Week 3 - Framework and Purpose

Question 1

Simple v. Complex Hypotheses

Answer 1

Simple Hypothesis includes two variables whereas Complex Hypothesis includes 2 or more.

Question 2

Simple or Complex Hypothesis:

This hypothesis states that a negative or inverse relationship exists between two variables.

Answer 2

Simple Hypothesis.

Question 3

Simple or Complex Hypothesis:
“Cardiac Home Intervention Program (CHIP) would have lower levels of psychological distress, higher levels of physical functioning, and fewer adverse symptoms than women/men not participating.”

Answer 3

Complex Hypothesis.

Question 4

Nondirectional v. Directional Hypothesis

Answer 4

A Nondirectional Hypothesis insinuates that a relationship exists between variables, but does not predict the nature of relationship. Whereas, a Directional Hypothesis indicates that there is a nature, whether positive or negative, of interaction between 2 or more variables–all of which are developed from theoretical framework, literature, or clinical practice.

Question 5

Is this a Nondirectional or Directional Hypothesis:
“Attitudes of pediatric nurses toward mentally retarded clients are more favorable than those of medical surgical nurses.”

Answer 5

Directional Hypothesis.

Question 6

Null v. Research Hypothesis

Answer 6

A Null Hypothesis states that there is NO difference or relationship between variables–also known as a “statistical hypothesis.” A Research Hypothesis states what the researcher thinks is true, as there is a relationship between two or more variables.

Question 7

Is this an example of a Null Hypothesis, or a Research Hypothesis:
“There is no difference in reported pain experienced by cancer patients with chronic pain who listen to music with positive suggestion of pain reduction and those who do not.”

Answer 7

Null Hypothesis

Question 8

Is this an example of a Null Hypothesis, or a Research Hypothesis?
“Cancer patients with chronic pain who listen to music with positive suggestions of pain reduction have less reported pain than those who do not listen to music.”

Answer 8

Research Hypothesis

Question 9

Testable Hypothesis

Answer 9

This Hypothesis is clearly stated without the phrase, “There is no significant difference.” A Testable Hypothesis should be testable in the real world, and the variables measurable and/or able to be manipulated. The relationship between variables needs not be supported, and the causal link between independent and dependent variables is evaluated using statistical tests.

Question 10

What kind of hypothesis is this?

“Rates of use of health care facilities by ethnic minorities are higher in facilities with bilingual health care staff.”

Answer 10

a

Question 11

What kind of hypothesis is this?
“There is a positive relationship between nurse attitudes towards AIDS patients and number of AIDS patients they have cared for.”

Answer 11

a

Question 12

What kind of hypothesis is this?

“There is a relationship between social distance in families and burden of caregiving for chronically ill adults.”

Answer 12

a

Question 13

What kind of hypothesis is this?

“There is no difference between attitudes of men and women toward caring for people with AIDS.”

Answer 13

Null Hypothesis

Question 14

The definition of variables:

Answer 14

“Qualities, properties, or characteristics of people, things, or situations that are manipulated or measured in research.”

Question 15

What are some characteristics of variables?

Answer 15

Variables are more concrete than concepts.
Variables represent only a portion of the concept.
Several variables may be used to represent one concept.

Question 16

Independent and Dependent Variable

Answer 16

An Independent Variable is the stimulus or activity manipulated or varied by the research to cause an effect on dependent variables–also called the “treatment” or “experimental” variable. A Dependent Variable is the outcome or response the researcher wants to predict or explain. Changes in the dependent variable are presumed to be caused by the independent variable.

Question 17

Research Variable/Concept

Answer 17

Qualities, properties, or characteristics identified in the research purpose and objectives or questions that are observed or measured in a study. They are used when the intent is to observe or measure variables as they exist in a natural setting without manipulation.

Question 18

Extraneous Variables

Answer 18

Extraneous variables can interfere with obtaining clear understanding of relational or causal dynamics in the study. They can be recognized or unrecognized and controlled or uncontrolled. If the variable is not recognized until the study is in process or cannot be controlled, it is called a “confounding variable.” An “emotional variable” is an uncontrolled variable relating to the setting.