NURS 5366 quiz2
Chapter 5: Research Problem and Purpose
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A researcher has conducted 9 clinical studies, some quantitative and others qualitative, all of which focus on
depression’s relationship to perceived abandonment. “Depression’s relationship to perceived abandonment” is an example of
which of the following?
a. Research problem
b Research topic
.
c. Research purpose
d Problem statement
.
ANS: B
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for nursing practice.
Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for developing many
research purposes. The problem statement identifies the specific gap in the knowledge needed for practice. A nursing situation
often includes a variety of research topics or concepts.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 73
2. Why is replicating a research study essential for knowledge development?
a. Each time a study is replicated, its probability of error decreases.
b Reproducing a study decreases theoretical knowledge, increasing real knowledge.
.
c. Replication helps confirm that the initial results were not reached in error.
d Replication studies represent the majority of published nursing literature.
.
ANS: C
Replication involves reproducing or repeating a study to determine if similar findings will be obtained. Replication is essential
for knowledge development because it (1) establishes the credibility of the findings, (2) extends the generalizability of the
findings over a range of instances and contexts, (3) reduces the number of type I and type II errors, (4) corrects the limitations in
studies’ methodologies, (5) supports theory development, and (6) lessens the acceptance of erroneous results. Some researchers
replicate studies because they agree with the findings and wonder if the findings will hold up in different settings with different
subjects over time. Others want to challenge the findings or interpretations of prior investigators. However, the number of nursing
studies replicated continues to be limited.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 77
3. A nurse researcher working in a subacute orthopedic hospital floor. She notes that her elders with knee replacements
sleep as many as 16 hours a day, waking only for physical therapy and meals, but she also notices that those with m any visitors
sleep fewer hours and seem to experience more pain. She wonders whether sleep in elders after knee replacement prevents pain,
or whether elders select the coping strategy of sleeping more, in response to pain, and begins to attempt to identify the
relationship between the two. A literature search reveals only three descriptive studies on this topic, one quantitative and two
qualitative. What is “the relationship between elders’ hours of sleep following knee replacement and its relationship with report
of pain”?
a. The research aim
b The research purpose
.
c. The research problem
d The research topic
.
ANS: C
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for nursing practice.
Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for developing many
research purposes.
,NURS 5366 quiz2
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 73
4. A master’s student who works in cardiothoracic ICU reads a 20-year-old nursing research study; the findings document
use of much larger per-kilogram amounts of opioids and anxiolytics postoperatively in adults with open-heart surgery, as opposed
to children with open-heart surgery. The student strongly suspects that modern hospitals medicate children and adults more or
less the same, on a per-kilogram basis. She decides to replicate the original research in her hospital. What type of replication is
this?
a. Exact replication
b Concurrent replication
.
c. Systematic replication
d Approximate replication
.
ANS: D
Replication involves reproducing or repeating a study to determine whether similar findings will be obtained. Four different types
of replication are important in generating sound scientific knowledge for nursing: (1) exact, (2) approximate, (3) concurrent, and
(4) systematic extension. An exact, or identical, replication involves duplicating the initial researcher’s study to confirm the
original findings. All conditions of the original study must be maintained. An approximate, or operational, replication involves
repeating the original study under similar conditions, following the methods as closely as possible. A concurrent, or internal,
replication involves the collection of data for the original study and its simultaneous replication to provide a check of the
reliability of the original study. A systematic extension or constructive replication is done under distinctly new conditions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 77
5. A research study contains the question, “Can the application of twice-daily cortisone in the period from 6 to 10 weeks
postoperatively produce significantly increased range of motion in 50- to 60-year-old rotator-cuff repair patients at the six-month
mark?” The study is research.
a. Ethnographic
b Historical
.
c. Experimental
d Basic
.
ANS: C
Experimental studies are conducted in highly controlled settings and under highly controlled conditions to determine the effect of
one or more independent variables on one or more dependent variables. An experimental research question takes the form of,
“Does provision of increased A have an effect on B?” where the study variables are A and B, the relationship is a change in A and
its effect on B, and the question ends with a question mark.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 87
6. A knowledge gap is identified by a nurse researcher. Which of the following may NOT necessarily represent a
knowledge gap?
a. A literature search that shows that no quantitative research, but only qualitative research, exists in the area.
b The National Institutes of Health (NIH) identify the area as one of research priority.
