NUR 253 Exam 2 Study Guide: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Quantitative
Research Designs, Validity, Sampling, Measurement & Statistics | Q&A | Grade
A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Comprehensive Review: Causality, Control, Randomization, Experimental & Quasi-Experimental
Designs, Validity Threats, Sampling Methods, Levels of Measurement, Descriptive & Inferential Statistics
Subject: Nursing Research / Quantitative Research Methods / Statistics
Source: NUR 253 Exam 2 Study Guide Blueprint
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale & Evidence-Based Practice
Question 1
What are the key concepts in quantitative research designs?
Answer:Causality, probability, control, manipulation, bias, confounding, randomization, between-
groups and within-groups
CORRECT ANSWER
Causality, probability, control, manipulation, bias, confounding, randomization, between-
groups and within-groups
RATIONALE
• These concepts form the foundation for designing rigorous quantitative studies.
• Understanding each concept helps researchers control for error and bias.
,Question 2
What is causality in research?
Answer: One variable produces a change in another (Independent variable produces a change in the
Dependent variable).
CORRECT ANSWER
One variable produces a change in another (IV produces a change in the DV)
RATIONALE
• Causality requires that the cause precedes the effect, a relationship exists, and alternative
explanations are ruled out.
• Strongest evidence for causality comes from experimental designs with randomization.
Question 3
What is control in quantitative research?
Answer:
The ability to manipulate, regulate, or statistically adjust for factors that can affect the dependent
variable. Helps isolate the relationship between variables.
CORRECT ANSWER
The ability to manipulate, regulate, or statistically adjust for factors that can affect the
DV; helps isolate the relationship between variables
RATIONALE
• Control reduces the influence of extraneous variables.
• Achieved through randomization, standardized protocols, and statistical adjustments.
, Question 4
What is manipulation in research?
Answer:
The researcher actively introduces or changes a variable, typically involves an intervention or
treatment. Allows researchers to observe how outcomes change in response.
CORRECT ANSWER
Researcher actively introduces or changes a variable (intervention/treatment) to observe
how outcomes change in response
RATIONALE
• Manipulation is a key feature of experimental designs.
• Allows researchers to test cause-and-effect relationships.
Question 5
What is a confounding variable?
Answer:
Occurs when extraneous variables influence the outcome, making it difficult to determine the true
relationship between variables. The observed effect may be due to another factor.
CORRECT ANSWER
Extraneous variables influence the outcome, making it difficult to determine the true
relationship; observed effect may be due to another factor
RATIONALE
• Confounding threatens internal validity.
• Randomization and statistical controls help manage confounding.
Research Designs, Validity, Sampling, Measurement & Statistics | Q&A | Grade
A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers) – Nursing Program
Comprehensive Review: Causality, Control, Randomization, Experimental & Quasi-Experimental
Designs, Validity Threats, Sampling Methods, Levels of Measurement, Descriptive & Inferential Statistics
Subject: Nursing Research / Quantitative Research Methods / Statistics
Source: NUR 253 Exam 2 Study Guide Blueprint
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale & Evidence-Based Practice
Question 1
What are the key concepts in quantitative research designs?
Answer:Causality, probability, control, manipulation, bias, confounding, randomization, between-
groups and within-groups
CORRECT ANSWER
Causality, probability, control, manipulation, bias, confounding, randomization, between-
groups and within-groups
RATIONALE
• These concepts form the foundation for designing rigorous quantitative studies.
• Understanding each concept helps researchers control for error and bias.
,Question 2
What is causality in research?
Answer: One variable produces a change in another (Independent variable produces a change in the
Dependent variable).
CORRECT ANSWER
One variable produces a change in another (IV produces a change in the DV)
RATIONALE
• Causality requires that the cause precedes the effect, a relationship exists, and alternative
explanations are ruled out.
• Strongest evidence for causality comes from experimental designs with randomization.
Question 3
What is control in quantitative research?
Answer:
The ability to manipulate, regulate, or statistically adjust for factors that can affect the dependent
variable. Helps isolate the relationship between variables.
CORRECT ANSWER
The ability to manipulate, regulate, or statistically adjust for factors that can affect the
DV; helps isolate the relationship between variables
RATIONALE
• Control reduces the influence of extraneous variables.
• Achieved through randomization, standardized protocols, and statistical adjustments.
, Question 4
What is manipulation in research?
Answer:
The researcher actively introduces or changes a variable, typically involves an intervention or
treatment. Allows researchers to observe how outcomes change in response.
CORRECT ANSWER
Researcher actively introduces or changes a variable (intervention/treatment) to observe
how outcomes change in response
RATIONALE
• Manipulation is a key feature of experimental designs.
• Allows researchers to test cause-and-effect relationships.
Question 5
What is a confounding variable?
Answer:
Occurs when extraneous variables influence the outcome, making it difficult to determine the true
relationship between variables. The observed effect may be due to another factor.
CORRECT ANSWER
Extraneous variables influence the outcome, making it difficult to determine the true
relationship; observed effect may be due to another factor
RATIONALE
• Confounding threatens internal validity.
• Randomization and statistical controls help manage confounding.
