What Are Two Questions a Nurse Should Ask When Assessing the Value of an Intervention From a Research Perspective

What are two questions a nurse should
ask when assessing the value of an
intervention from a research
perspective?
1. Am I performing this intervention because
someone told me to or because this intervention has
always ben done? 2. What evidence exists that this
is the most effective intervention for this problem?
The systematic, objective process of
analyzing phenomenon of importance
to nursing is the definition of...
Nursing research
What aspects of nursing studies are
included under the umbrella of
"nursing research?"
Studies concerning nursing practice, nursing
education, and nursing administration.
What areas of study are under the
umbrella of "nursing research?"
Studies concerning nursing practice, nursing
education, nursing administration and studies
concerning nurses themselves.
Nursing research that involves clients
or studies that have the potential for
affecting the care of clients, including
animal studies and studies on healthy
participants is referred to as...
Clinical nursing research
What is the major difference between
nursing research and clinical nursing
research?
Nursing research involves an impact on a nurse, her
environment, or practice. Nursing clinical research
involves impact on a client/patient.
How is clinical nursing research
different from the medical model of
research?
Clinical nursing research focuses heavily on
prevention, symptom management and client
behavior modification. The medical model is
focused on treatment and testing.
What have been the four sources of
nursing knowledge?
Traditional knowledge (passed down), authoritative
knowledge (looking to a doctor for answers, or
experts in the condition), Trial and Error and
Scientific research (the most reliable).
Data gathered by the sense organs is
referred to as...
Empirical data
What are the three main traditional
characteristics of scientific research?
It uses systematic, orderly and objective means of
data collection.
Attempting to seek a solution for a
person or persons in a given setting is
the definition of...
Problem solving
Seeking knowledge that can be
generalized to people in many settings
is the definition of...
Scientific research
Determining the best method of
teaching a patient how to use an insulin
pump is an example of
_____________.
Problem solving
Determining the best approach to teach Scientific research (very broad, whereas problem
blind people how to use an insulin
pump is an example of the the focus of
_____________.
solving is very specific)
__________ research is concerned with
generating new knowledge.
Basic
___________ research is concerned
with using knowledge to solve
immediate problems.
Applied
Basic research is also referred to as
__________ research.
Pure
What are the 4 major goals of basic
research?
To develop, test, and refine theories and generate
new knowledge. "Knowledge for knowledge's
sake."
Basic research often uses _______ as
subjects.
Laboratory animals
What is the major difference between
basic and applied research when it
comes to the application of the
knowledge gained?
Knowledge gained from basic research generally
takes years to be put into practice. Knowledge
gained from applied research is applied in the near
future.
Nursing research most commonly
occurs in the form of ______ research
(applied or basic?).
Applied
The distinction between applied and
basic research can be unclear at times.
The best indicator of the type of
research being conducted is the amount
of ___________ provided.
Financial support. Basic research implies the
researcher is provided support to work on a
particular project without having to prove
immediate usefulness.
Which type of nursing research is most
likely to get funding? Applied or basic?
Applied, although nurses still have to search for
funding.
What organization has the most money
available for research?
The federal government
Where does the largest amount of
government funding for nursing
research come from?
The National Institute for Nursing Research.
Aside from the government, where
does nursing research funding come
from? (3 responses)
Private foundations, corporations, and professional
organizations like the Sigma Theta Tau Honor
Society for Nursing.
What are the 4 major goals of nursing
research?
1-promote evidence based nursing practice 2-
ensure credibility of the nursing profession 3-
provide accountability for nursing practice 4-
document the cost effectiveness of nursing care
What is the major reason for
conducting nursing research?
To allow for the best care for clients/patients
___________ nursing means that
nurses make decisions based on the
best available evidence coupled with
their own expertise and the health care
preferences of the client
Evidence based nursing practice
How does nursing research ensure
credibility for the nursing as a
profession?
One of the criterion of a profession is that it has it's
own unique body of knowledge that is different and
distinct from other disciplines. Nursing
traditionally has borrowed knowledge from other
disciplines. By developing a knowledge base
specific to nursing, nursing can be more clearly
identified as a profession and not a vocation.
What are the major responsibilities of a
nurse to provide personal
accountability?
Have a sound rationale for interventions performed
and keeping their knowledge base current by
following research trends and outcomes.
What is the best resource for a nurse to
remain current in his/her field?
Research literature
What does "classic study" mean?
That the body of research has been cited many
times.
________ research is concerned with
objectivity, tight supervision and
control over the research situation and
the ability to generalize findings.
Quantitative (directly measurable research)
_________ research is concerned with
the subjective meaning of an
experience to an indvidual.
Qualitative
An example of _________ research is
research concerned with the level of
pain a client is experiencing.
(Qualitative or Quantitative)
Quantitative
An example of _________ research is
research concerned with the impact of
living with chronic pain. (Qualitative or
Quantitative)
Qualitative
What is outcomes research?
Research focused on measurable outcomes of
interventions with certain patient populations.
What should a nurse prepared at a
baccalaureate level be able to do with
respect to nursing research? (7)
-be able to read research critically -determine if
research results are ready to be used in clinical
practice -be able to identify clinical problems that
require further investigation -be able to assist
investigators in accessing clinical sites -should help
select appropriate data collection methods -should
be able to collect data -be able to implement
research findings in practice
What are some of the roles a nurse can 1. Principal investigator 2. Member of a research
assume with relation to research
projects? (7)
team 3. Identifier of researchable problems 4.
Evaluator of research findings 5. User of research
findings 6. Patient/client advocate during studies 7.
Subject/participant in studies
Nurses working _________ are great
resources for identifying patient related
researchable problems.
Bedside
Research _________ focuses on the
implementation of findings from
specific research studies.
Utilization
What is the major goal of research
utilization?
To ensure that the beneficial findings of research
studies are put into practice.
How is research utilization and
evidence-based nursing practice
different?
Research utilization pushes for beneficial research
findings to be put into practice. EBNP involves
searching for the best evidence to use, including
research evidence.
How can a nurse serve as a patient
advocate during a research study?
-the nurse must explain the study to potential
participants prior to the beginning of the study -the
nurse should answer questions related to the study -
the nurse may be available to participants once the
study has begun to answer questions and provide
support
What is the main purpose of a nurse in
the role of patient advocate during a
research study?
To ensure that the ethical aspects of the study are
upheld
What are the major questions a nurse
should be able to answer regarding a
clinical trial that they are involved (as
an advocate) in?
1-Why is the study being done? 2-Who is
conducting the study? 3-Who is going to be in the
study? 4-What kinds of tests and treatments are
involved? 5-How long will the study last? 6-What
are alternatives to participation?
The growth of nursing research seems
to be directly related to the _________
of nurses.
Educational level
___________ studied nursing care
during the Crimean War. She
recommended that nurses make and
record observations systematically and
called for research focused on nursing
practice.
Florence Nightingale (1850)
__________ reported a "school nurse
experiment" that involved efforts
organized by Lillian Wald to give free
care to school children and visit the
homes of children who were sick.
Lavinia Dock (1902)
The ________ recommended advanced The Goldmark Report summarizing findings of the
educational preparation for public
health nurses and was instrumental in
the establishment of early collegiate
nursing schools including those at
Yale, Vanderbilt, and Western Reserve.
Committee for the Study of Nursing Education.
Ethel Johns and Blanche Pfefferkorn
published one of the first studies that
focused on ________.
Nurses. The study looked at the activities nurses
were involved in. (1928)
Edith S. Bryan was the first nurse to... Earn a doctoral degree (1927).
What did the study entitled "Nursing
for the Future," published by Esther
Lucille Brown call for?
Nursing education to take place in university
settings and for hospitals to hire enough permanent
staff so nursing students wouldn't be required to
staff those institutions. It also identified the need
for nurse educators to be involved in research.
The document "Nursing for the Future"
is more commonly known as...
The Brown Report
In 1949, the Division of Nursing
Resources was organized with what US
governmental body?
The U.S. Public Health Service
What did Esta H. McNett do?
She demonstrated the usefulness of masks in
preventing the spread of tuberculosis (1949).
The first issue of __________ was
published in 1952.
Nursing Research
In 1955, the _______________ was
established with the goal of promoting
high level wellness and the
improvement of patient care. It
provides funding for nursing research.
The American Nurses Foundation
The Nursing Research Grants and
Fellowship programs were established
in 1955 by...
The U.S. Public Health Service
The first unit directed primarily toward
research in nursing practice was at the
Department of Nursing at the
________________.
Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing Research
(1957).
In 1972, the American Nurses
Association (ANA) established
______________.
The Department of Nursing Research
In 1986, the National Center for
Nursing Research (NCNR) was
established within what governmental
organization?
The Nation Institutes of Health
What are the priorities for research
identified by the ANA Cabinet on
1. Promote health, well-being, and the ability to
care for oneself among all ages, social and cultural
Nursing Research? groups. 2. Minimize or prevent behaviorally or
environmentally induced health problems that
compromise the quality of life and reduce
productivity 3. Minimize the negative effects of
new health technologies on the adaptive abilities of
individuals and families experiencing acute or
chronic health problems
What were the research priorities
identified for clients with Alzheimer's
disease? (2)
Research on the management of physical problems
like incontinence, falls, sleep disturbances, falls,
etc. and management of disruptive behaviors like
wandering and agitation
What were priorities for research
identified by the National Association
of Orthopaedic Nurses? (3)
Preventing confusion in the elderly post hip
fracture, determining the most effective safety
measures to use with clients in a confused state,
and differentiating pain responses according to
diagnosis, age and pain management interventions.
What was discovered when examining
literature to determine the priorities for
Mental Health Nursing?
No specific mental health nursing agenda was
found. Priorities fell into 6 broad categories
including: Support, holism, mental health nursing
practice, quality care outcomes, mental health
etiology and mental health delivery systems.
What was the suggestion of Pullen,
Tuck and Wallace related to their
findings related to the priorities in
Mental Health Nursing?
Mental Health Nursing experts and organizations
had to identify clear research priorities and propose
a national/international mental health research
agenda. (They had no clearly identifiable priorities,
unlike many other nursing disciplines)
What were the research priorities for
Emergency Nurses?