.
c. The phenomenon of interest is a new disease, just identified in Phoenix, Arizona.
d There is one study examining a new intervention, but the research has not yet been replicated.
.
ANS: A
The lack of quantitative research may mean only that the phenomenon or idea of the research is not suited for quantitative
research, since some concepts are suitable only for qualitative enquiry. By questioning and reviewing the literature, researchers
begin to recognize a specific area of concern and the knowledge gap that surrounds it. The knowledge gap, or what is not known
about this clinical problem, determines the complexity and number of studies needed to generate essential knowledge for nursing
practice. Since 1975, expert researchers, specialty groups, professional organizations, and funding agencies have identified
nursing research priorities.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 87
7. Which of the following represents a concise, clear statement of the specific goal or aim of a research study?
,NURS 5366 quiz2
a. The research problem was identified as the general area of ignorance surrounding the causation and diagnosis of
meningococcal meningitis, especially among soldiers in uniform, and this constituted a significant gap in the literature.
b The purpose of the project, then, was to define changes in the variable of hypertension across time, with the four most
. prevalent treatment modalities prescribed by primary care physicians in the greater Chicago area.
c. The phenomenon of depression experienced by the primary schoolchild was focused upon in this study. It is an under-
researched topic, especially since recent research has identified correlational links with childhood obesity, especially
Hispanic and African-American populations.
d Despite the fact that studying the disease, especially from standpoints of prevention and early detection, is costly and time-
. consuming, it represents a clear priority, since treatment itself is remarkably costly and the afflicted are not likely to
experience even short remissions without early intervention.
ANS: B
The research purpose is a concise, clear statement of the specific goal or aim of the study that is generated from the research
problem. A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for nursing practice.
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. One source of research problems is research priorities identified by funding agencies and specialty groups.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 74
8. What is the relationship between a research topic and a research problem?
a. The purpose is the most general statement; the research topic is the most specific to the research itself.
b Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for developing many
. purposes.
c. The research topic and the research problem are identical.
d The research topic specifies setting and population, but the problem does not.
.
ANS: A
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for
developing many purposes. Thus, the identification of a relevant research topic and a challenging, significant problem can
facilitate the development of numerous study purposes to direct a lifetime program of research.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 73
9. Which of the following is the practicing nurse’s most important source of researchable problems?
a. The nurse’s own clinical practice
b Review of the literature
.
c. Nursing theories
d Administrative mandates to conduct clinical research on every hospital unit
.
ANS: A
The practice of nursing must be based on knowledge or evidence generated through research. Thus, clinical practice is an
extremely important source for research problems. Problems can evolve from clinical observations. A review of patient records,
treatment plans, and procedure manuals might reveal concerns or raise questions about practice that could be the basis for
research problems.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 75
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which of the following are considered evidence-generating? (Select all that apply.)
a. Replication of previous research
b Identification of research topics, followed by basic research
.
c. Applied research studies that examine clinical response to interventions
d Reviews of the literature
.
e. Qualitative research examining responses to diagnosis
ANS: A, B, C, E
, NURS 5366 quiz2
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. However, the lack of replication studies severely limits the generation of sound research findings needed for
evidence-based practice in nursing. Basic, or pure, research is a scientific investigation that involves the pursuit of “knowledge
for knowledge’s sake,” or for the pleasure of learning and finding truth. The purpose of basic research is to generate and re fine
theory and build constructs; thus, the findings are frequently not directly useful in practice. Replication of previously conducted
research is essential for knowledge development. By questioning and reviewing the literature, researchers begin to recognize a
specific area of concern and the knowledge gap that surrounds it; however, review of the literature does not generate knowledge
—it reviews previous knowledge. Questions focusing on investigating new techniques to improve existing skills, patient
responses to techniques, or ways to educate patients and families to perform techniques. . . could add to knowledge needed for
evidence-based practice.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 73
2. Reasons to conduct an exact replication include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
a. A different sample is used in the replication, because subjects seldom elect to undergo the same surgical procedure twice.
b The same site is again used, in order to decrease variation.
.
c. Sample size was adequate, the design was strong, and measurements were robust.
d Validation of the truthfulness of the original subjects’ responses is desired.
.
e. A similar population is used, in order to verify the findings.
