Chapter 2 Research Questions, Hypothesis, Clinical Questions Flashcards
In quantitative studies research questions focus on:
ON EXAM
Describing variables
Specifying the population being studied
Examining testable relationships among variables
Hypothesis attempts to answer the research question
In qualitative studies, problem statements focus on:
ON EXAM
The phenomenon of interest The stakeholders (people whose viewpoint need to be included) The theoretical framework or the worldview of the researcher that guides the inquiry
Research questions should:
Define the specific question area
Reflect a review of the literature
Identify the potential significant to nursing
Reflect the feasibility of studying the research question or problem
Process of defining the research question:
Idea emerges, brainstorming, literature review, identify variables, research question formulated
Critical appraisal of the introduction..
What do we know? What evidence do we have? What populations of patients do we have info on? What are the factors involved? What is the gap in knowledge?
The population of interest…
Must be clearly specified
The setting is also usually clearly described
Variables in quantitative research..
Something that varies
Ex. Age, weight, height, religion, ethnicity
Variables in quantitative research
ON EXAM
Independent variable-X and Dependent variable-Y
Quantitative research independent variable-X
Presumed to have the effect on Y
Manipulated
Quantitative research dependent variable-Y
Varies depending on X
Not manipulated but observed
This is the variable we are interested in understanding
A variable could be the…
Independent variable in one study and the dependent variable in another study
Quantitative research within causal relationships
Changes in X do not necessarily CAUSE changes in Y
Changes in X are said to be RELATED to changes in Y
it cannot be assumed that changes in X CAUSED changes in Y
Quantitative research Testability
The variables can be observed, measured, and analyzed
Quantitative research hypothesis…
Predicts the expected outcome, determines how data are collected, analyzed and interpreted
Quantitative research Directional hypothesis?
A directional research hypothesis predicts the expected direction of the relationship between X and Y
Quantitative research Non Directional hypothesis
A nondirectional research hypothesis does not predict the anticipated direction of the relationship between X and Y
What is a good hypothesis? (Quantitative research)
Testable: variables can be observed or measured
The population being studied is identified
Theory base: consistent with existing theory and research findings
REMEMBER: Hypotheses are….
NEVER PROVEN. The results either support or do not support the hypothesis
Quantitative clinical questions have four components:
(PICO) Population Intervention Comparison Outcome
Critiquing the research hypothesis in a quantitative study
Is there an implied relationship between variables?
Is population being studied described?
Can implied relationships be tested?
RQ should flow from literature review and theoretical framework
Which is a ‘good’ hypothesis when X is independent and Y is dependent?
D. X will significantly improve Y in population B.
A nurse states the purpose of a research study as, “this study will compare the effect of warm and cold applications on the resolution of intravenous (IV) infiltrations in hospitalized older-adult patients in the early postoperative period.” In this statement, what constitutes the independent variable(s)?
C. Warm and cold applications
NOTE: The dependent variable is D. The resolution of IV infiltrations
