NURS 406 Quiz 1
Nursing Research Foundations, Historical Milestones,
Paradigms of Inquiry & Knowledge Development
Comprehensive Quiz Practice Review — 50 Questions
2026–2027 Curriculum Aligned | 100% Correct Answers
Undergraduate Nursing Research
Course Review Series
Abstract
This comprehensive practice review document presents 50 carefully constructed
multiple-choice questions designed to assess and reinforce undergraduate nursing
students' understanding of foundational research concepts. Organized across five
thematic sections, the review addresses the core pillars of nursing research science:
the introduction to nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP); the
historical foundations and key figures who shaped the discipline; the philosophical
paradigms and ways of knowing that underpin research methodologies; the systematic
research process from problem identification through data analysis; and the dynamic
integration of research, theory, and clinical practice. Each question is accompanied
by the correct answer and a detailed rationale that explains the underlying reasoning,
supporting deep learning and exam preparation. This resource is aligned with the
2026–2027 NURS 406 curriculum standards.
, NURS 406 Quiz 1 | Nursing Research Foundations, Historical Milestones, Paradigms of Inquiry & Knowledge Development
Keywords: Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Carper's Ways of Knowing, Research Paradigms,
Research Process, Historical Milestones, Implementation Science, Knowledge Translation, Quadruple Aim,
Boyer's Scholarship Model
Page 1
, NURS 406 Quiz 1 | Nursing Research Foundations, Historical Milestones, Paradigms of Inquiry & Knowledge Development
Section 1: Introduction to Nursing Research,
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), and Knowledge
Development
1. A nurse manager notices a high rate of patient falls on the unit and decides to implement a new
hourly rounding protocol based on current clinical guidelines, without collecting new data to test its
efficacy. This action is best described as:
A. Conducting primary nursing research
B. Evidence-based practice (EBP) ✓
C. Quality improvement (QI)
D. Developing a new nursing theory
Correct Answer: B
Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best current research evidence with clinical expertise and
patient values to make care decisions; it applies existing knowledge rather than generating new knowledge
(research) or solely monitoring local processes (QI).
2. Which of the following best distinguishes nursing research from quality improvement (QI)?
A. Nursing research aims to generate generalizable new knowledge, while QI focuses on improving
local processes and outcomes. ✓
B. Nursing research does not require ethical review, whereas QI always requires full IRB approval.
C. QI is conducted only by PhD-prepared nurses, while research is conducted by bedside staff.
D. Nursing research focuses on individual patient care, while QI focuses on national healthcare policy.
Correct Answer: A
The primary distinction is that research seeks to develop generalizable knowledge to answer a specific question,
whereas QI evaluates and improves local clinical processes and does not necessarily aim for generalizability.
3. According to Boyer's model of scholarship, a nurse who conducts an original randomized
controlled trial to test a new wound care intervention is engaging in the:
A. Scholarship of teaching
B. Scholarship of integration
C. Scholarship of discovery ✓
D. Scholarship of application
Correct Answer: C
The scholarship of discovery involves conducting original research to generate new knowledge; integration
synthesizes existing knowledge, application translates it to practice, and teaching focuses on pedagogy.
Page 2
Nursing Research Foundations, Historical Milestones,
Paradigms of Inquiry & Knowledge Development
Comprehensive Quiz Practice Review — 50 Questions
2026–2027 Curriculum Aligned | 100% Correct Answers
Undergraduate Nursing Research
Course Review Series
Abstract
This comprehensive practice review document presents 50 carefully constructed
multiple-choice questions designed to assess and reinforce undergraduate nursing
students' understanding of foundational research concepts. Organized across five
thematic sections, the review addresses the core pillars of nursing research science:
the introduction to nursing research and evidence-based practice (EBP); the
historical foundations and key figures who shaped the discipline; the philosophical
paradigms and ways of knowing that underpin research methodologies; the systematic
research process from problem identification through data analysis; and the dynamic
integration of research, theory, and clinical practice. Each question is accompanied
by the correct answer and a detailed rationale that explains the underlying reasoning,
supporting deep learning and exam preparation. This resource is aligned with the
2026–2027 NURS 406 curriculum standards.
, NURS 406 Quiz 1 | Nursing Research Foundations, Historical Milestones, Paradigms of Inquiry & Knowledge Development
Keywords: Nursing Research, Evidence-Based Practice, Carper's Ways of Knowing, Research Paradigms,
Research Process, Historical Milestones, Implementation Science, Knowledge Translation, Quadruple Aim,
Boyer's Scholarship Model
Page 1
, NURS 406 Quiz 1 | Nursing Research Foundations, Historical Milestones, Paradigms of Inquiry & Knowledge Development
Section 1: Introduction to Nursing Research,
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), and Knowledge
Development
1. A nurse manager notices a high rate of patient falls on the unit and decides to implement a new
hourly rounding protocol based on current clinical guidelines, without collecting new data to test its
efficacy. This action is best described as:
A. Conducting primary nursing research
B. Evidence-based practice (EBP) ✓
C. Quality improvement (QI)
D. Developing a new nursing theory
Correct Answer: B
Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best current research evidence with clinical expertise and
patient values to make care decisions; it applies existing knowledge rather than generating new knowledge
(research) or solely monitoring local processes (QI).
2. Which of the following best distinguishes nursing research from quality improvement (QI)?
A. Nursing research aims to generate generalizable new knowledge, while QI focuses on improving
local processes and outcomes. ✓
B. Nursing research does not require ethical review, whereas QI always requires full IRB approval.
C. QI is conducted only by PhD-prepared nurses, while research is conducted by bedside staff.
D. Nursing research focuses on individual patient care, while QI focuses on national healthcare policy.
Correct Answer: A
The primary distinction is that research seeks to develop generalizable knowledge to answer a specific question,
whereas QI evaluates and improves local clinical processes and does not necessarily aim for generalizability.
3. According to Boyer's model of scholarship, a nurse who conducts an original randomized
controlled trial to test a new wound care intervention is engaging in the:
A. Scholarship of teaching
B. Scholarship of integration
C. Scholarship of discovery ✓
D. Scholarship of application
Correct Answer: C
The scholarship of discovery involves conducting original research to generate new knowledge; integration
synthesizes existing knowledge, application translates it to practice, and teaching focuses on pedagogy.
Page 2
