Nursing Research Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence Based Practice, 8th Edition by Geri LoBiondo – Test Bank

Nursing Research Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence Based Practice, 8th Edition by Geri LoBiondo – Test Bank

Chapter 07: Appraising Qualitative Research

Test Bank

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. In the report of a qualitative research study, what does a theme represent?

a.

A guideline for evaluating the appropriateness of the study

b.

The operational definition of the study’s conceptual framework

c.

A label that describes key ideas shared by study participants

d.

The relationship between the study’s hypotheses and the research questions

ANS: C

Feedback

A

A theme is not a guideline for evaluation of the study.

B

Conceptual frameworks are found in reports of quantitative, not qualitative, studies.

C

A theme is a label (concept or phrase) that describes in a condensed way a key idea shared by study participants, usually derived from interviews.

D

Hypotheses are characteristic of quantitative, not qualitative, studies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 132

2. The identification of themes is important when reviewing findings of a qualitative research report because themes do what?

a.

Reflect congruence between the questions asked and the methodology

b.

Allow description of a large quantity of data in a condensed format

c.

Demonstrate both the emic and etic views of a topic

d.

Explain the nature of differences reported by participants experiencing a common phenomenon

ANS: B

Feedback

A

Themes do not reflect congruence between the study’s questions and methods.

B

Themes allow a condensed representation of quotes or indicators of the same idea from multiple participants.

C

Themes reflect emic, not etic, perspectives.

D

Differences reported by participants are not reflected in a single theme.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 132

3. Which of these titles of a research report indicates the study is qualitative, rather than quantitative?

a.

Predicting the treatment choice for women older than age 50 experiencing breast cancer

b.

Evaluating nursing interventions for complex oncology clinical phenomena

c.

Using virtual reality as a distraction method during chemotherapy

d.

Transcending pain during bone marrow aspiration

ANS: D

Feedback

A

This title suggests a quantitative study in which statistical analysis is used.

B

This title suggests a quantitative study that predicts a treatment choice.

C

This title suggests a quantitative study in which virtual reality is the experimental variable.

D

This title suggests a qualitative study because it describes responses to a human experience.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) REF: Page 133-134

4. Which outcome or overall purpose would be consistent with a qualitative study?

a.

Development of creative solutions to practical problems

b.

Prediction and control of a human phenomenon

c.

Description of behavior within a context-free theoretical framework

d.

Use of statistical analyses to determine significant differences between variables

ANS: A

Feedback

A

A characteristic of many qualitative research studies is the development of new and creative solutions to practical problems.

B

Prediction and control of phenomena are characteristic of quantitative research.

C

Both quantitative and qualitative research studies must be interpreted within context. Theoretical frameworks are consistent with both qualitative and quantitative research.

D

Statistical analysis to determine significant differences is characteristic of quantitative studies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) REF: Page 134

5. Which criterion helps to determine whether the results of a qualitative study can be applied beyond the study sample or population?

a.

Evidence of fittingness or transferability of the findings

b.

Evidence of trustworthiness or validity of the findings

c.

Credentials and experience of the person applying the findings

d.

Statistical significance and reliability of the findings

ANS: A

Feedback

A

The findings of qualitative studies should not be applied beyond the study sample unless evidence is provided for the study’s transferability or fittingness.

B

Evidence of trustworthiness or validity of the findings applies to the study, only, and does not imply transferability beyond the study population.

C

Although credentials of the person applying the findings are important, they do not guarantee that the application beyond the study population is appropriate.

D

The statistical significance and reliability measurements of findings are characteristics of quantitative research findings.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 154

6. Before applying the results of a qualitative study in practice, the nurse should take several actions including which of these actions?

a.

Use triangulation to combine quantitative and qualitative methods in a replication study.

b.

Evaluate the credentials and experience of the researcher who conducted the study.

c.

Determine if the concepts/themes identified in the study support the work completed by other researchers.

d.

Be sure that the study’s findings were significant at the 0.05 or greater level of probability.

ANS: C

Feedback

A

Triangulation is used to strengthen the research design of a study by combining multiple measures (e.g., qualitative and quantitative methods). The consumer of research need not replicate a study before using the findings.

B

Although credentials of the investigator are important, they do not ensure the applicability of a study in actual practice.

C

One way to determine generalizability of findings is to determine if the study supports the work completed by other researchers.

D

Statistical significance generally is not measured in qualitative studies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 136

7. What information in the report of a qualitative research study indicates to the nurse that the research meets the criterion of auditability?

a.