Interventions for pain managment, effects of staff
shortages and overcrowding in emergency
departments and their impact on clients.
What were the top research priorities of
Oncology nurses?
Quality of life, participation in decision making r/t
treatments in advanced disease, patient/family
education, participation in decision r/t treatment,
and pain management.
_________ studies involve repeating a
study with all the essential elements of
an original study maintained.
Replication studies
How has the lack of replication studies
hindered nursing research?
The lack of replication studies hinders the
development of a cumulative body of knowledge
which would allow for generalization of
knowledge.
The ___________ was officially
established within the National
Institutes of Health on June 10, 1993.
National Institute of Nursing Research
Which organization did the National
Institute of Nursing Research replace?
The National Center for Nursing Research
What does the "Decade of Behavior:
2000-2010" focus on?
Research and public policy initiatives to improve
health, education, and safety.
What were the top five research areas
identified by the NINR to Congress for
2005?
1. Patient safety on hospital units related to RN
staffing 2. Impact of nurse practitioner run
programs for inner-city black men with
hypertension 3. early and acute signs of heart attack
in men compared with women 4. the role of
nursing in transitions from hospital to home for
elders with heart failure 5. Outcomes associated
with hospice care and advanced directives
What were some of the health care
research initiatives of 2006 of the
NINR? (3)
Preventing/intervening in HIV/AIDS Health
promotion r/t parenting capacity End of
Life/Palliative Care with emphasis on rural and
frontier populations
The most important goal for
conducting nursing research is the
promotion of...
Evidence based nursing practice
Many nursing research studies have
been conducted on what population?
Nurses themselves (nurse education primarily)
Hypotheses are more likely to be tested
in quantitative or qualitative research?
Quantitative


Hypothesis
What are the 18 steps of the
research process?
1. Identify the problem 2. Determine the purpose of
the study 3. Review the literature 4. Develop a
theoretical/conceptual framework 5. Identify the study
assumptions 6. Acknowledge the limitations of the
study 7. Formulate the hypothesis or research question
8. Define study variable/terms 9. Select the research
design 10. Identify the population 11. Select the
sample 12. Conduct a pilot study 13. Collect the data
14. Organize data for analysis 15. Analyze the data 16.
Interpret
What is the first and most important
step, in the research process?
Identify the problem to be researched
Which step of the research process
is often the most difficult and time
consuming?
Identifying and clarifying the problem to be
researched. It often begins with a broad area of interest
and is then drilled down to a more specific, one
sentence statement of the problem.
How can “study problems” become
indentified?
Personal experiences, literature sources, previous
research, or through testing of theories.
The “problem” of a study is best Question
stated as a ___________.
What should a problem statement
specify?
The population and variables that are being studied.
A ___________ is a characteristic
or attribute that differs among the
persons, objects, events, etc. that are
being studied.
Variable
Blood type is an example of a
personal __________.
Variable
“Is there a correlation between body
image and self-esteem levels in
women who have experienced
mastectomies?” is an example of a
__________ statement.
Problem
What is the difference between a
problem statement and a purpose
statement?
A problem statement identifies what is being studied, a
purpose statement identifies why a study is being
performed.
“To develop a better understanding
of the difficulties experienced by a
woman after the loss of a body part
that is closely associated with their
feminine identity” is an example of
a _______ statement.
Purpose
How does a purpose statement that
is clearly presented and justified aid
the researcher?
The researcher is much more likely to receive funding
for the project and will be much more likely to obtain
subjects for the study.
Research should be built on
_____________.
Previous knowledge
What should be done prior to
performing a quantitative study?
Determine what knowledge already exists for the
study topic by reviewing literature sources.
In what ways does review of
literature prior to a quantitative
study assist the researcher?
Determines what knowledge already exists, can help
develop a theoretical or conceptual framework for the
study, and can help a researcher plan study methods
(including instruments or tools that can assist in
measuring study variables).
How long should a researcher
perform a literature review for a
potential research study?
Review of the literature should be performed from
prior to the study all the way to the point of data
collection.
The theoretical or conceptual
framework of a study helps select
and define the study ________. It
also directs the development of the
study ________.
Defines Variables. Develops the hypothesis (and
allows for interpretation of the results)
What type of research may not A study that is strictly descriptive in nature
require a theoretical framework?
___________ are beliefs that are
held to be true but have not been
necessarily proven.
Assumptions
How do study assumptions impact a
research project?
They influence the questions asked, data that is
gathered and the way the data is interpreted.

What are the three general types of
assumptions?
Universal assumptions Assumptions based
on theory/research findings Assumptions
that are necessary to carry out a study
________ assumptions are those that are held
to be true by the majority of human beings.
Universal
All people need love is an example of a/an
_________ assumption.
Universal
Assuming a man is the father of the child in a
study that is measuring levels of bonding
between a father and their child is an example
of a/an ___________ assumption.
Assumption necessary to carry out a study
Uncontrolled diabetes is a threat to the
physical well-being of a client is an example
of a _________ assumption.
Universal
In a study to determine the most effective
means to teach diabetic patients how to
operate an insulin pump, the information that
an insulin pump is the most effective means of
delivering medication to a diabetic patient is
an example of a __________ assumption.
Assumption based on research
In a study to determine the most effective
means to teach diabetic patients how to
operate an insulin pump, the assumption that
the patients want to learn the information and
are able to learn the information is an example
of _________ assumption.
Commensense & necessary to the study
assumption
____________ are uncontrolled variables that
may affect a study's results and limit the
generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
___________ variables are variables over
which the researcher either has no control or
chooses not to exercise control over.
Extraneous
In experimental studies, uncontrolled
variables are referred to as...
threats to internal and external validity
A researcher's expectations about the results
of a study are expressed as ____________.
A hypothesis
A _________ predicts the relationship
between two or more variables.
hypothesis
How is a problem statement and a hypothesis
different?
A problem statement asks a question and
includes the population and variables. A
hypothesis has a theoretical answer to the
question and includes the population,
variables and a proposed relationship
between the independent and dependent
variables.
The ________ variable is the "cause." Independent
The ________ variable is the "effect." Dependent
The variable that does the influencing is the
________ variable.
Independent
The variable that is influenced is the _______
variable.
Dependent
What does it mean when a person says that a
hypothesis must be testable or verifiable
empirically?
That it must be capable of being tested in the
real world and by observations gathered
through the senses
What is a directional research hypothesis?
A hypothesis that contains the direction for
the researcher's expectations of the study
results.
The higher a child's self esteem is, the higher
their body image will be... is an example of a
_________ hypothesis.
Directional research hypothesis

A ________ hypothesis predicts no
relationship between two or more
variables.
Null
Which type of hypothesis is the most
commonly used in nursing research?
A directional research hypothesis
What types of studies require a
hypothesis?
Experimental, comparative and correlational.
What types of studies may or may not have
a hypothesis?
Qualitative or descriptive studies
How are studies with no research
hypothesis guided?
By research questions that are further
elaborations of the original problem statement.
Why is it important to define study
variables and research terms?
So their meaning is clear to the researcher and
the people reviewing the research.
How are variables usually defined?
Utilizing dictionary definitions, theoretical
definitions or operational definitions.
What is an operational definition of a
variable?
It indicates how a variable will be observed or
measured. For example, using an MMPI to
measure mental stability of research participants
would be an operational variable.
What does use of an operational definition
of a variable allow for?
The replication of the study using the same
tools
Aside from variables and research terms,
what else should be clearly defined in a
research study?
The population used in the study. For example,
if the study was on women who had
masectomies, the population could be further
defined as women between the ages of 25-35
who has had a masectomy in the past year at U
of L hospital.
The research _______ is the plan for how
the study will be conducted.
Design
The research _______ is concerned with
how the data of a study will be collected
and the means used to obtain the data.
Research design
What are some examples of research
designs?
-Qualitative vs. Quantitative -Experiemental vs.
True experimental, Quasi-experimental or Pre-
experimental -Nonexperimental designs like
survey studies, correlational studies,
comparative studies and methodological studies
What is the major difference between
experimental and non-experimental
research designs?
Experimental designs allow a researcher to
manipulate a variable, decide who does/doesn't
get an intervention, allow some control for
extraneous variables, and allows for an active
role. In a non-experimental design an
investigator collects data without any variable
manipulation.
Which type of research design,
experimental or non-experimental, allows
for a researcher to discuss cause and effect
relationships?
Experimental
Why have many nursing investigations
been of the nonexperimental type?
Because it is difficult to conduct experimental
research on people due to ethical reasons.
The ___________ is a complete set of
individuals/objects that possess a common
attribute of interest to the researcher.
Population
What must a researcher specify with
regard to populations of interest in a
study?
The broad population of interest as well as the
actual population available for the study.
The _______ population is made up of the
group of people or objects that a researcher
wants to generalize findings to. Also
referred to as the universe.
Target population (broad)
The ________ population is the group that Accessible (actual)
is available for study by a researcher.
T/F The term population refers only to
people and not to inanimate objects or
animals.
False. Population can refer to a "population" of
charts being studied, or a population of blood
pressure readings.
What is the purpose of identifying a
population in a research study?
It makes clear the group of people who can
have the results of the study applied to them
What is a sample?
A subgroup of the population to be studied. It is
chosen to represent the population of interest so
generalizations can be made.
__________ samples are those chosen by a
random selection process in which each
member of the population has an equal
chance of being in the sample.
Probability
What is the major drawback to a
nonprobability selection method for
sampling?
The researcher has less confidence that the
population selected is truly representative of the
one to be studied. Bias risks are great.
A ______ study is a miniature trial version
of a planned study.
Pilot
Why is a pilot study sometimes referred to
as a Primary Prevention?
A pilot study can prevent a researcher from
performing a larger study that is an expensive
disaster.
What are some reasons for conducting a
pilot study?
Allows for examination of issues related to the
research design, sample size, data collection
procedures, and data analysis appraoches. It can
also be used to test new data collection
instruments or ones that have been changed.
Finally, it essentially identifies any "bugs" that
need to be worked out.
The pieces of information or facts
collected during a research project is
referred to as...
