HESI Nursing Research Exam

Correct answer: C. The study was approved by an institutional review board.

Explanation of the correct answer:

C. The study was approved by an institutional review board (IRB)

The institutional review board (IRB) is responsible for ensuring that research involving human participants adheres to ethical standards. This includes ensuring that participants' rights are protected, informed consent is obtained, and risks are minimized. Approval from the IRB is a key indicator that the research has been reviewed and deemed to meet ethical guidelines. The IRB is tasked with overseeing the ethical aspects of a study, and their approval is essential for ensuring that ethical standards are met.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. The reliability and validity of each measure were discussed

While discussing the reliability and validity of the measures is important for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the research instruments, it does not directly speak to whether the study has met ethical standards. Ethical standards primarily focus on the protection of participants, informed consent, and minimizing harm, rather than the technical quality of the measures.

B. The data analysis procedures are thoroughly discussed

While the data analysis procedures are important for understanding how the data were handled and ensuring the scientific rigor of the study, they do not address whether the research adhered to ethical principles. Ethical considerations involve how participants are treated, which is not directly related to the analysis procedures.

D. The sampling techniques used were discussed

Discussing the sampling techniques is important for the validity and generalizability of the study findings, but it does not directly address ethical standards. Ethical standards focus on how participants are selected, treated, and protected during the study, rather than on the techniques used to sample them.

Summary:

The institutional review board (IRB) approval is the best indicator that a research study has met ethical standards, as the IRB ensures the protection of participants and that the study adheres to ethical guidelines before it begins.

Correct answer: C. Extraneous

Explanation of the correct answer:

C. Extraneous

In a research study, extraneous variables are variables that are not the focus of the study but can affect the outcome if not controlled. The nurse researcher should strive for subjects to demonstrate homogeneity with respect to extraneous variables to reduce their potential influence on the dependent variable. This means that any external or unrelated factors that could affect the outcome should be minimized by ensuring subjects are similar in those aspects.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Independent

The independent variable is manipulated or categorized by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable. Homogeneity with respect to independent variables is generally not the goal, as variations in the independent variable are required to explore its effect.

B. Dependent

The dependent variable is what is measured in the study, and it is expected to change in response to the independent variable. Homogeneity with respect to dependent variables is not typically desired, as researchers are interested in variations in the dependent variable as a result of the intervention or treatment.

D. Outcome

The term "outcome" refers to the result or effect that is measured in the study, which is often linked to the dependent variable. Researchers aim to measure changes in the outcome based on the independent variable, but homogeneity in outcomes is not generally the goal, as differences in outcomes are what are being studied.

Summary:

Homogeneity with respect to extraneous variables is important to ensure that these variables do not interfere with the study results, leading to more accurate and valid conclusions.

Correct answer: B. Outcome data, C. Sample sizes, D. Decision regarding calculation

Explanation of the correct answer:

B. Outcome data

Phase I of a meta-analysis involves extracting relevant outcome data from each study included in the analysis. This data represents the results of the individual studies and is essential for comparing and synthesizing the findings.

C. Sample sizes

In Phase I, sample sizes are collected because the weight of each study in the meta-analysis is influenced by its sample size. Larger studies generally have more influence in the overall analysis since they provide more precise estimates of effect sizes.

D. Decision regarding calculation

Phase I includes the decision regarding calculation methods for combining data from the individual studies. This decision is critical as it affects how the results from different studies are synthesized (e.g., using a fixed-effects or random-effects model).

Why A is incorrect:

A. Pooled average result

The pooled average result is typically calculated after data extraction and methodological decisions have been made, so it is not part of Phase I. This result is the final product of the meta-analysis, computed after considering how studies are weighted and how their results are combined.

Summary:

Phase I of a meta-analysis involves collecting outcome data, recording sample sizes, and making a decision regarding calculation methods for combining the results of individual studies. The pooled average result is derived later in the process. Therefore, the correct answers are B. Outcome data, C. Sample sizes, D. Decision regarding calculation.

Correct answer: A. There are multiple realities, D. The participant is an active part of the study

Explanation of the correct answers:

A. There are multiple realities

This is a foundational principle of the constructivist paradigm, which holds that reality is subjective and constructed through individual experiences and social interactions. In this view, different participants may perceive and interpret the same event in varied ways, and all those perceptions are considered valid representations of reality.

D. The participant is an active part of the study

In constructivist research, participants are seen as co-creators of knowledge, not passive subjects. The research process is interactive, with the participant’s perspectives and experiences shaping the data. This aligns with the paradigm’s goal of understanding meaning as it is constructed by individuals within a particular context.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. The truth is objective

This reflects the positivist paradigm, not the constructivist one. Positivism assumes that there is a single, objective truth that can be discovered through empirical observation and measurement. In contrast, constructivism rejects the idea of an objective truth and instead emphasizes subjective and multiple truths.

C. Context does not matter as much as truth

This also aligns with positivist thinking, which often seeks universal laws that are thought to apply regardless of context. The constructivist paradigm, however, places great importance on context, as meaning is believed to be shaped by the environment and social interactions in which individuals are situated.

Summary:

The constructivist paradigm emphasizes subjective meaning, multiple realities, and the active role of participants in constructing knowledge. It values contextual understanding over objective truth. Therefore, the correct answers are A and D.

Correct answer: B. Correlational

Explanation of the correct answer:

B. Correlational

An ex post facto study is classified as a correlational study because it examines the relationship between variables after the events have already occurred, without any manipulation by the researcher. The term ex post facto means "after the fact," and this type of study investigates causes or relationships retrospectively. Researchers observe existing conditions or outcomes and try to determine if there are any associations with past variables. Since there is no manipulation of the independent variable and no random assignment, ex post facto studies cannot establish causation—only correlation. This makes them a subtype of nonexperimental, correlational research.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Survey

While surveys are used to collect data about people's opinions, behaviors, or characteristics, they are not inherently designed to explore relationships between past events and current outcomes. A survey could be part of an ex post facto study, but the survey itself does not define the study type. Survey research is primarily descriptive, not relational or explanatory in nature.