The study’s participants recognize the experience described as their own.

b.

The results are meaningful to individuals beyond those in the study population.

c.

The projected significance of the study to nursing is described.

d.

The researcher documented how the data led to the conclusions.

ANS: D

Feedback

A

The participants’ recognition of the experience described as their own is part of the study’s credibility.

B

The application of findings to persons beyond the study sample is part of the study’s transferability.

C

The significance of the study to nursing is part of the study’s implications.

D

Auditability is determined by the researcher’s documentation of the research process leading to the study’s conclusions.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 153

8. The nurse researcher reports that after data collection was completed, a follow-up focus group session with participants was used to validate that the participants agreed the findings were true to their own experiences. What aspect of the study does this support?

a.

The study’s credibility

b.

The study’s auditability

c.

The study’s transferability

d.

The study’s fittingness

ANS: A

Feedback

A

The participants’ agreement with the study’s findings supports the study’s credibility.

B

Auditability of the study requires that others can follow the evidence trail of the primary researcher.

C

Transferability refers to the usefulness of the study beyond the sample population.

D

Fittingness is another term for transferability, which refers to the usefulness of the study beyond the sample population.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 153

9. Qualitative research is designed to describe what?

a.

Results of hypothesis testing

b.

Definitive conclusions to research questions

c.

Insiders’ views of a human phenomenon

d.

Findings derived from a large, randomly selected sample

ANS: C

Feedback

A

Hypothesis testing is characteristic of quantitative studies.

B

Definitive conclusions are typical of quantitative studies.

C

Qualitative research studies insider or emic knowledge of a phenomenon.

D

Large, random samples are typical of quantitative studies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge) REF: Page 131-132

10. Which activity represents attention to credibility in a qualitative study?

a.

Ensuring that all subjects self-identified with a specific ethnic group.

b.

Providing direct quotations from study participants.

c.

Identifying the basic social psychological process (BSP) under study.

d.

Determining usefulness of the data outside of the study.

ANS: B

Feedback

A

Ensuring subject identification with an ethnic group helps to identify the characteristics of the study sample.

B

Using selected quotes of participants to support themes enhances a study’s credibility.

C

The BSP, or core variable, under study characterizes grounded theory studies.

D

Determining the usefulness of the data outside of the study is related to transferability of the study’s findings.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 132

11. During the critique of a qualitative research study, the nurse notes the statement, “Saturation was achieved at the completion of 20 interviews.” What is the significance of this statement?

a.

The investigator should collect additional data.

b.

The data collection period has ended.

c.

Purposive sampling is now required.

d.

Random sampling should be initiated.

ANS: B

Feedback

A

There is no need to collect additional data once saturation has been achieved.

B

Saturation refers to the end of data collection because the results become repetitive, indicating that no additional knowledge is to be gained by continuing to add participants.

C

Purposive sampling is done from the initiation of data collection.

D

Random sampling is a characteristic of quantitative research studies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 153

12. One outcome of collecting evidence about a phenomenon of interest in a qualitative research study may be what?

a.

Triangulation

b.

Participant cross-checking

c.

Metasynthesis

d.

Instrument development

ANS: D

Feedback

A

Triangulation is used to strengthen the research design of a study by combining multiple measures in the study’s methodology.

B

Cross-checking participants’ data helps in establishing a study’s credibility.

C

Metasynthesis is a method of synthesizing findings from a number of qualitative research studies.

D

Instrument development may be an outcome of a qualitative research study.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 136

13. Which study characteristic would indicate that a grounded theory approach, rather than a phenomenologic approach, was used?

a.

Data were collected by more than one person.

b.

Participants reviewed and evaluated the transcripts for accuracy.

c.

The focus was on the process elements of the phenomenon.

d.

It studied a lived human experience.

ANS: C

Feedback

A

Collection of data by more than one person is a characteristic of many types of study.

B

Checking of participants’ transcripts for accuracy is used in many types of qualitative study.

C

Grounded theory focuses on identifying the process elements of a phenomenon, not only on describing the phenomenon.

D

All types of qualitative study including phenomenology are focused on lived human experience.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 151

14. The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s methodology?

a.

Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research?

b.

If a particular approach is used to guide the inquiry, does the researcher complete the study according to the processes described?

c.

Does the researcher address the credibility, auditability, and fittingness of the data?

d.

Does the researcher place the report in the context of what is already known about the phenomenon (e.g., the existing literature)?