Data
What step in the research process measures
the variables of interest?
The data collection step
What questions should be answered during
the data collection phase of a research
project?
What data will be collected? How will the data
be collected? Who will collect the data? Where
will the data be collected? When will the data
be collected?
What determines the choice of methods to
collect data for a research project?
The hypothesis or research question, the study
deisgn, and the available knowledge about the
topic
What plans should be in place prior to
collecting data?
How the data is going to be organized and
tabulated and how it is to be evaluated. With
that includes how to handle missing data,
interview transcription, etc.
A _________ should be consulted in the
early phase of the research process as well
as the analysis phase to determine the most
effective way to organize data.
Statistician
How can a statistician help a researcher
with a study?
They can help determine what data are needed
for a study and what statistical procedures will
be appropriate to analyze the data.
Which step of the research process may be
the most important for nursing?
Communicating the findings of a study
What is a poster session?
A method for disseminating research results that
involves an attractively designed poster that
describes the area of research, the problem
statement and hypothesis and the findings.
A researcher acting as a consultant in a
health care setting for nurses interested in
implementing the interventions identified
in their study is an example of what step of
research?
Utilizing the findings
T/F In quantitative research, there may be
some shifting back and forth between the
research steps.
True
In _________ research, the individual's
perspective is very important.
Qualitative
In _________ research, the focus is on a
group or population of interest rather than
on an individual.
Quantitative
Interest in qualitative research in nursing
has grown in the US since the _______.
Last decades of the 20th century (the 1990's).
How do quantitative and qualitative
research differ?
Quantitative: manipulation and control of
phenomenon, verification of results, empirical
data gathered through the senses. Qualitative:
gaining of insight and understanding about an
individual's perception of events. Interested in
common emergent themes.
What are common methods for collecting
data for qualitative research?
Interviews and participant observations.
__________ research uses an inductive
approach.
Qualitative
_________ research uses a deductive
approach.
Quantitative
In which type of research study is there an
acceptance of multiple truths?
Qualitative
In which type of research study is there
more likely to be a large sample size?
Quantitative
In which type of research study is
"explanation" a common characteristic?
Quantitative
In which type of research study is
"discovery" a characteristic?
Qualitative
Which type of research study is most
likely to have a smaller sample size?
Qualitative
What are the 9 steps of qualitative
research?
1. Identify the phenomenon to be studied 2.
Select the research design 3. Review the
literature 4. Select the sample 5. Gain entry to
the research site 6. Protect the rights of the
participants 7. Collect the data 8. Analyze the
data 9. COmmunicate the study results
T/F? In qualitative research, the
phenomenon of study may stay very broad
until the researcher enters the field setting.
True
What are characteristics of problem
statements of qualitative studies?
They can be broad and indicate the general
nature of the phenomenon to be studied and the
group/community that will be studied.
When do qualitative researchers review
literature related to their topic of interest,
and why?
They typically review the literature at the end of
the study to avoid bias . The review at the end
allows researchers to identify how their research
fits into the existing body of knowledge.
What is generally the sample size of a
qualitative study?
10-12 participants
________ means that a researcher in a
qualitative study is hearing a repetition of
themes as additional participants are
interviewed. No new information is being
obtained.
Saturation
What must a qualitative researcher do prior
to approaching people for a study?
They must obtain permission from the IRB of
the organization they are working for and to
receive funding they must have proof of IRB
approval.
Where does a qualitative researcher
typically approach people to participate in
their research?
At their place of employment or where they live
What are "key informants?"
They are people who are key people in the area
of interest that may be able to help the
researcher get in touch with other desired
participants. (Note: key informants is a term
used with the ethnographic design of qualitative
research)
In which type of research, qualitative or
quantitative, can ethical issues be more
Qualitative because the researcher interacts very
closely with the participants.
important?
T/F? Anonymity is a strong consideration
when performing qualitative research.
False. The researcher knows the identity (and
interacts closely with) the participants.
Confidentiality is very important.
In what ways can a qualitative researcher
protect confidentiality of research
participants?
The researcher may have to omit demographic
information like age, educational level and
occupation from the research report.
What is the most common data collection
method for qualitative researchers?
Interviews
___________ are a method of data
collection that involve face to face
encounters or telephone calls.
Interviews
___________ involves the direct
observation and recording of information
and require that the researcher become part
of the setting in which the subject of
interest is involved.
Participant observation
Aside from interviews and participant
observations, what are other common
methods of data collection utilized by
qualitative researchers?
Open-ended questionnaires, life histories,
diaries, personal collections of letters and
photographs, and official documents
What type of qualitative research design
allows for data collection until saturation is
achieved?
Grounded theory methodology
A _________ consists of a small group of
individuals meeting together and being
asked questions by a moderator about a
certain topic or topics.
Focus group
What is the advantage of a focus group?
It is a time-saver compared to conducting
individual interviews.
What are disadvantages to focus groups?
There may not be equal participation from all
the members and/or some people may be
reluctant to express their views to others.
What are the "cornerstones" of a
successful focus group?
Well defined purpose, carefully planned
environment, and well-trained personnel
Repeatability of scientific observations and
sources that could influence stability and
consistency of those observations is a
qualitative research definition of...
Reliability
Findings of a qualitative study that reflect
reality and has data that is accurately
interpreted is said to be...
Valid
Why are qualitative studies generally not
replicated?
Because knowledge of the findings of one study
could bias the results of the other study
How does qualitative research gain
reliability and validity?
Data is collected over a longer period and until
no new information is identified. Multiple
sources of data are frequently used. The large
amounts of data over a significant length of
time lends to credibility.
When does data analysis in a qualitative
study begin?
As soon as data collection begins.
___________ involves creating categories
of data and developing rules for coding
data into those categories.
Content analysis
Grounded theory was developed from
what discipline?
Sociology
Ethnography was developed from what
discipline?
Anthropology
Phenomenological research is based on
what discipline?
Psychology
Grounded theory, ethnography and
phenomenological research are qualitative
research designs that have specific
techniques for ___________.
Content analysis
_________ is the basic analysis tool of
qualitative researchers.
Coding
What is QDAS?
Software called Qualitative Data Analysis
Software that can store and edit data, retrieve
segments of text, and assemble data according
to themes or categories.
What software programs are available to
qualitative researchers to analyze data? (6)
QDAS ATLAS.ti Ethnograph Hyperresearch
N6 NVivo
What is the major benefit to combining
qualitative and quantitative research
methods?
It increases the researcher's ability to rule out
rival explanations for phenomena.
What is triangulation?
When qualitative and quantitative research
methods are used simultaneously.
T/F? Qualitative research historically has
been the perferred research method of
nurses.
False, quantitative research has been the
preferred method
A predicted relationship between two or
more variables...
Hypothesis
Hypothesis should always be written
________ a study and never _________
after the study results are examined.
Before the study and never changed once the
results are examined.
What are the purposes of a hypothesis?
-They lend objectivity to scietific investigations
by pinpointing a specific part of a theory to be
tested. -Theoretical positions can be tested in
the real world -can support or fail, but always
lends to scientific knowledge -guides research
design and statistical analysis tools -provide's a
reader with the researcher's expectations about
the study before it begins
What are the three characteristics of a True
Experiment?
1) Manipulation of the experimental variable
(IDV) 2) A minimum of one experimental and
one comparison group 3) Random assignment
of subjects
ROX stands for...
R-Randomization O-Observation X-
treatment/intervention
RO1XO2>E means... RO1 O2
A randomized study with a
pretest/preobservation (O1) and
intervention/treatment (X), a post-
test/postobservation (O2) experimental design.
Where can the source or rationale for a
hypothesis come from?
Personal experience, previous research studies,
literature, or from other theories.
What are the general classifications of
hypotheses?
Simple, Complex, Research hypothesis or Null
Hypothesis. Research hyotheses can be
furthered classified into nondirectional or
directional hypotheses.
A ________ hypothesis involves the
relationship between one independent and
one dependent variable.
Simple
The variable considered the "cause..." Independent
The variable considered the "effect...." Dependent
The variable considered the "reason a
phenomenon occurs..."
Independent variable
The variable considered, "the
phenomenon"
Dependent
How are independent and dependent
variables identified in nonexperimental
studies?
By examining the directional influence of one
variable on another, or by which variable
occurred first
A _______ hypothesis involves the study
of two or more independent variables, two
or more dependent variables or both within
the same study
Complex
What is the first step, and possibly one of
the most important requirements of the
research process?
Be able to delineate the study area clearly and
state the research problem concisely (drill down
to a narrow problem from a broad one)
What are the four most common sources
for generating a research problem?
Personal experiences, literature sources,
existing theories, and previous research.
When basing research off of an existing
theory, generally ________ is tested.
only a part of the theory, not the entire thing
The testing of an existing theory is referred
to as inductive or deductive research?
Deductive
What are the disadvantages to using
personal experiences as a foundation for
research?
-leads to a number of small, unrelated studies -
limited generalizability of results
The lack of _________ studies in nursing
has hindered the development of an
extensive nursing knowledge base.
Replication
How are the problem of a study and the
purpose of the study different?
The problem = what will be studied The
purpose = why it will be studied
What factors should be considered when
determining the appropriateness of a topic
for scientific examination?
Ethical issues, significance of study for nursing,
personal motivation of the researcher,
qualifications of the researcher, and feasibility
of the study
With respect to ethical issues, what does a
researcher need to know in order to ensure
their study meets ethical guidelines?
They need to know/be familiar with the ethical
guidelines established by the federal
government, professional organizations, and
within the specific institutions where the
research will be conducted.
What factors should be assessed to
determine the feasibility of a study?
Time required to evaluate, costs, equipment and
supplied needed, administrative support needed,
peer support, and availability of subjects
Why should a researcher allow for more
time to conduct a study than they think is
actually needed?
Unexpected delays frequently occur, it's best to
plan for them
What are the criteria for a problem
statement? (4)
-it must be written in an interrogative sentence
form (a question) -it must include the
population -it must include the variables -it
must be empirically testable
T/F Problem statements in literature are
never written in declarative form, it is
always in interrogative form to express a
'demand for an answer.'
