapy is the “treatment” that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher The incidence of cancer is a criterion for inclusion in the study In this example, music therapy is the “treatment” that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher Pain medication use is a dependent variable An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable In this example, music therapy is the “treatment” that is being used to manipulate frequency of pain and amount of required pain medication, a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 176 15 Read the following statement and answer the question: “Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support.” What type of variable is “Request for analgesics”? a Attribute b Dependent c Extraneous d Independent ANS: B The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain In this example, the outcome is “reduced surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics.” The demographic or attribute variables are ones describing the sample The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain In this example, the outcome is “reduced surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics.” Extraneous variables are ones the researcher is not interested in, but have an effect in the study The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain In this example, the outcome is “reduced surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics.” An independent variable is a stimulus or activity that is manipulated or varied by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain In this example, the outcome is “reduced surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics.” DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 176 16 Read the following statement and answer the question: “Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support.” Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-9 What type of variable is “Perception of pain”? a Attribute b Dependent c Independent d Extraneous ANS: B The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain In this example, the outcome is “reduced surgical patients’ perception of pain and request for analgesics.” The demographic or attribute variables are ones describing the sample The dependent variable is the response, behavior, or outcome the researcher wants to predict or explain In this example, the outcome is “reduced surgical patients’ perception of pain and request DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: pp 172-173 19 Which of the following would be considered a demographic variable? a Heart rate b Oral temperature c Pain intensity d Socioeconomic status ANS: D Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-11 Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample Heart rate would not be considered a demographic variable Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample Oral temperature would not be considered a demographic variable Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample Pain intensity would not be considered a demographic variable Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p 182 20 The statement below is an example of which of the following? “In this study, pain is reflected as a score between and 10 on the postoperative pain rating scale.” a Associative hypothesis b Conceptual definition c Operational definition d Problem statement ANS: C An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation In this example, pain is the sensory impression being measured on a numerical scale A hypothesis indicates the researcher’s educated guess at what the outcome of the research will be An associative hypothesis describes a predicted relationship that the researcher develops between the established variables being studied This statement is an operational definition, not a hypothesis A conceptual definition is the theoretical meaning of a variable The problem statement indicates the gap in knowledge needed for practice and provides a basis for the study DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p 178 21 What type of definition is the following? “CDD lymphocyte counts are the measure of immune function.” a Conceptual b Operational c Physiological d Theoretical ANS: B An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-12 A conceptual definition is the theoretical meaning of a variable These are physiological measurements, but the terms within the stem of the question are not defined physiologically A physiological definition would provide an accurate description of the concept on a biologic level The conceptual definition can sometimes be a theoretical definition DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 178 22 Which of the following statements describing the research purpose is true? a “It is seldom possible to include all the necessary components of a research purpose within one sentence.” b “The research statement is oftentimes disclosed with the discussion of the findings.” c “The reader can determine the research purpose in most titles of research articles.” d “The research purpose is revealed only after the foundation has been laid in the literature review.” ANS: C The research purpose captures the essence of the study and is often the first sentence of the abstract It is also reflected in the title of the study report Usually the variables, population, and setting are included in the research purpose The research statement is usually disclosed early in the report, usually within the first paragraphs and can often be determined in most report titles The research statement is usually disclosed early in the report, usually within the first paragraphs and can oftentimes be determined in most report titles DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 146 23 A researcher found significant evidence that women who had undergone chemotherapy treatment develop a very strong sensitivity in recognizing the smell of the chemotherapeutic agent The researcher now wants to apply for a grant to further investigate this result Given that reviewers will consider the significance of this study, what feedback are they likely to include? “The present study: a Addresses the funding priorities for nursing research.” b Appears to provide no immediate implication for nursing practice.” c Clearly builds on previous research.” d Is likely to produce a testable theory for nursing practice.” ANS: B The stated research focus will most likely produce exploratory, preliminary information at best, therefore the information gained will have little to no immediate implication for nursing practice The stated research focus does not address any noted area targeted as a priority need per the National Institutes of Health (Healthy People 2010) and thus likely to generate funding The stated research focus does not imply that previous research has been conducted, thus making this project less likely to have an immediate impact on nursing practice Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-13 As this research focus is not based on previous research, the production of a testable theory for nursing practice as an outcome of the study is unlikely DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 146 24 What is true about funding priorities in nursing research? a Any nursing research evaluating the best educational path for entry into practice is