ANS: B, C, D
Four different types of replication are important in generating sound scientific knowledge for nursing: (1) exact, (2) approximate,
(3) concurrent, and (4) systematic extension. An exact (or identical) replication involves duplicating the initial researcher’s study
to confirm the original findings. All conditions of the original study must be maintained. Exact replications might be thought of
as ideal to confirm original study findings, but these are frequently not attainable. In addition, one would not want to replicate the
errors in an original study, such as small sample size, weak design, or poor-quality measurement methods.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 77
3. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) funds various research projects that focus on its research
priorities. A master’s student wants to initiate research to study the relative accuracy of new computer-assisted assessment device
that painlessly measures blood glucose values through a probe just distal to the insertion hub of a central line, in patients on
insulin drips with hourly Accu-Chek readings. Does this pertain to any of the organization’s research priorities, listed here?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Technology use to achieve patient assessment, management, or outcomes
b Prevention and management of complications
.
c. Processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses
d Creation of a healing, humane environment
.
e. Development of processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses
ANS: A, D
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) determined initial research priorities for this specialty in the early
1980s and revised these priorities based on patients needs and the changes in health care. The current AACN (2011) research
priorities are identified on this organization’s website as (1) effective and appropriate use of technology to achieve optimal patient
assessment, management, or outcomes; (2) creation of a healing, humane environment; (3) processes and systems that foster the
optimal contribution of critical care nurses; (4) effective approaches to symptom management; and (5) prevention and
management of complications. This research study uses technology. Also, it saves the patient from interruptions in sleep, as the
nurse flushes a line and draws blood hourly, or performs hourly Accu-Cheks, if the line will not draw.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 79
4. “The purpose of the research will be, most likely, to document how admirable charitable efforts by The Children of the
Land were terminated by the well-meaning Los Angeles Police Force.” What is incorrect about this wording? (Select all that
apply.)
a. A police organization cannot be named in a research purpose.
b A purpose should specify methodology.
.
c. The terms admirable and well-meaning are both subjective.
d The purpose must identify the goal of the study, not the “most likely” goal.
Chapter 5: Research Problem and Purpose
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A researcher has conducted 9 clinical studies, some quantitative and others qualitative, all of which focus on
depression’s relationship to perceived abandonment. “Depression’s relationship to perceived abandonment” is an example of
which of the following?
a. Research problem
b Research topic
.
c. Research purpose
d Problem statement
.
ANS: B
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for nursing practice.
Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for developing many
research purposes. The problem statement identifies the specific gap in the knowledge needed for practice. A nursing situation
often includes a variety of research topics or concepts.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 73
2. Why is replicating a research study essential for knowledge development?
a. Each time a study is replicated, its probability of error decreases.
b Reproducing a study decreases theoretical knowledge, increasing real knowledge.
.
c. Replication helps confirm that the initial results were not reached in error.
d Replication studies represent the majority of published nursing literature.
.
ANS: C
Replication involves reproducing or repeating a study to determine if similar findings will be obtained. Replication is essential
for knowledge development because it (1) establishes the credibility of the findings, (2) extends the generalizability of the
findings over a range of instances and contexts, (3) reduces the number of type I and type II errors, (4) corrects the limitations in
studies’ methodologies, (5) supports theory development, and (6) lessens the acceptance of erroneous results. Some researchers
replicate studies because they agree with the findings and wonder if the findings will hold up in different settings with different
subjects over time. Others want to challenge the findings or interpretations of prior investigators. However, the number of nursing
studies replicated continues to be limited.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 77
3. A nurse researcher working in a subacute orthopedic hospital floor. She notes that her elders with knee replacements
sleep as many as 16 hours a day, waking only for physical therapy and meals, but she also notices that those with m any visitors
sleep fewer hours and seem to experience more pain. She wonders whether sleep in elders after knee replacement prevents pain,
or whether elders select the coping strategy of sleeping more, in response to pain, and begins to attempt to identify the
relationship between the two. A literature search reveals only three descriptive studies on this topic, one quantitative and two
qualitative. What is “the relationship between elders’ hours of sleep following knee replacement and its relationship with report
of pain”?
a. The research aim
b The research purpose
.
c. The research problem
d The research topic
.
ANS: C
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for nursing practice.
Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for developing many
research purposes.