False, many times it is written in a declarative
form in literature, but it is recommended that it
be in interrogative form.
How can a researcher write a problem
statement so that a consumer can read it,
understand it and respond to it?
By writing it as a complete, grammatically
correct sentence, even if it has to be very long.
The 'population' of a problem statement
must be _________.
Narrowed/delimited. 'Nurses' is too broad,
NICU nurses is delimited
A ________ study is one that has only one
variable to be studied.
Univariate
'What source of school stress is most
identified by nursing school students' is an
Univariate
example of a problem statement for a
__________ study. (Univariate, Bivariate
or Multvariate?)
Univariate studies are frequently the
_______ of a research process.
The first/beginning step
When two variables are researched in a
study, it is said to be a ________ study.
Bivariate
'Is there a correlation between the number
of stressors in school and the nursing
student's rate of failure?' is an example of a
problem statement of a ____________
study (Univariate, Bivariate or
Multivariate?)
Bivariate (usually an independent variable-
number of stressors, and dependent variable-
failure rate)
A study that involves more than two
variables is called a __________ study.
Multivariate
In a multivariate study, frequently the
________ between variables is the interest
of the study.
Interaction
What is the matter with this research
problem, 'Should women over the age of
40 have children?'
It is not an empirically testable problem. Ethical
or values issues don't make good research
questions because they aren't measurable.
What is the matter with this problem
statement? 'What is the effect of in-room
humidifiers on patients with nasal cannula
delivered oxygen therapy?'
The problem statement shouldn't use the words
'cause' or 'effect.'
Correlational statement or Comparative
statement? Is there a difference between
gender and self esteem?
Correlational
Correlational statement or Comparative
Statement? Is there difference in self
esteem in people in the population who
have blue eyes and those who do not have
blue eyes?
Comparative
Descriptive Study Comparative Statement
or Experimental Study Comparative
Statement? Is there a difference in
educational reading levels in students who
have high anxiety levels before an exam
and those who don't have high anxiety
levels before an exam?
Descriptive
Descriptive Study Comparative Statement
or Experimental Study Comparative
Statement? Is there a difference in
educational reading levels for students
who were taught relaxation techniques
Experimental
prior to the exam compared to those who
were not taught relaxation techniques
before the exam?
Where should the prediction of the
outcome of a study be written?
In the hypothesis
What are the guidelines for critiquing a
problem statement? (7)
1. Is the problem/purpose statement clear? 2. Is
the problem statement written in a single
interrogatory or declarative sentence? 3. Are the
study variables and the population included in
the problem statement? 4. Does the problem
statement indicate that empirical data could be
gathered r/t the topic of interest? 5. Does the
problem statement indicate that the study would
be ethical? 6. Is the feasibility of the study
apparent when reading the problem statement?
7. Is the significan
What are the purposes of conducting a
literature review prior to planning your
own research study?
-to determine what is already known about the
topic -helps the researcher to decide whether to
relicate a study or study a different aspect of the
problem -help locate a framework in which the
study will be interpreted -helps plan the study
methodology
Why is it beneficial for a researcher to
consult with a librarian during the
literature review stage?
The librarian helps ensure the most relevant
research is located
A ________ source is a description of a
research study written by the original
investigator(s).
Primary source
A ________ source is a summary or
description of a research study written by
someone other than the study
investigator(s).
Secondary
Why is it important not to rely solely on
the information retrieved from secondary
sources when performing a literature
review?
Secondary sources may misinterpret
information or leave out important information
that is valuable to the reader
Where are primary sources most likely to
be published?
Journal articles
________ contain reference materials on
periodicals and some books.
Indexes
___________ contain brief summaries on
articles.
Abstracts
________ are library resources that
provide assistance in obtaining journal
articles and other resources pertinent to a
Indexes
topic of interest.
_______ provides the purpose, methods
and major findings of studies.
Abstracts
What does CINAHL stand for?
Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health
Literature
What professions are covered by
CINAHL?
Nursing, dental hygiene, medical records,
nutrition, dieticians, OT, PT, physician's
assistant, and respiratory therapy.
What is NSI?
A nursing studies index created by Yale. It
provides an annotated guide to English-
language reports of studies, histories,
biographical materials concerning nursing.
Index created by Yale. It provides an
annotated guide to English-language
reports of studies, histories, biographical
materials concerning nursing....
NSI (Nursing Studies Index)
Index that covers all nursing and allied
health literature...
CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and
Allied Health Literature)
Index that covers all biomeicine, including
nursing and some allied health fields. It is
a good resource for articles written before
1950...
Index Medicus...discontinued but previously the
most used index. Still available in libraries.
If you wanted to access Index Medicus, it
is available through the online resource
__________.
Medline
What are some resources for journal
abstracts?
Nursing Research, Psychological Abstracts,
Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI) &
Master Abstracts International (MAI).
Nursing Abstracts contains studies
significant to nursing from 1960-1978. To
find the author and subject guide for
articles published the previous year, you
would look in the ________ issue.
November/December issue of each year
The DAI has three sections to help aid a
researcher in locating abstracts pertinent to
them. The three sections are:
A: Humanities and Social Sciences B: Sciences
and Engineering C: Non-North American
material
Since 1980, abstracts in the DAI have been
traditionally approximately _______
words.
350
_______ contains author-written 150-word
abstracts of master's theses. Only a smal
percentage of U.S. master theses appear in
this index.
Master Abstracts International (MAI)
A listing of books held by libraries The Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)
throughout the world may be otained
through...
What is WorldCat? The OCLC database that contains books
What are some advantages of CD-ROM
databases?
-They provide user-friendly assistance that
allows user to conduct a search wihout the
assistance of a librarian -can store 275,000
pages of text
What are the disadvantages of CD-ROM
databases?
They are obsolute as soon as they are produced
and they are often split over several discs. Mot
databases available on CD-ROM can be
accessed online
What online databases have been
identified as the most relevant to nursing
research?
Medline, Embase, Biosis, DISSERTATION
ABSTRACTS ONLINE, ETOH, and SCI
EXPANDED-SSCI
Subject headings of the CINAHL database
correspond to the structure of __________
used by the National Library of Medicine.
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
What are the major differences between
CINAHL and CINAHL Plus with Full
Text databases?
CINAHL-: articles are available for 16.00-
20.00, available online, and from commercial
vendors, records date back to 1982 CINAHL
Plus: only available through libraries, has
Evidence Based Care Sheets, records date back
to 1937
What does MEDLINE stand for?
Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval
System Online
This online database provides access to
journals in the life sciences, with a
concentration on biomedicine. It includes
information from nursing, pharmacy,
veterinary medicine and dentristry.
MEDLINE
How is OLDMEDLINE different from
MEDLINE?
It contains older articles from 1950-1965
How is MEDLINE Plus different from
MEDLINE?
It is for consumer health information and has
'easy to read' material in English and Spanish
...this is an international network of
individuals and institutions that prepare,
maintain, and disseminate systematic
reviews of the effects of health care, the
effectiveness of treatments, and performs
meta-analysis.
Cochrane Collaboration
This database corresponds o two print
sourcs: Current Index to Journals in
Education (CJIE) and Resources in
Education (RIE)...
ERIC ...the world's largest database of
Education Information
...database produced by ProQuest
Information and Learning. Degree-
granting institutions submit copies of
dissertations and these to Universoty
Microfilms International (UMI).
DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS ONLINE
(DAI)
Where can you go online to see the table
of contents for the most current issues of
50 nursing journals?
www.nursingcenter.com
What does RRA mean?
Record References Accurately (get page
numbers, volume numbers, etc. for all
references)
What information should you collect from
articles you find pertinent to your
research?
Problem of study, hypothesis, methodology,
type of sample, findings and conclusions
How can you determine whether a source
is a primary or secondary one when
looking at the reference list at the end of a
journal article?
If it is mostly journal citations, they are
probably primary citations. If it is mostly book
chapters and literature reviews on certain topics,
they are probably secondary
What would you expect to see in the
references list of research based on another
theory or conceptual framework?
The name of the theorist
What are the 12 Guidelines for Critiquing
a Literature Review?
1. Is the literature review comprehensive? 2. Is
the literature review concise? 3. Does the
review flow logically from the purpose(s) of the
study? 4. Are all sources relevant to the study
topic? 5. Are surces critically appraised? 6. Are
both classic and current sources utilized? 7. Are
paraphrases or direct quotes used more often
(should be mostly paraphrasing) 8. Are both
supporting and opposing theory and research
presented? 9. Are most of the references from
primary sources
1 2 3
_______ studies are conducted when little
is known about the phenomenon of
interest.
Exploratory
In _______ studies, hypotheses are
generally not appropriate, a flexible
approach (rather than structured) is used,
and qualitative and quantitative data is of
interest. The study itself is not considered
qualitative.
Exploratory
Why are exploratory studies considered
quantitative?
The data collected (although in some part
qualitative)is intended to be categorized,
grouped and eventually generalized to other
patients
In _____ studies, phenomena are described
or the relationship between variables is
examined.
Descriptive
What is the major difference between
exploratory and descriptive studies?
Exploratory studies are done when little is
known about a phenomenon. Desciptive studies
are done when enough information is available
to identify variables that may have a
relationship
_______ studies are done to search for
causal explanations and are very rigorous.
Enough knowledge exists that the
invstigator is able to exercise some degree
of control over the variables and and
research conditions.
Explanatory
How do explanatory studies differ from
descriptive and exploratory studies?
Descriptive/exploratory describe phenomena
and examine relationships among phenomena
Explanatory provides explanations for the
relationships between phenomena
Quantitative esearch studies are divided
into _______ and ________ designs.
Exprimental and non-experimental
Experimental research designs are
ultimately concerned with __________
relationships.
Cause and effect
All ________ studies involve
manipulation or control of the independent
variable and measurement of the
dependent variable.
Experimental
_______ variables are those variables an
experimentor is unable to control or
chooses not to control that may influence
the results of the study.
Extraneous
Confounding and intervening are terms
used synonymously with ______ variables.
Extraneous
Extraneous variables are referred to as
___________, and they are acknowledged
in the discussion section of a research
report.
