Chapter 2 Research Questions, Hypothesis, Clinical Questions

Question 1

In quantitative studies research questions focus on:

ON EXAM

Answer 1

Describing variables
Specifying the population being studied
Examining testable relationships among variables
Hypothesis attempts to answer the research question

Question 2

In qualitative studies, problem statements focus on:

ON EXAM

Answer 2

The phenomenon of interest
The stakeholders (people whose viewpoint need to be included)
The theoretical framework or the worldview of the researcher that guides the inquiry

Question 3

Research questions should:

Answer 3

Define the specific question area
Reflect a review of the literature
Identify the potential significant to nursing
Reflect the feasibility of studying the research question or problem

Question 4

Process of defining the research question:

Answer 4

Idea emerges, brainstorming, literature review, identify variables, research question formulated

Question 5

Critical appraisal of the introduction..

Answer 5

What do we know?
What evidence do we have?
What populations of patients do we have info on?
What are the factors involved?
What is the gap in knowledge?

Question 6

The population of interest…

Answer 6

Must be clearly specified

The setting is also usually clearly described

Question 7

Variables in quantitative research..

Answer 7

Something that varies

Ex. Age, weight, height, religion, ethnicity

Question 8

Variables in quantitative research

ON EXAM

Answer 8

Independent variable-X and Dependent variable-Y

Question 9

Quantitative research independent variable-X

Answer 9

Presumed to have the effect on Y

Manipulated

Question 10

Quantitative research dependent variable-Y

Answer 10

Varies depending on X
Not manipulated but observed
This is the variable we are interested in understanding

Question 11

A variable could be the…

Answer 11

Independent variable in one study and the dependent variable in another study

Question 12

Quantitative research within causal relationships

Answer 12

Changes in X do not necessarily CAUSE changes in Y
Changes in X are said to be RELATED to changes in Y
it cannot be assumed that changes in X CAUSED changes in Y

Question 13

Quantitative research Testability

Answer 13

The variables can be observed, measured, and analyzed

Question 14

Quantitative research hypothesis…

Answer 14

Predicts the expected outcome, determines how data are collected, analyzed and interpreted

Question 15

Quantitative research Directional hypothesis?

Answer 15

A directional research hypothesis predicts the expected direction of the relationship between X and Y

Question 16

Quantitative research Non Directional hypothesis

Answer 16

A nondirectional research hypothesis does not predict the anticipated direction of the relationship between X and Y

Question 17

What is a good hypothesis? (Quantitative research)

Answer 17

Testable: variables can be observed or measured
The population being studied is identified
Theory base: consistent with existing theory and research findings

Question 18

REMEMBER: Hypotheses are….

Answer 18

NEVER PROVEN. The results either support or do not support the hypothesis

Question 19

Quantitative clinical questions have four components:

Answer 19

(PICO)
Population
Intervention 
Comparison
Outcome

Question 20

Critiquing the research hypothesis in a quantitative study

Answer 20

Is there an implied relationship between variables?
Is population being studied described?
Can implied relationships be tested?
RQ should flow from literature review and theoretical framework

Question 21

Which is a ‘good’ hypothesis when X is independent and Y is dependent?

Answer 21

D. X will significantly improve Y in population B.

Question 22

A nurse states the purpose of a research study as, “this study will compare the effect of warm and cold applications on the resolution of intravenous (IV) infiltrations in hospitalized older-adult patients in the early postoperative period.” In this statement, what constitutes the independent variable(s)?

Answer 22

C. Warm and cold applications

NOTE: The dependent variable is D. The resolution of IV infiltrations