,NURS 5366 quiz2
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 73
4. A master’s student who works in cardiothoracic ICU reads a 20-year-old nursing research study; the findings document
use of much larger per-kilogram amounts of opioids and anxiolytics postoperatively in adults with open-heart surgery, as opposed
to children with open-heart surgery. The student strongly suspects that modern hospitals medicate children and adults more or
less the same, on a per-kilogram basis. She decides to replicate the original research in her hospital. What type of replication is
this?
a. Exact replication
b Concurrent replication
.
c. Systematic replication
d Approximate replication
.
ANS: D
Replication involves reproducing or repeating a study to determine whether similar findings will be obtained. Four different types
of replication are important in generating sound scientific knowledge for nursing: (1) exact, (2) approximate, (3) concurrent, and
(4) systematic extension. An exact, or identical, replication involves duplicating the initial researcher’s study to confirm the
original findings. All conditions of the original study must be maintained. An approximate, or operational, replication involves
repeating the original study under similar conditions, following the methods as closely as possible. A concurrent, or internal,
replication involves the collection of data for the original study and its simultaneous replication to provide a check of the
reliability of the original study. A systematic extension or constructive replication is done under distinctly new conditions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 77
5. A research study contains the question, “Can the application of twice-daily cortisone in the period from 6 to 10 weeks
postoperatively produce significantly increased range of motion in 50- to 60-year-old rotator-cuff repair patients at the six-month
mark?” The study is research.
a. Ethnographic
b Historical
.
c. Experimental
d Basic
.
ANS: C
Experimental studies are conducted in highly controlled settings and under highly controlled conditions to determine the effect of
one or more independent variables on one or more dependent variables. An experimental research question takes the form of,
“Does provision of increased A have an effect on B?” where the study variables are A and B, the relationship is a change in A and
its effect on B, and the question ends with a question mark.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 87
6. A knowledge gap is identified by a nurse researcher. Which of the following may NOT necessarily represent a
knowledge gap?
a. A literature search that shows that no quantitative research, but only qualitative research, exists in the area.
b The National Institutes of Health (NIH) identify the area as one of research priority.
.
c. The phenomenon of interest is a new disease, just identified in Phoenix, Arizona.
d There is one study examining a new intervention, but the research has not yet been replicated.
.
ANS: A
The lack of quantitative research may mean only that the phenomenon or idea of the research is not suited for quantitative
research, since some concepts are suitable only for qualitative enquiry. By questioning and reviewing the literature, researchers
begin to recognize a specific area of concern and the knowledge gap that surrounds it. The knowledge gap, or what is not known
about this clinical problem, determines the complexity and number of studies needed to generate essential knowledge for nursing
practice. Since 1975, expert researchers, specialty groups, professional organizations, and funding agencies have identified
nursing research priorities.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 87
7. Which of the following represents a concise, clear statement of the specific goal or aim of a research study?
,NURS 5366 quiz2
a. The research problem was identified as the general area of ignorance surrounding the causation and diagnosis of
meningococcal meningitis, especially among soldiers in uniform, and this constituted a significant gap in the literature.
b The purpose of the project, then, was to define changes in the variable of hypertension across time, with the four most
. prevalent treatment modalities prescribed by primary care physicians in the greater Chicago area.
c. The phenomenon of depression experienced by the primary schoolchild was focused upon in this study. It is an under-
researched topic, especially since recent research has identified correlational links with childhood obesity, especially
Hispanic and African-American populations.
d Despite the fact that studying the disease, especially from standpoints of prevention and early detection, is costly and time-
. consuming, it represents a clear priority, since treatment itself is remarkably costly and the afflicted are not likely to
experience even short remissions without early intervention.
ANS: B
The research purpose is a concise, clear statement of the specific goal or aim of the study that is generated from the research
problem. A research problem is an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge base needed for nursing practice.
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. One source of research problems is research priorities identified by funding agencies and specialty groups.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page 74
8. What is the relationship between a research topic and a research problem?
a. The purpose is the most general statement; the research topic is the most specific to the research itself.
b Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for developing many
. purposes.
c. The research topic and the research problem are identical.
d The research topic specifies setting and population, but the problem does not.
.