Study limitations
_______ validity of an experimental
design refers to the degree with which the
investigator can attribute the changes in
the dependent variable to the manipulation
of the independent variable.
Internal
What are threats to internal validity? Factors aside from the independent variable that
influences the dependent variable.
_______ vaidity concerns the degree with
which the study results can be generalized
to other people and other settings.
External
When a researcher attempts to control for
internal validity, ________ is usually
decreased.
External validity
What are the 6 main threats to internal
validity?
Selection bias, history that influences the
dependent variable (like 9-11), maturation,
testing, instrumentation change, and mortality.
Selection bias is most likely when subjects
are not...
Randomly assigned to experimental and control
groups
________ occurs when study results
attributed to the experimental treatment or
manipulation of the independent variable
are, in actuality, due to the differences of
the subjects prior to manipulation of the
independent variable.
Selection bias
______ is an internal validity threat that
occurs when some event besides the
experimental treatment occurs during the
course of the study which influences the
dependent variable.
History
How is history, as a threat to internal
validity, controlled for?
Inclusion of at least on simultaneous control or
comparison group in the study and
randomization of the participants
How is the threat to internal validity,
maturation, controlled for?
By use of a comparison group
_______ is a term to describe the influence
of pretesting or knowledge of baseline data
has on posttest scores in an experimental
study.
Testing
_________ is a term used to describe the
difference between a pretest and posttest
measurements of a study that is due to
changes in the accuracy of the assessment
tool or judging ratings, rather than as a
result of the experimental treatment.
Instrumentation Change
How is the threat to validity,
instrumentation change, controlled for?
Training sessions for judges and trial runs to
check for fatigue factors, as well as calibrating
instrumentation.
__________ occurs when the dropout rate
is different for the control group than it is
for the experimental group.
Mortality
What research design can prevent
mortality?
None, participants can never be forced to
remain in a study.
How is Mortality different from Attrition?
Attrition refers to participant drop-out, mortality
refers to a dropout rate that is different from a
control group than the experimental group.
How can the threat to internal validity,
mortality, be controlled for?
The researcher can try to establish a relationhsip
with study participants and help them recognize
the importance of their participation in the
study.
What are the three identified threats to
external validity?
Hawthorne effect, experimenter effect and the
reactive effects of the pretest/measurement
effect.
The ________ effect occurs when study
participants respond in a certain manner
because they are aware they are being
observed.
Hawthorne effect
The _________ effect can be a threat to
both internal and external validity.
Hawthorne effect & reactive effects of the
pretest
How can the Hawthorne effect be
controlled for?
By using a double-blind experiment design.
In a ________ study, neither the researcher
or the participants are aware of which
group (experimental or control) the
participants are assigned to.
Double blind study
The _______ effect occurs when
researcher characteristics or behaviors
influence subject behaviors. Facial
expressions, clothing, body build, etc. are
all things identified as possible of
influencing participants.
Experimenter effect
The _________ effect describes when the
characteristics of an interviewer (like
gender, dress, jewelry worn, etc.) has an
effect on the respondent's answers in
nonexperiemental studies.
Rosenthal effect
What is the major difference between the
experimental effect and the Rosenthal
effect?
Experimenter effect occurs in experimental
studies. The Rosenthal effect occurs in
nonexperimental study designs.
__________ is a threat to external validity
that occurs when subjects have been
sensitized to a treatment through taking the
pretest.
Reactive effects of the pretest/measurement
effect
During an experiment on weight loss, the
researcher weighs all the participants and
Reactive effects of the pretest/measurement
effect, knowledge of the pretest results may
tells them their starting weight. At the end
of the study, the researcher determines
each of the participants lost weight. What
is the threat to external validity in this
situation?
impact the posttest results.
How is the internal validity threat, Testing,
different from the external validity threat,
Reactive effects of the pretest?
Testing occurs if the pretest or baseline
knowledge is the cause of the results on the
posttest, whereas Reactive effect is the catalyst
for bringing out the results found on the
posttest.
How can a researcher know for sure if a
pretest threat has occurred?
They probably can't
In research notation, R = Random assignment of subjects to groups
In research notation, O=
Observation measurement of the dependent
variable
In research notation, X= Experimental treatment or intervention
__________ is a procedure that ensures
that each subject has an equal chance of
being assigned or placed in any of the
groups in an experimental study.
Random assignment
How is random assignment typically done? It is typically computer generated
What are the three broad categories of
experimental design?
True experimental Quasi-experimental Pre-
experimental
In the following research notation, what
indicates the independent variable and
what indicates the independent variable?
RO1XO2 RO1 O2
The dependent variable is O1/O2 (what is
measured before and after the treatment) The
independent variable is X
The type of experiemental design that
allows a researcher the most control over
the research situation...
True Experiment
Only with ______ experimental design can
causality be inferred with any degree of
confidence.
True experimental
What are the three criteria for true
experimental design?
-The researcher manuipulates the experimental
variables -At least one experimental and one
comparison group are included in the study -
Subjects are randomly assigned to either the
experimental or the comparison group
_________ means the
independent/experimental variable is
controlled by the researcher.
Manipulate
A _______ group indicates a group in an
experimental study that does not receive
the experimental treatment.
Control group
A ______ group is any group in an
experimental study that either receives no
treatment or a treatment that is not thought
to be as effective as the experimental
treatment.
Comparison
What are identified as the three types of
True Experimental design?
-Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design -Posttest
only Control Group design -Solomon four
group design
Which type of true experimental design is
the most the frequently used?
Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design
In research notation, the following
represents what type of true experimental
design? RO1XO2 RO1 O2
Pretest (O1) Posttest (O2) Control Group (RO1
O2) design
What is the advantage to using a pretest-
posttest control group design?
It controls for all threats to internal validity
What is the disadvantage to using a
pretest-posttest control group experimental
design?
The external threat, reactive effects of the
pretest, will always be present
What type of true experiment is indicated
by the research notation below? RXO1 R
O1
Posttest only control group design R
(randomized) X (treatment/intervention) O1
(observation/posttest) R O1 (control group)
The _________ true experiment design is
considered a superior design because it is
easier to carry out and has greater
generalizability of results.
Post-test only control group design
Random assignment is used to ensure
_______ of the groups involved in an
experiment.
Equality of the groups
The use of a large sample size ensures
_________ of an experiment.
effectiveness of the random assignment
There are four groups in the Solomon Four
Group Design (hence the name). Describe
the four groups...
Group 1: One Experimental group and one
control group that both get pretested Group 2:
Experimental group 1 and experimental group
2, both get treatment Group 3: Control group 1
and control group 2 receive no/current treatment
Group 4: All participants (4 groups) get
posttested
Explain the following scientific notation:
RO1XO2 RO1 O2 RXO2 RO2
Solomon four group design Line one-
Experimental group, pretested/posttested:
Randomized (R), Pretest (O1), Treatment (X),
Posttest (O2) Line two-control group,
pretested/posttested: Randomized (R), Pretest
(O1), Posttest (O2) Line three-Experimental
group, no pretest: Randomized (R), Treatment
(X), Posttest (O2) Line four-control group, no
pretest: Randomized (R), Posttest (O2)
The ________ is considered to be the most
prestigious experimental design.
Solomon four group design
What are the advantages of the Solomon
four group design?
It controls for internal and external validity
threats; reactive effects of the pretest is
controlled for by pretesting a
control/experimental group and having a
control/experimental group that isn't pretested.
Changes can be strongly associated with the
experimental treatment.
What are the disadvantages of the
Solomon Four Group Design?
Requires a large sample and statistical analysis
is complicated.
How many Nursing studies have been
performed using the Solomon Four Group
design in the past ten years?
One
______ experimental designs are those in
which there is either no comparison group
or subjects are not randomly assigned.
Quasi-experimental design
What are the advantages of the Quasi-
Experimental design?
The experiments are typically conducted in a
naturally occurring groups, allowing for more
real world approximation.
Nonequivalent control group design and
time series experimental designs are types
of ________ designs.
Quasi-Experimental
What is the difference between a pretest-
posttest control group design and a
nonequivalent control group design?
In the nonequivalent control group design, there
is no randomization of subjects
Explain the following research notation:
O1XO2 O1 O2
A nonequivalent research design, Experimental
group: Pretest (O1), Intervention (X), Posttest
(O2) Control group: Pretest (O1) Posttest (O2)
What are the threats to internal validity
when using a quasi-experimental research
design?
History, Testing, Maturation, and
Instrumentation Change and Selection Bias
What is the biggest threat to internal
validity from a quasi-experimental
research design?
Selection Bias-the groups used may not have
been similar at the beginning of the study
How can selection bias be controlled for in
a quasi-experimental study?
By testing statistically for differences in the
groups (like education levels, ages, etc.)
What type of design is indicated by the
following notation? O1O2O3XO4O5O6
Time series design
What are the greatest internal threats when
using a time series research design?
History or testing
What type of experimental designs are One-shot case studies and One-group pretest-
considered how 'not to do' research? posttest designs (both are pre-experimental
designs)
What type of study is indicated by the
following notation? XO
One shot case study
In a ________, a single group is exposed
to an experimental treatment and observed
after the treatment.
One-Shot Case Study
A ________ design provides a comparison
between a group of subjects before and
after the experimental treatment.
One-group Pretest-Posttest Design
What type of research is indicated in the
following notation? O1XO2
One group pretest-posttest design
What are the threats to internal validity
when using a one-shot case study research
method?
History, Maturation, and Selection Bias
Which type of research design is
considered the weakest, and why?
The One Shot Case Study, because it has no
controls for threats to internal validity
What are the disadvantages of using a one-
group pretest-posttest design?
The threats to internal validity: history,
maturation, testing and instrumentation change
Why are all nonexperimental designs
descriptive studies?
-there is no manipulation or control of variables
-the researcher can only describe the
phenomenon as it exists
What are the four most common types of
nonexperimental research designs?
Survey, correlational, comparative and
methodological
______ studies are investigations in which
self-report data are collected from samples
with the purpose of describing populations
on some variable or variables of interest.
Survey Studies
What are the two most common public
opinion polls in the US?