C. Developmental

Developmental studies examine changes over time in individuals or groups, often using longitudinal designs. These studies focus on growth, aging, or development stages rather than exploring the relationships between past events and present outcomes. Therefore, they do not align with the retrospective nature of ex post facto research.

D. Experimental

Experimental studies involve the deliberate manipulation of variables and the use of control groups and randomization to determine cause-and-effect relationships. In contrast, ex post facto studies do not involve any manipulation; they study variables as they naturally exist after the fact. Because of this, ex post facto studies cannot be classified as experimental.

Summary:

Ex post facto studies investigate relationships between variables retrospectively and without manipulation, making B. Correlational the correct classification. Survey, developmental, and experimental studies differ significantly in design and purpose and do not align with the characteristics of ex post facto research.

Correct answer: A, B

Explanation of the correct answers:

A. Randomly selecting subjects

Randomly selecting subjects helps control extraneous variables by ensuring that every participant in the study has an equal chance of being chosen. This reduces the likelihood of bias and ensures the sample is more representative of the population, making it less likely that extraneous variables will skew the results.

B. Using a homogeneous sample

By selecting a homogeneous sample, where participants share similar characteristics relevant to the study, the researcher reduces variability in extraneous variables. This control allows the researcher to more accurately assess the effects of the independent variable without interference from other factors.

Why C and D are incorrect:

C. Manipulating the dependent variable

Manipulating the dependent variable is not how extraneous variables are controlled. The dependent variable is what is being measured or observed in response to the manipulation of the independent variable, not something controlled to minimize extraneous influences.

D. Conducting a pilot test

While a pilot test helps refine the study design and can uncover potential issues, it is not directly a method of controlling extraneous variables during the actual study. The pilot test mainly serves as a preliminary step to identify and resolve any problems before the full study is conducted.

Summary:

Extraneous variables can be controlled by randomly selecting subjects and using a homogeneous sample, which minimizes variation and potential biases.

Correct answer: A. ERIC

Explanation of the correct answer:

A. ERIC

The Electronic Resources in Education (ERIC) database is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. It provides access to a vast collection of education-related literature, including research articles, reports, and other educational materials. This makes it the most likely database being referred to in the question.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. MEDLINE

MEDLINE is a database primarily sponsored by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and contains biomedical and life sciences literature. It is not specifically related to educational resources, which is why it is not the correct answer.

C. EMBASE

EMBASE is another biomedical database that focuses on drug and pharmaceutical research and life sciences. Like MEDLINE, it is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education, so it is not the correct database in this case.

D. CINAHL

CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) is a database focused on nursing and allied health disciplines, providing access to literature on topics such as nursing care, healthcare practices, and clinical research. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.

Summary:

ERIC is the database sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, making it the correct answer for this question.

Correct answer: C. Descriptive longitudinal

Explanation of the correct answer:

C. Descriptive longitudinal

This study is best described as a descriptive longitudinal design because it involves observing and measuring the frequency of medical errors made by new nursing graduates over time. Longitudinal studies are conducted over an extended period, collecting data at multiple points to track changes or developments. In this case, the study follows the same cohort of new graduates at 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year postgraduation. The study is descriptive because the primary purpose is to observe and describe the occurrence of medical errors, without manipulating variables or exploring causal relationships.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Correlational predictive

A correlational predictive design examines relationships between variables to predict outcomes, but this study does not aim to predict the frequency of medical errors based on other variables. Instead, it is simply observing and measuring errors over time, which makes it a descriptive rather than a predictive study.

B. Retrospective correlational

A retrospective correlational design typically looks at past data to investigate relationships between variables, often using existing records or reports. In this study, the data is being collected in real-time from new graduates, not retrospectively from past records or events. Therefore, this is not a retrospective study.

D. Comparative descriptive

A comparative descriptive design involves comparing different groups or conditions while describing their characteristics. This study does not involve comparing different groups; instead, it follows one group of new graduates over time. Hence, it is not a comparative study.

Summary:

The study tracks the same group of new nursing graduates over time to measure medical errors, which makes it a descriptive longitudinal study.

Correct answer: B. At the end of the literature review section

Explanation of the correct answer:

B. At the end of the literature review section

The purpose of the study is typically presented after the literature review in a research report. The literature review section helps establish the context of the study, reviewing what is already known in the field. Once the researcher has outlined existing knowledge and identified gaps or unanswered questions, the purpose of the study is defined. This section clearly states the aim of the research and what the researcher intends to explore or investigate. The purpose of the study is closely tied to the findings from the literature review, as the researcher builds upon existing knowledge to identify the need for their own study.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. At the end of the research design section

While the research design section outlines how the study will be conducted (e.g., methods, procedures, tools), it typically does not include the study's purpose. The purpose of the study is usually described earlier in the report, after the literature review, to justify the study's need and provide a framework for the design.

C. At the end of the sampling section

The sampling section explains how participants will be selected and describes the study population. This section is not where the purpose of the study is usually stated. The purpose is generally established before discussing specific details like sampling.

D. At the end of the conclusion section

The conclusion section of a research report summarizes the findings and discusses their implications, but it does not present the study’s purpose. The purpose is outlined at the beginning of the report to guide the research, while the conclusion reflects on the study's outcomes and significance.

Summary:

The purpose of the study is most often found at the end of the literature review section, as it provides the foundation for the research. The literature review helps identify the knowledge gaps, and the purpose statement outlines the specific aim of the study in addressing those gaps.