Question 1

Which statement differentiates research variables from research concepts?

Accepted Answer

A)  Concepts are more abstract than variables. 
B)  Concepts are usually studied in quantitative research. 
C)  Variables are less subject to manipulation and measurement. 
D)  Variables cannot be concisely defined or clearly described.

Question 2

An examination of the researcher's plan for using measurement tools to examine relationships among variables helps determine the

Accepted Answer

A)  research hypothesis. 
B)  research objectives. 
C)  study feasibility. 
D)  study purpose.

Question 3

Identify the independent variable in the following hypothesis: "Mothers of infants born with spina bifida who participate in support groups report higher levels of confidence when caring for their infants than do mothers who do not participate in support groups."

Accepted Answer

A)  Confidence in caring for their infants 
B)  Infants with spina bifida 
C)  Mothers of infants with spina bifida 
D)  Support group participation

Question 4

Which statement is a research purpose for a correlational study?

Accepted Answer

A)  "This study will compare the effects of an oral antidiabetic medication to effects of a placebo on glucose control in groups of randomly assigned subjects." 
B)  "This study will examine whether pre-appointment telephone reminders increase show rate among patients in an ambulatory well-patient clinic." 
C)  "This study will use direct observation to identify methods parents use to discipline children in public places." 
D)  "This study will use questionnaires and school transcripts to examine the relationship of dietary habits to grades among school-age children."

Question 5

A nursing researcher determines that there is little information about the use of complementary practices in treating obesity.This represents the research

Accepted Answer

A)  design. 
B)  problem. 
C)  purpose. 
D)  significance.

Question 6

Which is an example of a conceptual definition of a dependent variable in a study evaluating the effects of home nursing on coping among patients with chronic illness?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Coping is a set of actions and strategies used by individuals to reduce the stressors associated with chronic disease management." 
B)  "Coping skills were measured using a five-point Likert scale with higher scores indicating higher coping skills." 
C)  "Home nursing can include registered nurse and nursing assistant management of treatments provided at home." 
D)  "Home nursing was measured in the number of hours per week and the number of hours per day of in-home care."

Question 7

Which type of variable is used in a summary of sample characteristics?

Accepted Answer

A)  Demographic variables 
B)  Dependent variables 
C)  Independent variables 
D)  Research variables

Question 8

A researcher's expectations about the outcomes of a study are generally expressed in the form of a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  hypothesis. 
B)  theory. 
C)  research question. 
D)  research problem.

Question 9

A reviewer assesses a potential researcher's credentials and experience,the availability of funding and resources,and ethical considerations of a potential study.This represents evaluation of a study's

Accepted Answer

A)  expertise. 
B)  feasibility. 
C)  purpose. 
D)  significance.

Question 10

The statement,"In this study,elevated blood glucose is a value greater than 110 mg/dL," is an example of a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  associative hypothesis. 
B)  conceptual definition. 
C)  operational definition. 
D)  problem statement.

Question 11

Hypotheses to be tested in a research study are frequently found in

Accepted Answer

A)  both quantitative and qualitative research studies. 
B)  qualitative research studies. 
C)  neither qualitative nor quantitative research studies. 
D)  quantitative research studies.

Question 12

The statement in the introduction of a research study report-"while children who have higher asthma control scores tend to have fewer emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations,it is unclear how nursing interventions can impact these scores"-represents the

Accepted Answer

A)  problem background. 
B)  problem significance. 
C)  research problem. 
D)  research purpose.

Question 13

Which of the following are accurate statements about study variables and research concepts? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  Variables are qualities,properties,or characteristics of persons,things,or situations that do not change or vary. 
B)  Research concepts are usually studied in quantitative research,are at lower levels of abstraction than variables,and are not measured or manipulated. 
C)  Some variables are manipulated; others are controlled. 
D)  A dependent variable is the outcome that the researcher wants to predict or explain. 
E)  Operational definitions provide the theoretical meaning of a variable and are derived from a theorist's definition of a related concept.

Question 14

Which component of a research study is exemplified in the statement,"This study identifies various themes associated with parenting children who have chronic disease?"

Accepted Answer

A)  Aim or objective 
B)  Hypothesis 
C)  Research methodology 
D)  Research problem

Question 15

In a research proposal,the author describes what is already known about the research topic.This would be included in the discussion of the study's

Accepted Answer

A)  background. 
B)  feasibility. 
C)  purpose. 
D)  significance.

Question 16

Which is an example of a directional,correlational hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A)  "Increasing hours spent in study groups is associated with an increase in GPA among nursing students." 
B)  "Increased use of study groups will result in an increase in GPA among nursing students." 
C)  "Nursing students who use study groups are among groups of students who have higher GPAs." 
D)  "Studying in study groups is related to GPA levels in nursing students."

Question 17

To reduce or eliminate the influence of environmental variables on study results,the researcher may

Accepted Answer

A)  completely describe all environmental settings encountered in the study. 
B)  discuss these variables in the study results. 
C)  use a research unit in a hospital or laboratory. 
D)  use a qualitative study design to conduct the study.

Question 18

A statement about the significance of a study describes the

Accepted Answer

A)  influence of results on nursing practice. 
B)  relationship among study variables. 
C)  study design and methods. 
D)  validity of the study measurement tools.

Question 19

Which is true about a dependent variable in a research study? It is

Accepted Answer

A)  manipulated by the researcher to test the research hypothesis. 
B)  the cause of changes in other variables in a research study. 
C)  the experimental variable in a research study. 
D)  the outcome the researcher wishes to predict.

Question 20

The most important initial step when developing a research study is to

Accepted Answer

A)  develop the problem statement. 
B)  explore the background for the research problem. 
C)  identify the research problem. 
D)  state the research purpose.

Exam 5: Examining Research Problems, Purposes, and Hypotheses