The Gallup Poll and the Harris Polls
The ability to generalize sample results
from a nonexperimental design to the
population of interest lies in
_____________.
The Sampling Technique
_______ and _______ are very important
in survey research.
Probability sampling techniques and adequate
sample sizes
What are the most common data collection
methods used in survey research?
Questionnaires and Interviews
What types of surveys can be used in
survey research?
Cross-sectional surveys and Longitudinal
Surveys
In a ________ survey, subjects are studied
at one point in time.
Cross-sectional survey
_________ surveys follow subjects over
an extended period of time.
Longitudinal surveys
What are the advantages of survey
research?
-ability to provide accurate information on
populations -a large amount of data can be
obtained relatively quickly -involves a minimal
cost
What are the disadvantages of survey
research?
-the type of data obtained (self-report responses
may be unreliable because people may provide
socially acceptable, not necessarily accurate,
responses)
In ________ studies, a researcher
examines the strength of relationships
between variables by determining how
changes in one variable are associated with
changes in another variable.
Correlational research
What is a correlational coefficient?
The magnitude and direction of the relationship
between two variables
A correlation of -1.00 means...
A perfect negative correlational relationship, as
the value of one variable increases, the value of
the other decreases
A correlation of 1.00 means...
A perfect positive correlation, as the value of
one variable increases, the value of the other
variable increases
Pearson's r and Spearman rho refer to... Correlational coefficients
T/F The identification of an independent
and a dependent variable may not be
appropriate in some correlational studies.
True, although, typically they are identified
In correlational research, the independent
variable is the variable that...
Comes first in chronological order and
influences the other variable. It is NOT
manipulated by the researcher
_________ studies examine the differences
between intact groups on some dependent
variable of interest.
Comparative
What is the major difference between
comparative studies and experimental
studies?
In comparative studies, there is no manipulation
of the independent variable...it is usually some
inherent characteristic like educational level,
medical condition, etc.
Comparative studies can be classified as
________ or ________ studies.
Retrospective or Prospective
In _______ studies, the dependent variable
is identified in the present, and an attempt
is made to determine the independent
variable that occurred in the past.
Retrospective studies
In _______ studies, the independent Prospective
variable or presumed cause is identified at
the present time, and then subjects are
followed in the future to observe the
dependent variable.
Retrospective studies are frequently called
________ studies.
Ex post facto studies (data collected after the
fact-how the previous impacts the present)
Which type of correlational research,
prospective or retrospective, may use an
experimental approach?
Prospective
Which type of correlational research,
prospective or retrospective, can never use
an experimental design?
Retrospective
Which is less common, prospective or
retrospective studies?
Prospective
_________ studies are concerned with
development, testing, and evaluation of
research instruments and methods.
Methodological studies
In ________ studies, data are analyzed that
were gathered in a previous study.
Secondary Analysis
What are the benefits of secondary
analysis studies?
The study is efficient, economical
________ studies are conducted in special
environments created by a researcher. The
researcher attempts to control the
environment as much as problem.
Laboratory studies
________ studies are conducted in 'real
life' situations, not allowing for much
control.
Field Studies
________ studies are considered
laboratory studies.
Simulation
What are the 7 guidelines for Critiquing
Quantitative Research designs?
1. Is the design clearly identified in the research
report? 2. Is the design appropriate to test the
study hypothesis(es) or answer the research
questions? 3. If the study used an experimental
design, was the most appropriate design used?
4. If the study used an experimental design,
what means were used to control for threats to
internal validity? External validity? 5. Does the
research design allow the researcher to draw a
cause-and-effect relationship between the
variables? 6. If t
What is the MAJOR consideration when
critiquing a research design?
-the ability of the study design to test the
hypothesis/research question
What are six qualitative research designs? Phenomonological, ethnographic, grounded
theory, historical, case study and action research
_______ studies examine human
experiences through the descriptions
provided by the people involved.
Phenomenological
________ research attempts to escribe the
meaning experiences hold for each subject
and is used to study areas of research on
which there isn't a lot of information.
Phenomenological
Experiences that are used for
phenomenological studies are called
________ experences.
Lived
Data is collected for phenomenological
research primarily through...
Interviews (although, the participant may write
out their experience and how they
interpret/perceive it)
What is bracketing and what type of
research is it used for?
A researcher identifies what they expect to
discover and deliberately set it aside. By doing
this, it is possible for the researcher see the
experience from the eyes of the person relating
it. It is used in Phenomenological research.
In phenomenological studies, what is the
goal?
To identify themes and patterns in the data
In phenomenological studies, when is data
collected vs. when it is assessed?
They are done simultaneously (unlike all
experimental research)
_______ studies involve the collection and
analysis of data about cultural groups.
Ethnographic
In ________ research, the researcher often
lives with the population of interest and
becomes a part of their culture.
Ethnographic
What is a key informant, and in what type
of research are they used?
A key informant is an individual knowledgeable
about a culture of interest. They are used in
ethnographic studies.
How is data generally gathered for
Ethnographic research?
Participant observation and interviews
What is the end purpose of an
ethnographic study?
The development of cultural theories
What discipline gave genesis to
ethnography?
Anthropology
How is the use of ethnographic research
beneficial to nursing?
Nurse researchers can view nursing and health
care in the context in which it occurs
What discipline gave rise to Grounded
theory?
Sociology
In ________ studies, data is collected and
analyzed, then a theory is generated based
Grounded theory
on the analysis.
The _________ method uses both an
inductive and deductive approach to theory
generation.
Grounded theory
What type of sampling is used for
Grounded theory and why?
Purposeful sampling...the researcher wants a
diverse population to locate people who can
shed new light on a phenomenon.
How is data collected in a grounded theory
study?
Through participant observation and interviews.
The data is recorded through handwritten notes
and tape recordings
_________ is the term used for contantly
comparing new data collected against data
already in hand. Pertinent concepts are
assigned codes which ae constantly
reviewed as more data is acquired.
Constant Comparison
Which type of qualitative study uses
constant comparison?
Grounded theory
What is a gerund and what type of study
frequenty utilizes them for analyzing data?
A gerund is an -ing word (like calming,
reconciling,etc.). They are often used for codes
in Grounded theory research (to categorize
responses)
When does a researcher, using the
Grounded theory approach, consult the
available literature regarding their topic of
interest?
After data has been gathered. analyzed, coded
and relationships between concepts has been
identified.
What is the presumption of the grounded
theory approach?
That all social life operates within fundamental
patterns called basic social processes
Basic social processes are a construct of
what type of research?
Gounded theory
Which type of research is more concerned
with generating theory than providing a
hypothesis, and generates a self-correcting
theory?
Grounded theory
What type of nursing research is being
used to help define the professional role of
nurses?
Historical
________ studies concern the
identification, location, evaluation, and
synthesis of data from the past and relating
those findings to the present and future?
Historical
A stethoscope from 1892 would be
considered ________ of nursing.
An artifact
What are the methods of data collection
for historical studies?
Using documents, artifacts, relics and oral
reports
With respect to historical research, a
primary source is...
A source (verbal, written, etc.) that provides
firsthand information or direct evidence.
With respect to historical research, a
secondary source is...
Secondhand information or source, like a letter
from Florence Nightingale's sister relating
things Florence had told her about nursing in
the Crimean War
Oral histories, written records, diaries,
pictoral sources and physical evidence are
considered _________ sources in
historical research.
Primary
What are the two types of evaluation all
historical research should be submitted to?
External and Internal criticism
_______ criticism is concerned with the
authenticity of data collected for historical
research.
External
_______ criticism is concerned with the
accuracy of data collected during historical
research.
Internal
When evaluating historical research, which
type of evaluation should be conducted
first?
External (is the source authentic?)
Which type of evaluation for historical
research is the most difficult, external or
internal?
Internal, you have to determine the bias or
accuracy of information contained in a source
_______ are in depth examinations of
people or groups of people.
Case studies
Case studies have their historical roots in
what discipline?
Sociology, and has been used often in
anthropology, medicine and law
T/F Case studies can be qualitative or
quantitative, depending on purpose and
design.
True
_________ is a researcher who has used
qualitative case studies to research how a
nurse moves from novice to expert.
Patricia Benner
What data collection methods are used for
case studies?
Questionnaires, interviews, observation, or
subject's written accounts
_________ involves the examination of
communication messages.
Content analysis
Content analysis is used in what type of
qualitative research design?
Case studies
What are some drawbacks to the case
study design?
-They are time consuming and costly -subject
dropout occurs and must be planned for
________ research is a type of qualitative Action research
research that employs interventions to
improve practice and then studies the
effects.
In _______ research, there is no goal to
generalize findings and the implementation
of an intervention is part of the research
process.
Action research
Qualitative case studies are used to ... Generate hypotheses
___________ research is a special kind of
research that is a form of community based
action where there is a collaboration of
study participants and the researcher
throughout all steps of the research
process.
Participatory Action Research (PAR)
In Participatory Action Research (PAR),
what activities are the subjects of the study
involved in?
-Determining the problem -Deciding what
research method to use -Analyzing the data -
Determining how the results will be used
What are the 11 criteria for evaluating
qualitative designs?
1. Does the phenomenon lend itself to study by
qualitative methods or would a quantitative
method been more appropriate? 2. Does the
study focus on the nature of the human
experience? 3. Is the specific qualitative
approach named and described? 4. Will the
study have significance for nursing? 5. Does the
researcher clearly dscribe how participants were
selected? 6. How was the sample size
determined? 7. Is the data collection process
and recording process fully presented? 8. Is it
What type of researcher? Margaret Mead Anthropologist/Ethnography
What type of researcher? Teresa Christy Historical
What type of research? Glaser and Strauss Grounded theory (sociologists)
What type of research? Kurt Lewin
Action research (he also conributed to change
theory)

Leadership
A professional nursing image is equally
dependent on what three factors?
The ability to effective lead, manage and
follow actions.
The use of individual traits and personal
power to interact constructively with
patients experiencing complex clinical
problems for which there are no
standardized solutions and to guide
interdisciplinary healthcare providers in
Leadership
strategy development to solve these
problems...
What are characteristics of effective
leaders?
They communicate direction, use principles to
guide a process and project an air of self-
assuredness.
What are the five factors identified that
influence leadership development?
