NUR 363: REVISION: EXAMPLE SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Question 1

Explain how researchers ensure validity in quantitative research

Answer 1

A measure is valid if it measures correctly and accurately what it is intended to measure

the study is valid (reliable) if it measures what it claims to measure

2 types:
internal validity - accurately measures cause or relationship
External validity - can the results be generalised with the population

Question 2

Describe FOUR (4) ways in which researchers ensure rigor in qualitative research

Think CCAT

Answer 2

1. Credibility - truthfulness
2. Auditability - Consistency
3. Transferability - fittingness/applicability
4. Confirmability - no bias or distortion

Question 3

Describe the process and purpose of triangulation

Answer 3

Using two or more methods for either data collection or data analysis in order to strengthen a study

Question 4

Describe FOUR (4) qualitative data collection methods

Answer 4

1. Interviews
2. Journal articles / other written data
3. Observation
4. Examination of documents

Question 5

Describe THREE (3) major quantitative data collection methods

Answer 5

1. Interviews
2. Physiologic / laboratory - based
3. Questions and self - report scales - questionnaires

Question 6

Define evidence-based nursing practice

Answer 6

Nurses making clinical decisions based on scientific evidence, clinical expertise and experience, patient values and preferences and the best available research evidence

Question 7

The abstract of a research report usually includes the following MAJOR sections:

Answer 7

Background

Research question or aims

Findings

Conclusions

Question 8

Briefly define:

independent variable

Answer 8

Manipulated - the cause

eg. does smoking cause cancer

independent variable =
smoking

Question 9

Briefly define:

dependent variable

Answer 9

measured - the effect

eg. does smoking cause cancer

dependent variable = cancer

A has an affect on B

Question 10

In relation to measurement error in quantitative data collection
i) Define reliability

Answer 10

A measure that can be relied upon consistently to give the same result if the aspect being measured has not changed

Question 11

In relation to measurement error in quantitative data collection
ii) Define validity

Answer 11

Reflects how accurately the measure yields information about the true or real variable being measured

a measure is valid if it measures correctly what it is intended to measure