NR505 Advanced Research
Methods Exam 2025/2026 –
Verified Correct Answers &
Rationales | Chamberlain
Question 1
What is the first step in the evidence-based practice (EBP) process according to the Iowa Model?
A. Conduct a literature search B. Identify a problem or trigger for change C. Evaluate the
implementation D. Disseminate findings
B. Identify a problem or trigger for change
Rationale: The Iowa Model begins with problem identification to ensure EBP addresses relevant
clinical issues, promoting a systematic approach to integrating research into nursing practice for
improved patient outcomes.
Question 2
In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), what is the primary purpose of randomization?
A. To increase sample size B. To minimize selection bias and ensure group comparability C. To
reduce costs D. To speed up data collection
B. To minimize selection bias and ensure group comparability
Rationale: Randomization distributes confounders evenly, enhancing internal validity in RCTs,
a cornerstone of experimental study design in nursing research for causal inference.
Question 3
A p-value of 0.03 in a study indicates?
A. No statistical significance B. Statistical significance at the 0.05 level C. A large effect size D.
Clinical relevance
,B. Statistical significance at the 0.05 level
Rationale: A p-value <0.05 rejects the null hypothesis, indicating statistical significance;
however, nursing research principles emphasize combining this with effect size and clinical
relevance for data interpretation.
Question 4
Which level of evidence is considered the highest in the hierarchy for EBP in nursing?
A. Expert opinion B. Case reports C. Systematic reviews of RCTs D. Cohort studies
C. Systematic reviews of RCTs
Rationale: Systematic reviews synthesize multiple RCTs, minimizing bias and providing robust
evidence; this top-tier placement in the evidence pyramid guides EBP decisions in nursing for
optimal patient care.
Question 5
In qualitative research, grounded theory is best suited for?
A. Testing hypotheses B. Generating theory from data C. Measuring variables D. Establishing
causality
B. Generating theory from data
Rationale: Grounded theory uses iterative coding to develop emergent theories from
participants' experiences, a qualitative design principle in nursing research for exploring complex
phenomena like patient coping.
Question 6
What does a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.2 to 2.8 around an odds ratio mean?
A. The estimate is imprecise B. The true value likely falls between 1.2 and 2.8 C. There is no
association D. The p-value is >0.05
B. The true value likely falls between 1.2 and 2.8
Rationale: The CI represents the range where the population parameter lies 95% of the time; in
nursing data interpretation, a CI not crossing 1 indicates significance, aiding risk assessment.
Question 7
, The Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model focuses on?
A. Only quantitative evidence B. Three phases: practice question, evidence, translation C. Cost -
benefit analysis primarily D. Qualitative methods exclusively
B. Three phases: practice question, evidence, translation
Rationale: This model structures EBP implementation in nursing with PET (Practice question,
Evidence, Translation), emphasizing practical application of research to clinical settings.
Question 8
In a cohort study, participants are selected based on?
A. Exposure status and followed over time B. Disease status C. Random assignment D.
Convenience sampling
A. Exposure status and followed over time
Rationale: Prospective or retrospective cohort designs track outcomes from exposure, ideal for
incidence and risk factors in nursing research, such as smoking and COPD.
Question 9
Inferential statistics are used to?
A. Describe sample data B. Make generalizations to the population C. Calculate means only D.
Summarize frequencies
B. Make generalizations to the population
Rationale: Inferential methods like t-tests infer population parameters from samples, a
fundamental data interpretation principle in nursing research for evidence generalization.
Question 10
Which study design is most prone to recall bias?
A. RCT B. Case-control study C. Cross-sectional study D. Systematic review
B. Case-control study
Rationale: Retrospective recall of exposures in case-control designs can bias results; nursing
researchers mitigate this with validated tools in studies like vaccine efficacy.
Methods Exam 2025/2026 –
Verified Correct Answers &
Rationales | Chamberlain
Question 1
What is the first step in the evidence-based practice (EBP) process according to the Iowa Model?
A. Conduct a literature search B. Identify a problem or trigger for change C. Evaluate the
implementation D. Disseminate findings
B. Identify a problem or trigger for change
Rationale: The Iowa Model begins with problem identification to ensure EBP addresses relevant
clinical issues, promoting a systematic approach to integrating research into nursing practice for
improved patient outcomes.
Question 2
In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), what is the primary purpose of randomization?
A. To increase sample size B. To minimize selection bias and ensure group comparability C. To
reduce costs D. To speed up data collection
B. To minimize selection bias and ensure group comparability
Rationale: Randomization distributes confounders evenly, enhancing internal validity in RCTs,
a cornerstone of experimental study design in nursing research for causal inference.
Question 3
A p-value of 0.03 in a study indicates?
A. No statistical significance B. Statistical significance at the 0.05 level C. A large effect size D.
Clinical relevance
,B. Statistical significance at the 0.05 level
Rationale: A p-value <0.05 rejects the null hypothesis, indicating statistical significance;
however, nursing research principles emphasize combining this with effect size and clinical
relevance for data interpretation.
Question 4
Which level of evidence is considered the highest in the hierarchy for EBP in nursing?
A. Expert opinion B. Case reports C. Systematic reviews of RCTs D. Cohort studies
C. Systematic reviews of RCTs
Rationale: Systematic reviews synthesize multiple RCTs, minimizing bias and providing robust
evidence; this top-tier placement in the evidence pyramid guides EBP decisions in nursing for
optimal patient care.
Question 5
In qualitative research, grounded theory is best suited for?
A. Testing hypotheses B. Generating theory from data C. Measuring variables D. Establishing
causality
B. Generating theory from data
Rationale: Grounded theory uses iterative coding to develop emergent theories from
participants' experiences, a qualitative design principle in nursing research for exploring complex
phenomena like patient coping.
Question 6
What does a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.2 to 2.8 around an odds ratio mean?
A. The estimate is imprecise B. The true value likely falls between 1.2 and 2.8 C. There is no
association D. The p-value is >0.05
B. The true value likely falls between 1.2 and 2.8
Rationale: The CI represents the range where the population parameter lies 95% of the time; in
nursing data interpretation, a CI not crossing 1 indicates significance, aiding risk assessment.
Question 7
, The Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP Model focuses on?
A. Only quantitative evidence B. Three phases: practice question, evidence, translation C. Cost -
benefit analysis primarily D. Qualitative methods exclusively
B. Three phases: practice question, evidence, translation
Rationale: This model structures EBP implementation in nursing with PET (Practice question,
Evidence, Translation), emphasizing practical application of research to clinical settings.
Question 8
In a cohort study, participants are selected based on?
A. Exposure status and followed over time B. Disease status C. Random assignment D.
Convenience sampling
A. Exposure status and followed over time
Rationale: Prospective or retrospective cohort designs track outcomes from exposure, ideal for
incidence and risk factors in nursing research, such as smoking and COPD.
Question 9
Inferential statistics are used to?
A. Describe sample data B. Make generalizations to the population C. Calculate means only D.
Summarize frequencies
B. Make generalizations to the population
Rationale: Inferential methods like t-tests infer population parameters from samples, a
fundamental data interpretation principle in nursing research for evidence generalization.
Question 10
Which study design is most prone to recall bias?
A. RCT B. Case-control study C. Cross-sectional study D. Systematic review
B. Case-control study
Rationale: Retrospective recall of exposures in case-control designs can bias results; nursing
researchers mitigate this with validated tools in studies like vaccine efficacy.