ANS: B

Feedback

A

A question about the informants chosen concerns the study’s sample selection.

B

A question about the study’s approach or processes for conducting the study concerns its methodology.

C

Questions about credibility, auditability, and fittingness concern the analysis of data.

D

A question about placing the report in the context of what is already known concerns the study’s findings.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 131

15. The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s sample selection?

a.

Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research?

b.

If a particular approach is used to guide the inquiry, does the researcher complete the study according to the processes described?

c.

Does the researcher address the credibility, auditability, and fittingness of the data?

d.

Does the researcher place the report in the context of what is already known about the phenomenon (e.g., the existing literature)?

ANS: A

Feedback

A

A question about the informants who were chosen concerns the study’s sample selection.

B

A question about the study’s approach or processes for conducting the study concerns its methodology.

C

Questions about credibility, auditability, and fittingness concern the analysis of data.

D

A question about placing the report in the context of what is already known concerns the study’s findings.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 131

16. The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s credibility?

a.

Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon?

b.

Are the results meaningful to individuals not involved in the research?

c.

Does the investigator document the research process?

d.

What is the projected significance of the research to nursing?

ANS: A

Feedback

A

The study’s credibility is addressed in a question about sufficient time to fully understand the phenomenon.

B

A study’s fittingness (transferability) is addressed in a question about the meaningfulness of the study’s results to persons not involved in the research concerns.

C

A study’s auditability is addressed in a question about documentation of the research process.

D

A study’s purpose is addressed in a question about the significance of the study to nursing.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 133

17. The nurse is critiquing a qualitative research study. Which question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask when critiquing the study’s fittingness?

a.

Has adequate time been allowed to fully understand the phenomenon?

b.

Are the results meaningful to individuals not involved in the research?

c.

Does the investigator document the research process?

d.

What is the projected significance of the research to nursing?

ANS: B

Feedback

A

The study’s credibility is addressed in a question about sufficient time to fully understand the phenomenon.

B

A study’s fittingness (transferability) is addressed in a question about the meaningfulness of the study’s results to persons not involved in the research concerns.

C

A study’s auditability is addressed in a question about documentation of the research process.

D

A study’s purpose is addressed in a question about the significance of the study to nursing.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 133

18. When critiquing a report of a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, “How has the researcher made explicit the significance of the study to nursing theory, research, or practice?” This question is critiquing what section of the report?

a.

Data analysis

b.

Data collection

c.

Statement of the phenomenon of interest

d.

Conclusions, implications, and recommendations

ANS: D

Feedback

A

This question does not address the study’s data analysis.

B

This question does not address the study’s data collection.

C

This question does not address the statement of the phenomenon of interest.

D

This question addresses the study’s conclusions, implications, and recommendations.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 134

19. When critiquing a report of a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, “Is protection of human participants addressed?” This question is critiquing what section of the report?

a.

Data analysis

b.

Data collection

c.

Statement of the phenomenon of interest

d.

Conclusions, implications, and recommendations

ANS: B

Feedback

A

This question does not address the study’s data analysis.

B

This question addresses the study’s data collection.

C

This question does not address the statement of the phenomenon of interest.

D

This question does not address the study’s conclusions, implications, and recommendations.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 133

20. When critiquing a qualitative research study, the nurse asks, “Has the researcher remained true to the data?” This question is critiquing which area of the report?

a.

Method

b.

Data collection

c.

Data analysis

d.

Findings

ANS: C

Feedback

A

This question does not address the study’s methods.

B

This question does not address the study’s data collection.

C

This question addresses the study’s data analysis.

D

This question does not address the study’s findings.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 133

MULTIPLE RESPONSE

1. Which of the following elements would the nurse expect to see in a report of a grounded theory study? (Select all that apply).

a.

Hypotheses

b.

Independent variable

c.

Themes

d.

Basic social psychological process

e.

Statistical procedures

f.

Participant quotes

g.

Purposive sample

ANS: C, D, F, G

Feedback

Correct

Themes are identified in a grounded research study.

A basic social psychological process (BSP) is defined in a grounded research study.

Participant quotes are included in a grounded research study to fully describe the phenomenon in a grounded research study.

A purposive sample is selected for a grounded research study.

Incorrect

Hypotheses are used in quantitative, not qualitative, research studies.

Independent and dependent variables are found in quantitative, not qualitative, research studies.

Statistical procedures are used in quantitative studies but generally are not used in qualitative studies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension) REF: Page 132, 152-153