ANS: A
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. Research topics contain numerous potential research problems, and each problem provides the basis for
developing many purposes. Thus, the identification of a relevant research topic and a challenging, significant problem can
facilitate the development of numerous study purposes to direct a lifetime program of research.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 73
9. Which of the following is the practicing nurse’s most important source of researchable problems?
a. The nurse’s own clinical practice
b Review of the literature
.
c. Nursing theories
d Administrative mandates to conduct clinical research on every hospital unit
.
ANS: A
The practice of nursing must be based on knowledge or evidence generated through research. Thus, clinical practice is an
extremely important source for research problems. Problems can evolve from clinical observations. A review of patient records,
treatment plans, and procedure manuals might reveal concerns or raise questions about practice that could be the basis for
research problems.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 75
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which of the following are considered evidence-generating? (Select all that apply.)
a. Replication of previous research
b Identification of research topics, followed by basic research
.
c. Applied research studies that examine clinical response to interventions
d Reviews of the literature
.
e. Qualitative research examining responses to diagnosis
ANS: A, B, C, E
, NURS 5366 quiz2
Research topics are concepts, phenomena of interest, or broad problem areas that researchers can focus on to enhance evidence-
based nursing. However, the lack of replication studies severely limits the generation of sound research findings needed for
evidence-based practice in nursing. Basic, or pure, research is a scientific investigation that involves the pursuit of “knowledge
for knowledge’s sake,” or for the pleasure of learning and finding truth. The purpose of basic research is to generate and re fine
theory and build constructs; thus, the findings are frequently not directly useful in practice. Replication of previously conducted
research is essential for knowledge development. By questioning and reviewing the literature, researchers begin to recognize a
specific area of concern and the knowledge gap that surrounds it; however, review of the literature does not generate knowledge
—it reviews previous knowledge. Questions focusing on investigating new techniques to improve existing skills, patient
responses to techniques, or ways to educate patients and families to perform techniques. . . could add to knowledge needed for
evidence-based practice.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 73
2. Reasons to conduct an exact replication include which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
a. A different sample is used in the replication, because subjects seldom elect to undergo the same surgical procedure twice.
b The same site is again used, in order to decrease variation.
.
c. Sample size was adequate, the design was strong, and measurements were robust.
d Validation of the truthfulness of the original subjects’ responses is desired.
.
e. A similar population is used, in order to verify the findings.
ANS: B, C, D
Four different types of replication are important in generating sound scientific knowledge for nursing: (1) exact, (2) approximate,
(3) concurrent, and (4) systematic extension. An exact (or identical) replication involves duplicating the initial researcher’s study
to confirm the original findings. All conditions of the original study must be maintained. Exact replications might be thought of
as ideal to confirm original study findings, but these are frequently not attainable. In addition, one would not want to replicate the
errors in an original study, such as small sample size, weak design, or poor-quality measurement methods.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis REF: Page 77
3. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) funds various research projects that focus on its research
priorities. A master’s student wants to initiate research to study the relative accuracy of new computer-assisted assessment device
that painlessly measures blood glucose values through a probe just distal to the insertion hub of a central line, in patients on
insulin drips with hourly Accu-Chek readings. Does this pertain to any of the organization’s research priorities, listed here?
(Select all that apply.)
a. Technology use to achieve patient assessment, management, or outcomes
b Prevention and management of complications
.
c. Processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses
d Creation of a healing, humane environment
.
e. Development of processes and systems that foster the optimal contribution of critical care nurses
ANS: A, D
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) determined initial research priorities for this specialty in the early
1980s and revised these priorities based on patients needs and the changes in health care. The current AACN (2011) research
priorities are identified on this organization’s website as (1) effective and appropriate use of technology to achieve optimal patient
assessment, management, or outcomes; (2) creation of a healing, humane environment; (3) processes and systems that foster the
optimal contribution of critical care nurses; (4) effective approaches to symptom management; and (5) prevention and
management of complications. This research study uses technology. Also, it saves the patient from interruptions in sleep, as the
nurse flushes a line and draws blood hourly, or performs hourly Accu-Cheks, if the line will not draw.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Page 79
4. “The purpose of the research will be, most likely, to document how admirable charitable efforts by The Children of the
Land were terminated by the well-meaning Los Angeles Police Force.” What is incorrect about this wording? (Select all that
apply.)
a. A police organization cannot be named in a research purpose.
b A purpose should specify methodology.
.
c. The terms admirable and well-meaning are both subjective.
d The purpose must identify the goal of the study, not the “most likely” goal.
