Quantitative Methods STUDY GUIDE 2026
ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
● What is correlational research? Answer: the systematic investigation
of relationships between or among variables. Using correlational
analysis, the researcher is able to determine the degree or strength and
type (positive or negative) of relationship between two variables.
Remember, this type of study does not show cause and effect.
● What is quasi-experimental research? Answer: it examines causal
relationships or determines the effect of one variable on another. These
studies involve implementing a treatment and examining the effect of
the treatment using selected methods of measurement.
● What is experimental research? Answer: an objective, systematic,
highly controlled investigation for the purpose of predicting and
controlling phenomena in nursing practice. Causality between the
independent and dependent variables is examined under highly
controlled conditions.
● What are the three main characteristics of experimental research?
Answer: controlled manipulation of at least one treatment variable (the
independent variable), exposure of some of the subjects to the treatment
(experimental group) and no exposure of the remaining subjects (control
, group), and random assignment of subjects to either the control or the
experimental group.
● What is basic or "pure" research? Answer: scientific investigation that
involves the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake, or for the
pleasure of learning and finding truth
● What is applied or "practical" research? Answer: scientific
investigation conducted to generate knowledge that will directly
influence or improve clinical practice. The purpose of this type of
research is to solve problems, make decisions, or predict or control
outcomes in real life practice situations. These findings can also be
useful to policy makers as a basis for making changes to address health
and social problems.
● What is rigor in quantitative research? Answer: Rigor is striving for
excellence in research, and it requires discipline, adherence to detail, and
strict accuracy. A rigorously conducted quantitative study has precise
measuring tools, a representative sample, and a tightly controlled study
design.
● What is precision in quantitative research? Answer: Precision
encompasses accuracy, detail, and order. It is evident in the concise
statement of the research purpose and detailed development of the study
design. The most explicit example of precision is the measurement or
quantification of the study's variables.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
● What is correlational research? Answer: the systematic investigation
of relationships between or among variables. Using correlational
analysis, the researcher is able to determine the degree or strength and
type (positive or negative) of relationship between two variables.
Remember, this type of study does not show cause and effect.
● What is quasi-experimental research? Answer: it examines causal
relationships or determines the effect of one variable on another. These
studies involve implementing a treatment and examining the effect of
the treatment using selected methods of measurement.
● What is experimental research? Answer: an objective, systematic,
highly controlled investigation for the purpose of predicting and
controlling phenomena in nursing practice. Causality between the
independent and dependent variables is examined under highly
controlled conditions.
● What are the three main characteristics of experimental research?
Answer: controlled manipulation of at least one treatment variable (the
independent variable), exposure of some of the subjects to the treatment
(experimental group) and no exposure of the remaining subjects (control
, group), and random assignment of subjects to either the control or the
experimental group.
● What is basic or "pure" research? Answer: scientific investigation that
involves the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge's sake, or for the
pleasure of learning and finding truth
● What is applied or "practical" research? Answer: scientific
investigation conducted to generate knowledge that will directly
influence or improve clinical practice. The purpose of this type of
research is to solve problems, make decisions, or predict or control
outcomes in real life practice situations. These findings can also be
useful to policy makers as a basis for making changes to address health
and social problems.
● What is rigor in quantitative research? Answer: Rigor is striving for
excellence in research, and it requires discipline, adherence to detail, and
strict accuracy. A rigorously conducted quantitative study has precise
measuring tools, a representative sample, and a tightly controlled study
design.
● What is precision in quantitative research? Answer: Precision
encompasses accuracy, detail, and order. It is evident in the concise
statement of the research purpose and detailed development of the study
design. The most explicit example of precision is the measurement or
quantification of the study's variables.