considered high priority for funding b Most major nursing organizations develop research priorities for research It is wise to go to the web site of an agency to view these priorities before asking for research dollars c The American Nurses Association is the organization that represents nurses and makes their research priorities clear d The National Institutes of Health determine funding priorities for nursing and other disciplines ANS: B Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it The research of the past may have looked inward and studied nurses and nursing, but research today is focused on quality patient care practices It may look at how nurses may impact that, but the focus is on better patient outcomes and ways to achieve them Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it There are many organizations that develop research and funding priorities Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it Many different organizations develop research priorities A nurse should learn what they are for a group if applying for funding and match the request to the organization’s priorities Many professional organizations have identified research priorities that are listed on their web site If these same organizations are offering research dollars, it is important to match the request with the group most likely to fund it DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 157 25 What question helps determine the significance of a research study? a “Does this study build on previous work in the area?” b “Is the report well written and easy to read, thereby conveying the essence and importance of the research?” c “Is the topic of the study one that is of interest to the researcher?” d “Will this study provide significant statistical information?” ANS: A The significance of research is to fill in the gaps in current knowledge, building on previous research to provide a foundation for determining new information Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-14 The skill with which the report was written does not correlate with the significance of the study The topic of interest in the research study needs to be one that will provide a significant difference to nursing practice, education, or further science for continued research Although it is important that the researcher is interested in the topic being investigated, it is not imperative to the significance of the research to nursing What makes a study significant is not the actual statistical results but the relevance of the topic being researched to nursing practice, education and research, in the expansion of nursing science DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 155 26 What would be the strongest evidence in support of a researcher’s qualifications for conducting a study? The researcher has a A doctoral degree from a prestigious university b Assembled a team of high-quality investigators c Published five previous studies on the same topic d 15 years of practice in the clinical specialty area ANS: C If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study A doctoral degree does demonstrate educational credentials that lend feasibility to the study, but the degree alone does not provide as much support as published studies If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study The use of a talented team is commendable and would probably make the study stronger, but does not provide as much support as previously published studies If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study The years of clinical practice are very valuable in developing clinically relevant research, but not provide as much support as published studies If a researcher has conducted several previous studies on the same topic as the current one and they are cited in the reference list (therefore published), this is extremely strong evidence of the feasibility of the current study DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 158 27 An experienced, published researcher’s funded study is to recruit a sample of mothers with children under the age of 30 entering a shopping complex with $100 spending money The purpose of the study is to test the hypothesis that younger mothers will spend the money on themselves rather than on their children What are the possible issues with the feasibility of this study? a Availability of subjects Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-15 b Ethical violations c Researcher’s expertise d Money commitment ANS: A In using only one shopping complex, procuring a suitable, representative sample may be problematic The women who consent to participate would probably be a biased group There are no apparent ethical violations noted within the study The researcher’s expertise is clearly stated Because the research is funded, the money commitment to the sample is secured DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 159 28 In which situation would the research and the null hypothesis be the same? a Researcher does not think that the research is going to mean anything b Researcher predicts that there will be no difference among the groups c Statistical analysis reveals a correlation coefficient of zero d Study has serious flaws and is declared null and void ANS: B The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables If the researcher does not think the research is going to mean anything, it is probably best not to conduct it The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables The correlation coefficient may be found to be zero; however, the researcher’s hypothesis may have been other than that The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables There is no connection between finding serious flaws in a study and the research and null hypotheses The null hypothesis is the statistical hypothesis that tests for no relationship It is also used when the researcher predicts that there is no relationship between the variables DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 174 29 One researcher wanted to investigate whether nursing students should take psychiatric mental health nursing before they take medical surgical nursing Which of the following is a correctly stated objective of this study? a Do nursing students ultimately perform better on NCLEX® when they have had the content in psychiatric mental health nursing first or when they have the content in medical surgical nursing first? b Does putting the psychiatric mental health nursing content before medical surgical content better prepare nursing students to pass NCLEX®? c This research study examines whether having psychiatric mental health content before medical surgical content better prepares nursing students to perform well on their NCLEXđ Test Bank Copyright â 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-16 d This study explores what students think about their psychiatric mental health nursing content preceding the content on medical surgical nursing ANS: C An objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement that is expressed in the present tense and usually focuses on one or two variables “Do nursing students ultimately perform better on NCLEX® when they have had the content in psychiatric mental health nursing first or when they have the content in medical surgical nursing first?” is not an objective It is stated as a question An objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement that is expressed in the present tense and usually focuses on one or two variables An objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement (not a question) that is expressed in the present tense and usually focuses on one or two variables The study referenced is not about student’s opinions on psychiatric mental health and medical surgical nursing DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 160 30 What statement is true regarding objectives in qualitative studies? a Qualitative studies usually not have an objective statement since the focus in the study shifts as the study progresses In qualitative research, the study objective and hypothesis are the same b Objective statements are long and complex in qualitative studies since they are more difficult and involve many more variables c The variables and concepts in qualitative studies are usually more complex, so the objective statement is broader in focus Qualitative studies usually not have an objective statement since the focus in the study shifts as the study progresses d The variables and concepts in qualitative studies are usually more complex, so the objective statement is broader in focus ANS: D The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies The statement for this choice is incorrect The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies There is not a certainty that an objective statement for qualitative research will itself be more lengthy and complex than one for quantitative research The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies A qualitative study does have objectives; they have a slightly different focus than for quantitative studies The objectives directing qualitative studies are commonly broader in focus and include variables or concepts that are more complex and abstract than those of quantitative studies DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p 160 Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-17 31 Which of the following would be an appropriate research question for a qualitative study? a How parents decide when to take their child to a physician? b How many visits physicians’ offices receive on Mondays as opposed to Wednesdays? c Should parents take their child to the physician for routine visits? d What is the most common reason for a trip to a physician’s office? ANS: A Exploring the reasoning of parents in making the decision to take their child to the physician is an appropriate research question for a qualitative study This response indicates a quantitative project because of its mention of numerical data This response is phrased as an evaluative question, requiring an ethical analysis This is not a researchable question This response indicates a quantitative project because of its mention of numerical data DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 163 32 A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers Which of the following descriptors can be applied to this hypothesis? a Complex, associative b Complex, negative c Positive, causal d Simple, nondirectional ANS: C The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression The hypothesis goes further than predicting a relationship; it says that one variable causes the other The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression The hypothesis included only two variables, and the relationship predicted is a positive one The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression Although the hypothesis is simple, it is directional The research hypothesis is simple because there are two variables (listening to alternative music and depression), causal because it predicts that excessive listening will lead to depression, and positive because more listening will lead to more depression DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: pp 167, 170, 172 33 A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: “Excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers.” Which of the following dependent variables would need to be defined operationally in the research study? a Alternative music Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-18 b Depression c Excessive listening d Young teenagers ANS: B An operational definition is developed so that variables and other terms in a study can be measured or manipulated and so that readers can understand all parts of the study and will be able to replicate the study as closely as possible if desired Although all of the listed variables and terms require an operational definition to provide a common and measurable understanding of the concepts, “depression” is the only dependent variable in the study as described Alternative music is not the dependent variable in this study However, it does need to be defined as so to provide a clear understanding of this particular genre of music to the reader of the study Excessive listening is the independent variable in this study It needs to be defined to provide a clear understanding of how the term “excessive” will be measured “Young teenagers” are the target population under study A clear definition is required to provide a boundary for who is to be included in the study C DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 178 34 A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: “Excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers.” Which kind of variable is “listening”? a Complex b Continuous c Dependent d Extraneous ANS: B Although “listening” could be a discrete variable, depending on how it is measured, all other choices can be eliminated as wrong Excessive listening is the independent variable It is not complex because it is only one concept Listening is a central or integral concept in the study and therefore not extraneous Because “listening” is more than likely measured by time, a continuous variable, this answer is correct There are only two variables in the study, so it is a simple hypothesis, and complex does not describe variables used, but the number of variables noted in the hypothesis The dependent variable in this study is degree of depression, which is dependent on or affected by the listening to alternative music The amount of listening to alternative music is an integral part of the study, so it is not an extraneous variable DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 176 Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-19 35 A researcher uses the following hypothesis in a study: “Excessive listening to alternative music will lead to increased depression in young teenagers.” Which of the following statements is an acceptable operational definition of “excessive listening”? Excessive listening is defined as: a listening to alternative music more than the average number of hours young teenagers listen to that type of music b that number of hours over which parents begin to place limitations on listening time c the number of hours a subject spends listening to alternative music d the number of hours the subjects listen to alternative music A mean of these hours will be calculated, and “excessive” will be anything over the mean ANS: C An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation This definition does not tell the reader where the information needed to use it came from An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation