Research in Nursing: Definition, Purpose, and Applications

Question 1

Which type of nursing research involves the systematic collection and analysis of qualitative data, such as interviews, observations, or documents?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative nursing research

Answer

Quantitative nursing research

Answer

Mixed-methods nursing research

Answer

Experimental nursing research

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a literature review in nursing research?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing knowledge on a particular topic

Answer

To develop a new and original theory

Answer

To simply provide a list of sources for further reading

Answer

To summarize the researcher's own previous work

Question 3

In nursing research, what is the variable that is being manipulated or controlled by the researcher?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Answer

Dependent variable

Answer

Control variable

Answer

Confounding variable

Question 4

What is a key benefit of conducting mixed-methods research in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Combining the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches

Answer

Reducing the overall cost of the research project

Answer

Increasing the sample size and generalizability of the findings

Answer

Eliminating the need for a literature review

Question 5

What is the primary goal of research in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To create new knowledge and strengthen the scientific basis of nursing

Answer

To assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions

Answer

To enhance patient care directly

Answer

To develop evidence-based nursing practice guidelines

Question 6

What is the primary benefit of using research in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Better patient outcomes

Answer

Increased job satisfaction

Answer

More research funding

Answer

Personal recognition

Question 7

What is the primary aim of research in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To contribute to nursing knowledge and improve patient care outcomes

Answer

To generate revenue for healthcare organizations

Answer

To fulfill academic requirements

Answer

To promote the personal interests of researchers

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a type of quantitative research design?

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory design

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Cross-sectional design

Answer

Cohort design

Question 9

What is the initial step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observing a phenomenon

Answer

Formulating a hypothesis

Answer

Collecting data

Answer

Analyzing results

Question 10

What is the function of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Ensure ethical conduct of the research

Answer

Provide funding for the research

Answer

Promote the research to potential participants

Answer

Critique the research findings

Question 11

How are hypotheses and theories different in research?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a specific prediction, while a theory is a more general explanation

Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation, while a theory is a proven fact

Answer

A hypothesis is based on evidence, while a theory is based on speculation

Answer

There is no difference between a hypothesis and a theory

Question 12

Why is it important to use reliable and valid research methods?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the research findings are credible and accurate

Answer

To avoid wasting time and resources on flawed research

Answer

To impress colleagues and peers

Answer

To comply with legal and ethical requirements

Question 13

Which of the following is not a defining characteristic of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Bias

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Replication

Question 14

Which research design involves tracking a group of individuals over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal

Answer

Cross-sectional

Answer

Qualitative

Answer

Quantitative

Question 15

What is the initial stage in a research project?

Accepted Answer

Formulating a research question

Answer

Reviewing relevant literature

Answer

Gathering data

Answer

Analyzing data

Question 16

What is a key characteristic of quantitative research?

Accepted Answer

Uses numerical data

Answer

Involves small sample sizes

Answer

Relies on subjective interpretations

Answer

Emphasizes qualitative data collection

Question 17

Qualitative research is designed to:

Accepted Answer

Explore new phenomena or gain a deeper understanding

Answer

Test specific hypotheses

Answer

Validate existing theories

Answer

Quantify the relationship between variables

Question 18

Which element is NOT a characteristic of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Personal bias

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Systematism

Answer

Hypothesis testing

Question 19

Which research design is most suitable for exploring a complex phenomenon with multiple variables?

Accepted Answer

Mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Quasi-experimental design

Answer

Non-experimental design

Question 20

Which step is NOT included in the research process?

Accepted Answer

Implementing the research findings into practice

Answer

Defining the research question

Answer

Conducting a literature review

Answer

Communicating the research findings

Question 21

Which characteristic accurately describes the nature of research in nursing?

Accepted Answer

It is methodologically rigorous and impartial.

Answer

Its findings can be applied to vast populations.

Answer

It is exclusively conducted within laboratory settings.

Answer

It solely focuses on describing phenomena.

Question 22

Which research type is designed to explore relationships between variables?

Accepted Answer

Correlational research

Answer

Descriptive research

Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Qualitative research

Question 23

In the scientific method, what step typically comes first?

Accepted Answer

Observation

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Hypothesis development

Answer

Conclusion

Question 24

Which element of research involves gathering information?

Accepted Answer

Data collection

Answer

Data analysis

Answer

Interpretation

Answer

Dissemination

Question 25

In nursing research, theory primarily serves which function?