Personal life factors, self-confidence, influence
of significant people, progression of
experiences and success, and innate leader
qualities and tendencies.
_________ refers to persons holding top
positions of authority like Nursing Director
or Chief Nursing Officer.
Management
___________ is defined as the work of any
individual who guides others through a
series of routines, procedure, or predefined
practice guidelines.
Management
How does management and leadership
differ with respect to behaviors and
activities?
Management activities occur with less
ambiguity, the outcomes are generally known
and the sequence of actions to achieve
outcomes is prescribed.
____________ is a set of actions taken by
an individual that contribute to problem-
solving, task attainment, and evaluation
using healthy and assertive behaviors that
support those that are leading.
Followership
T/F? Followership is considered a passive
process.
False, it is considered a set of behaviors that
demonstrate collaboration, influence and
action with the leader.
Having social skills, interpersonal
competence, psychological maturity and
emotional awareness that facilitates
harmony is referred to as...
Emotional intelligence.
The ability to step outside and see oneself
in the context of what is happening while
recognizing one's own feelings associated
with the event is referred to as...
Self-awareness
Naming, claiming, and taming feelings such
as fear, anxiety, anger and sadness and
taking action to manage those emotions in a
healthy manner including avoiding passive-
agressive responses and victim responses is
referred to as...
Managing emotions (a level of Emotional
Intelligence)
Valuing differences in perspective and
showing sensitivity to the experiences of
others in a way that demonstrates the ability
Being empathetic (Emotional intelligence
domain)
to reveal another's perspective on a situation
is referred to as...
What characteristics of an emotionally
intelligent nurse garner credibility?
They possess awareness of patient, family,
organizational needs, have an ability to
collaborate, show insight to others and commit
to self growth.
What important functions do theories have
for the nursing profession (3)?
-Can help address important questions for
which answers are needed -They add to
evidenced based care and management
practices -they direct and sharpen the ability to
predict or guide clinical and organizational
problem-solving and outcomes
What was the major trigger for the
development of leadership, motivation, and
management theories?
The influx of people to areas with industries
aimed at mass production (Industrial
revolution). Efficient production was the
impetus
What disciplines were the first to study
leadership theories?
Sociologists and psychologists.
Motivational theories were developed
primarily by ____________.
Psychologists
__________ theories were attempts to
explain how nonmanagement employees
sustained behaviors to accomplish goals or
how leaders and/or environmental factors
influenced worker productivity.
Motivational
_________ theory encompasses how work
is organized, planned, changed, and how
production quotas are determined.
Management
Who has contributed to the development of
Management theories?
Managers, psychologists, sociologists, and
anthropologists.
The Great Man theory is another name for
_______ theories.
Trait
________ theories assert that leaders have
certain physical and emotional
characteristics that are crucial to inspire
others to achieve a common goal.
Trait
Group and Exchange theories are the same
thing as ______ theory.
Style
The Managerial Grid Instrument is useful to
measure __________.
Style
_________ theories focus on what leaders
do in relational and contextual terms.
Essentially, how they interact to influence
positive outcomes.
Style
_______ theories assert that leadership
effectiveness depends on the task, their
interpersonal skills and the favorableness of
the work situation.
Situational-Contingency
The Contingency Model, Normative
Decision Making Model and the Path Goal
theory are all forms of the __________
theories.
Situational-Contingency theories
What three factors are critical in the
Situational-Contingency theories?
-degree of trust and respect between leaders
and followers -clarity of goals and complexity
of task -power of the leader to reward behavior
and exert influence
What two contingent variables did Path-
Goal theory add to the Situational-
Contingency theory?
In addition to the already identified variables
of degree and trust and respect between the
leaders and followers, clarity of
goals/complexity of the task and whether the
leader was able to reward workers and exert
influence, the Path-Goal theory adds the
personal characteristics of the followers and
the environmental demands as additional
contingencies.
What gave rise to transformational
theories?
Globalization and other factors towards the
end of the millenium caused organizations to
have to fundamentally reestablish themselves.
___________ leadership refers to a process
whereby the leader attends to the needs and
motives of followers so that the interaction
raises each to high levels of motivation and
morality. Leader serves as a role model.
Transformational
What theorist developed a hierarchy of
motivation based on human needs?
Maslow
The concept that safety and security needs
will override an employee's creativity and
inventiveness is an example of the
_____________ theory.
Hierarchy of Needs
Trait, Style, Situational-Contingency and
Transformational theories are all examples
of __________ theories.
Leadership
Trait, Style, Situational-Contingency and
Transformational theories are all examples
of __________ theories.
Leadership
Hierarchy of Needs, Two-Factor,
Expectancy and OB Modification theories
are all examples of __________ theories.
Motivational
Hygiene and motivating factors promote Two-Factor
job enrichment by creating satisfaction is
the crux of the ________ theory.
Working conditions, salary, status, and
security are examples of hygiene or
motivator factors?
Hygiene (Two Factor Theory)
Achievement, recognition, and work
satisfaction are examples of hygiene or
motivator factors?
Motivator (Two factor theory)
Individuals' perceived needs influence their
behavior. Motivated behavior is increased if
a person perceives a positive relationship
between good performance and
outcomes/rewards is the tenets of the
____________ theory.
Expectancy
This theory is an operant approach to
organizational behavior and follows an
ABC model...
OB Modification Theory (Organizational
Behavior)
What is the ABC Model?
The OB Modification theory uses the ABC
Performance Analysis Model. A= antecedent
analysis of clear expectations and baseline data
collection. B=behavioral analysis and
determination. C=consequence analysis,
including reinforcement strategies.
A leader who uses positive reinforcement to
motivate followers to repeat (+) behaviors
in the workplace and motivates the staff to
avoid negative situations that cause
discomfort, he is exercising the concepts of
the _________ theory.
OB Modification
Theorist? Trait Theory Stogdill
Theorist? Style Theory Shartle, Stogdill, & Likert
Theorist? Contingency Model Fiedler (Situational-Contingency theory)
Theorist? Normative Decision Making
Model
Vroom and Yetton (Situational Contingency
Theory)
Theorist? Path-Goal Theory
House and Mitchell (Situational Contingency
theory)
Theorist? Trasformational theory Bass, Bennus, Nanus, Tichy, Devanna
Theorist? Hierarchy of Needs Maslow
Theorist? Two-Factor Herzberg
Theorist? Expectancy Theory Vroom
Theorist? OB Modification theory Luthans (builds on Skinner's work)
Complexity theory is arising from what Physical sciences and social sciences
disciplines?
__________ science promotes the idea that
the world is full of systems that interact and
adapt through relationships.
Complexity
In _________ theory, decision making is
distributed among all people involved in an
organization without regard to a hierarchy
and decisions make sense within the
framework of interactions.
Complexity
According to complexity theory, what does
leaderhip require?
An engaged interaction with an event and the
people in it
WHat are the 5 ways complexity science
encourages individuials to lead, manage and
follow?
It encourages development of networks,
encourages nonhierarchial, "bottom-up"
interaction among workers, wncourages
leadership tag development, focuses on
emergence and systematic thinking.
A _________ is any related group with
common involvementin an area of focus or
concern.
Network
______ is the term for the philosophic,
patient-centered, and values driven
characteristics that gives an organization its
personality.
Tag
"Attractors" is another name for _______. Tags
What is an example of an organizational
tag?
One facility's practice may be similar to
another's, but the emphasis on caring (the tag)
drives performance as opposed to cost
effectiveness (another tag).
_________ is the term for how individuals
in positions of responsibility engage with
and discover, through active organizational
involvement, those networks that are best
suited to respond to problems in creative,
surprising, and artful ways.
Emergence. "Contructive rather than
constraining"
What are the principles of the systems
thinking theory?
Thinking of the Big Picture Balancing short
term and long term objectives Recognizing the
Dynamic, Complex, and Interdependent
Nature of systems Recognizing measurable vs.
non-measurable data
Recognizing that patients are connected to
families, which are connected to
communities and cultures, which are
connected to health care, etc. is what part of
the Systems of Thinking theory?
Recognizing the Dynamic, Comples and
Interdependent Nature of Systems
What are Gardner's 10 tasks of leadership?
1. Envisioning Goals 2. Affirming goals 3.
Motivating 4. Managing (Planning/setting
priorities, organizing and institution building,
keeping the system functioning, setting
agendas and making decisions, and exercising
political judgment) 5. Achieving workable
unity 6. Developing trust 7. Explaining 8.
Serving as symbol 9. Representing the group
10. Renewing
In general and from Gardner's theory, how
do Behaviors differ between Clinical,
Managerial and Executive positions?
Clinical-focused on a single individual/family
Managerial-focused on a specific
aggregate/assisting staff to achieve goals
within an organizational perspective
Executive-focused on a community health and
organizational preparation
________ is the ability to assess the current
reality, determine and specify a desired end
point state and then strategize to reduce the
tension between the two states in a positive
manner.
Visioning
_______ tension is positive, and _________
tension is negative.
Creative tension is positive Emotional tension
is negative
________ are the inner forces that give
purpose, direction, and precedence to life
priorities.
Values
_________ is tapping into what we value
and reinforcing those factors to achieve
growth and movement toward the vision.
Motivation
_________ is the key component of a team. Trust
What is required for the art of
communication? (8)
1. Know what info needs to be shared 2. Know
who will receive the info, info that represents
self interest must be presented 3. Provide
opportunity for feedback/dialogue 4. Know
that too much info can paralyze the listener
and divert energy away from key
responsibilities 5. Be willing to repeat info in
different ways and at different times, keep it
simple 6. Values behind a change should be
explained 7. Acknowledge loss and provide
opportunities for communication 8. Be
sensitive to non-ve
___________ is a preferred method for
dialogue and feedback because it affords
immediate feedback and offers opportunity
to clarify information.
Face to face communication
Serving as a __________ reflects unity and Symbol
collective identity.
___________ is considered an energy
expending task, whereas __________ is
considered an energy-producing task.
Problem-solving is energy expending, vision-
setting is energy producing
Celebrating individual accomplishments is
a method of _________, leading to positive
trends in spirit and purpose.