There is no mention of parental opinion in the hypothesis This definition introduces an additional variable, so it is not correct An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation The definition needs to be established before the study begins Having the subjects within the study define the variables of the study is not useful An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to measure a variable Although the hypothesis predicts that excessive listeners will have more likelihood of depression, the variable itself is how many hours of time are spent listening to the music The subjects who listen to the highest number of hours are the ones most likely to exhibit depression An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 178 Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-20 36 Demographic variables are often used to indicate which of the following? a Extraneous variables b Population parameters c Research hypothesis d Sample characteristics ANS: D Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics Extraneous variables are not necessarily demographic in nature Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics The population parameters are connected with the entire population, not just the sample Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics The research hypothesis indicates the expected relationship between the variables Demographic variables are characteristics or attributes of subjects that are collected to describe the sample They are often used to provide a picture of the sample and are called sample characteristics DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 182 37 Which of the following is an acceptable operational definition according to the requirements of how to operationalize a variable? Depression will be operationalized as: a the subject’s score on the State-Trait Anxiety scale b the total number of times a subject uses words, such as empty, blue, sad, or depressed c a below-normal physical appearance d a self-defining concept, based on the individual’s definition of depression ANS: A Although the study will receive much criticism as to its validity, the researcher has operationalized the variable in a correct manner An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-21 There is no way to determine what the researcher will actually take into account for this definition An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings An operational definition is derived from a set of procedures or progressive acts that a researcher performs to receive sensory impressions that indicate the existence or degree of existence of a variable An operational definition is developed so that a variable can be measured or manipulated in a concrete situation They must be independent of time or setting so that variables can be investigated at different times and in different settings DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis REF: p 178 38 Which of the following is a correct statement regarding operational and conceptual definitions in qualitative studies? a Developing conceptual definitions are usually the reason for a qualitative study b Qualitative studies not use conceptual or operational definitions c The conceptual and operational definitions should be consistent in a qualitative study d The operational and conceptual definitions are often first found in the summary and conclusions section in a qualitative research report ANS: C An operational definition is used in qualitative research However, it can be one of the parts of data collection and is not as concrete as in quantitative research The main point in critiquing the characteristics of the operational and conceptual definitions within a qualitative research study is that the two are consistent A conceptual definition is not the main reason for conducting all qualitative research, although it may be part of the process of the study An operational definition is used in qualitative research Both operational and conceptual definitions can be part of data collection and are not as concrete as in quantitative research An operational definition is used in qualitative research Both operational and conceptual definitions can be parts of data collection and are not as concrete as in quantitative research The conceptual and operational definitions can be found in different places in a qualitative study, but it is not likely that they first appear in the last section of the report An operational definition is used in qualitative research Both operational and conceptual definitions can be part of data collection and are not as concrete as in quantitative research DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 178 39 What is a difference between correlational and quasi-experimental research? a Correlational research is less significant than quasi-experimental research b The hypotheses in correlational research are more complex Test Bank Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 5-22 c The researcher wants to predict what will happen in quasi-experimental research d There are many more variables in quasi-experimental research ANS: C Quasi-experimental designs seek to discover whether an independent variable causes an effect on a dependent one Correlational research establishes an association between and among variables, and the number of variables is based on the study purpose and problem, not what kind of study it is There can be significant findings in each type of study The complexity of a hypothesis is determined by how many variables are involved, not the kind of study There can be significant findings in each type of study All types of studies are needed to expand nursing knowledge and science The complexity of a hypothesis is determined by the number of variables are involved, not the kind of study The complexity of a hypothesis is determined by the number of variables are involved, not the kind of study DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: pp 150-151 40 A researcher wants to investigate the possibility that diabetic patients who are allowed to cook their own meals will adhere to dietary restrictions better than patients who not What is the dependent variable? a Adherence to dietary restrictions b Diabetes c Dietary restrictions d Meal cooking ANS: A It is hypothesized that cooking one’s meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions Self-cooking influences compliance Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable The study population appears to be patients with diabetes, so diabetes is constant and not a variable It is hypothesized that cooking one’s meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions Self-cooking influences compliance Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable Actually, all patients in the population have dietary restrictions, so this is not a variable It is hypothesized that cooking one’s meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions Self-cooking influences compliance Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable Meal cooking is the independent variable It is hypothesized that cooking one’s meals will lead to better compliance with dietary restrictions Self-cooking influences compliance Adherence is what the researcher wants to influence and is the independent variable DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p 176