Accepted Answer

Providing structure for organizing and explaining research findings

Answer

Generating new research questions and hypotheses

Answer

Ensuring the validity and reliability of data collection methods

Answer

Establishing the ethical implications of research studies

Question 26

A fundamental principle of the scientific method is:

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and reliance on empirical evidence

Answer

Subjectivity and personal biases

Answer

Absence of systematic and logical approach

Answer

Inability to replicate and reproduce findings

Question 27

Which type of research involves manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Descriptive research

Answer

Correlational research

Answer

Qualitative research

Question 28

Which feature is NOT characteristic of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Relying on personal experiences and assumptions

Answer

Emphasizing objectivity

Answer

Employing systematic observation and experimentation

Answer

Involving replication and verification

Question 29

Which type of research aims primarily to explore new phenomena or concepts?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative Research

Answer

Quantitative Research

Answer

Experimental Research

Answer

Mixed Methods Research

Question 30

Which key distinction separates inductive from deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning draws general conclusions from specific observations, while deductive reasoning applies general principles to specific cases.

Answer

Inductive reasoning relies on empirical evidence, while deductive reasoning relies on logical arguments.

Answer

Inductive reasoning is used to form theories, while deductive reasoning is used to test theories.

Answer

Inductive reasoning is more common in qualitative research, while deductive reasoning is more common in quantitative research.

Question 31

Which of the following best defines research?

Accepted Answer

A systematic and organized investigation to discover new knowledge or revise existing ones with the aim of contributing to a body of scientific knowledge.

Answer

A random gathering of data without a specific purpose.

Answer

A process of guesswork and experimentation.

Question 32

Why is research important in nursing?

Accepted Answer

It generates evidence-based knowledge to improve patient outcomes, advance nursing practice, and inform healthcare policies.

Answer

It helps nurses pass their licensing exams.

Answer

It allows nurses to publish their work in academic journals.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

It relies on personal beliefs and opinions.

Answer

It generates hypotheses that can be empirically tested.

Answer

It involves systematic observation and experimentation.

Answer

It requires the use of valid and reliable data.

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research question, methodology, potential significance, and expected outcomes, providing a roadmap for the research project.

Answer

To summarize the results of a completed study.

Answer

To obtain funding for a research project.

Question 35

Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Survey

Answer

Ethnography

Answer

Focus group

Answer

Case study

Question 36

What is the primary goal of descriptive research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a detailed description and analysis of a phenomenon, its characteristics, and its distribution within a population.

Answer

To predict future outcomes.

Answer

To test a specific hypothesis.

Answer

To explore new concepts or ideas.

Question 37

Which of the following resources provides access to a wide range of peer-reviewed research articles?

Accepted Answer

Academic databases

Answer

Social media

Answer

Personal blogs

Answer

Online encyclopedias

Question 38

What is the primary purpose of research in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

To improve patient care and health outcomes.

Answer

To satisfy curiosity about nursing-related topics.

Answer

To fulfill academic requirements for a nursing degree.

Answer

To advance the field of nursing through new discoveries.

Question 39

A nurse researcher is testing the effectiveness of a new intervention for managing anxiety in patients with heart failure. This type of research is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Applied research

Answer

Basic research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Question 40

What is the fundamental goal of the scientific method in research?

Accepted Answer

To systematically collect and analyze data to draw evidence-based conclusions.

Answer

To eliminate all bias from research findings.

Answer

To develop innovative research techniques.

Answer

To definitively prove a hypothesis is true.

Question 41

A nurse wants to understand the experiences of individuals living with a chronic illness. Which research approach would be most suitable for this study?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Quantitative research

Answer

Mixed methods research

Answer

Experimental research

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a well-defined research question?

Accepted Answer

It is open-ended, allowing for multiple interpretations.

Answer

It is relevant to the field of nursing.

Answer

It is clear and concise.

Answer

It is specific and focused.

Question 43

A nurse researcher is investigating the connection between sleep quality and blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this study, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Sleep quality

Answer

Blood sugar control

Answer

Patient age

Answer

Type 2 diabetes

Question 44

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review in the research process?

Accepted Answer

To synthesize existing research on a topic and identify knowledge gaps.

Answer

To collect and analyze data.

Answer

To write a research report.

Answer

To formulate a research question.

Question 45

A nurse researcher wants to ensure the findings of a study can be generalized to a broader population. Which factor is MOST crucial for achieving this?

Accepted Answer

Using a representative sample of the target population.

Answer

Collecting quantitative data.

Answer

Employing a rigorous research design.

Answer

Controlling for extraneous variables.

Question 46

Which of the following is an essential ethical consideration in research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Literature review methods

Answer

Data analysis techniques

Answer

Statistical significance

Question 47

In a study evaluating the effectiveness of a new wound care product, what is the purpose of a control group?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline comparison for the group receiving the new product.

Answer

To increase the sample size of the study.

Answer

To provide additional support to participants.

Answer

To ensure all participants receive the new product.