Renewing
As part of _______, leaders must be
proponents of self-care behaviors like
eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep
and exercise and other wellness oriented
activities to maintain a good perspective
and energy level.
Renewing
What are the 4 guiding principles of
conflict resolution?
Put the focus on the interests Build in loop-
backs to negotiation Build in consultation
before and feedback after the negotiations
Provide necessary motivation, skills and
resources
What is a loop back related to negotiations?
Allowing an avenue to return to negotiations.
Ex: Allowing for a cooling off period before
reconvening after a failed negotiation session,
or reviewing the consequences of failure to
arrive at an agreed resolution
Meeting with staff after a conflict to learn
from the situation and to prevent it in the
future is an example of what principle of
conflict resolution?
Allowing for feedback after negotiations (3rd
principle)
A _________ specifies the desired
sequence of steps that have been designed
to achieve clinical standardization.
Process of Care
Managers maintain __________ of clinical
system functioning.
the spirit
What are Bleich's 9 tasks of management?
1. Identify the systems and processes over
which the manager has responsibility and
accountability 2. Verify minimum and
optimum standards/specifications for staff to
achieve 3. Validate the knowledge, skills, and
abilities of available staff, capitalize on
strengths, and stregthen areas in need of
development 4. Devise and communication a
big picture plan for the division of work 5.
Eliminate barriers/obstacles to work
effectiveness 6. Measure the equity of
workload and use data to s
What are Bleich's 9 tasks of Followership? 1. They are individually accountable while
working within the context of an organization,
doesn't change work to benefit self, including
taking short cuts 2. Honors the standards and
specifications required to deliver acceptable
care/service 3. Offers knowledge, skills and
abilities to accomplish task at hand 4.
Collaborates willingly with leaders and
managers, avoids passive-aggressive or
nonassertive responses to work assignment 5.
Includes datat collection as part of daily work
activ
__________ leadership is the ability to
elicit a vision from people and inspire am
empower those people to do what it takes to
bring the vision to reality.
Enlightened
What are the 8 characteristics of effective
leaders Covey identified ?
-Continually engaging themselves in lifelong
learning -Service oriented, concerned with the
common good -Radiate positive energy -They
believe in other people -lead balanced lives -
See life as an adventure -they are synergistic -
they engage themselves in self-renewal
How is a manager and a leader intrinsically
different?
A manager is a designate, appointed role.
Result of instruction A leader is an abilities
role, can be taught, but is usually the result of
personal experiences
What three qualities do followers need from
their leaders?
Direction, trust and hope
Why is nurse leadership vital?
Nurses depend on their leaders to set goals for
the future and the pace to achieve them. The
public depends on them to move consumery
advocacy agendas forward.
What are the top 5 things followers desire
from their leaders?
Respect, control of decisions that most affect
them, Rewards and recognition, balance of life,
and professional development
The traditional boss image is an example of
________ leadership.
Transactional
In _________ leadership, employees
understand that there is a superior who
makes decisions with little or no input from
subordinates.
Transactional
How do transactional leaders move
followers?
Offering rewards for desired work, monitoring
work performance and correcting when there's
a problem and waiting until a problem occurs
and dealing with it retrospectively.
A _______ leader is more likely to opt for Transactional
status quo and is found in more stable work
environments.
A ________ leader is one who seeks and
welcomes input from followers as goals are
formulated and decisions are made.
Transformational
What are the five key practices of
transformational leadership?
1. challenging the process, challenging how
things have been done in the past and looking
for new solutions to old problems 2. inspiring
shared vision, bringing people together
towards one shared goal that all accept as
achievable and acceptable 3. Enabling others
to act, including empowering people to believe
that they make a difference and their extra
effort will have rewards 4. Modeling by taking
an active role in the work of change 5.
Encouraging, paying attention to those
personal
What type of leadership seems best suited
to nursing practice?
Transformational
What are the barriers to leadership? False assumptions and Time Constraints
Believing that having the title Chief
Executive Officer denotes good leadership
is an example of what barrier to leadership?
False Assumptions
What are the 6 leadership (skills)
development tasks?
Select a mentor Lead by example Accept
responsibility Share the rewards Have a clear
vision Be willing to grow
Experience can be another word for... Learning from failure
What is the focus of transgenerational
leadership?
Building acceptance and understanding
between emerging workforces (the new
generation) and the older generation of
workers.
What has the emerging workforce identified
as what they want in a leader? Note:
Emerging workforce = born 1965 and on
Someone who: -is receptive to people -a team
player -honest -a good communicator -
approachable -knowledgeable -motivating -as
a good attitude -has good people skills
What factors are necessary for the emergent
workforce to be happy in the follower role?
-be able to retain balance in their lives -have
information and input into the decisions that
affect them -see some benefit from the activity
How do the entrenched workforce (Baby
Boomers/1946-1965) view work life?
They believe in the power of collective action,
tend to mistrust authority, are comfortable with
the process of getting to a goal,
tolerant/dependent on meetings and
discussions.
What characteristics do entrenched workers -be motivational -honest -approachable -
desire from a leader? competent -knowledgable Differences from
emergent: -professional -supportive -high
integrity
What are the five rules of leaders to survive
and thrive as leaders?
Maintain balance Generate self-motivation
Build self-confidence Listen to constituents
Maintain a positive attitude
How can leaders maintain balance?
Effective time management, control
communication (simple, fast, and accessible
without tying them down), set priorities and
keep control of them, attend to matters as they
arise, handling a question or piece of mail once
and only one at a time, and focusing on the
task at hand.
Performing an honest self-appraisal on a
regular basis and working to feel good
about a job are ways a leader must work at
__________.
Self-confidence
How does a staff nurse exhibit leadership?
Develops ideas on how to improve patient
safety, future improvements, increase
workplace satisfaction for nurses on their team
In what ways can a staff nurse develop
leadership skills?
Through employment opportunities,
professional opportunities, clinical
opportunities and/or at facilities like Magnet
facilities that encourage skills development.
How can a nurse manager serve as a leader?
Developing with staff nurses a shared vision of
the preferred future, inclusion of staff in
decision making, inspire staff nurses to make
changes in the workplace to make it more
satisfying
How does a nurse executive demonstrate
leadership?
Develops an environment for staff nurses and
managers to have optimal input into
organizational decision-making, creates a
shared vision of the future, empowering others
How can nursing students serve as leaders?
Participating in student organizations, learning
how to deal with conflict/difficult people,
selecting mentors
What is the best and most important step to
becoming a leader within the nursing
profession in the US?
Join a professional organization
What is the major impact of professional
specialty organizations like the Oncology
Nursing Society or AORN?
The sharing and dissemination of information,
discussion of mutual clinical or role concerns,
and education regarding the latest advances in
the field.
What organizations provide assistance to
nurses who want to run for political offices?
The American Nurses Association’s Political
Action Committee (PAC) and the state
constituents member association PACs.
What elected leadership positions can
nurses hold on a local level?
Members of school boards, city councils, and
community boards.
What elected leadership positions can
nurses hold on a state level?
Serving on the state legislature, state board of
nursing, state board of health.
What elected leadership position can nurses
hold on a national level?
US Congress, federal boards and commissions
(Senate is a possibility, but no nurse has
successfully been appointed to the Senate to
date).
What is the measure of success for a leader? If the group succeeds, the leader succeeds
What is role theory?
A collection of concepts and a variety of
hypothetical formulations that predict how
actors will perform their given role, or under
what circumstances certain types of behaviors
can be expected.
What are the 5 basic functions of a
manager?
1. Establishing objectives and goals for each
area and communicating them to the people
responsible for attaining them. 2. Organizing
and analyzing activities, decisions, and
relations needed and divide them into
reasonable tasks. 3. Motivating and
communicating with people responsible for
various jobs through teamwork. 4. Analyzing,
appraising, and interpreting performance and
communicating the meanings of measurement
tools and their results to staff and superiors. 5.
Developin
Managers develop efforts that focus on
__________.
The individual. Their aim is to enable the
person to develop their abilities and strengths
to the fullest to achieve excellence.
How do managers address complex issues?
By planning, budgeting, and setting target
goals. Goals are met by organizing, staffing,
controlling and solving problems.
What three factors have been identified as
factors that produced joy for nurses while
working?
Work that represented progress, work that
provided connections with other people, and
work where competence was required.
What internal factors blend with work-
related factors to produce joy?
Self-esteem, beliefs, attitudes, values and
competence.
What theory has been identified as possibly
the most significant theory to nursing from
the 21st century?
Quantum Theory
________ theory elucidates the complexity
and unpredictability of events.
Quantum
What are the 10 factors that depict the 1. Portability of health care leads to shorter
direction that health care is going according
to Porter-O’Grady?
recovery periods following less invasive
techniques 2. The more fluid medical care
models discharge patients quicker, but the
education of nurses still adheres to learning
practices that require longer patient stays 3.
The shift from inpatient to speedy outpatient
services is increasing 4. Shorter care stays shift
the aftercare from health provider to care-
recipient and significant others. 5. Payment
models previously never questioned are now s
What are the 5 dimensions of a courageous
follower?
Courage to assume responsibility, courage to
serve, courage to challenge, courage to
participate in transformation, and the courage
to leave by separating from a leader or group.
How can a manager support a follower in
their attainment of courage?
Demonstrate trust in their individual
autonomy, advocate for the service role, pose
dilemmas to encourage behavior, design
opportunities to develop transformational
abilities and risk separation.
What is the nurse manager’s role related to
research?
Serving as a participant in research and that of
being an interpreter of research. Incorporate
findings into evidence based care and identify
areas of potential research.
Why should nurse managers consider
mentoring an important role?
-to train successors -boosts staff self-
confidence -helps staff gain professional
satisfaction -assists staff in present work and
career development
Why is knowledge of the organizational
culture of a hospital important?
Nurses who work in positive organizational
environments feel respected
Day to day management challenges for a
nurse manager include balancing what three
sources of demand?
Upper management requests, consumer
demands and staff needs
Nurses employed in the ______ department
of a hospital are considered at high risk for
violence.
Emergency
How can a nurse manager provide 'special
attention' to nurses working in areas
considered high risk for violence?
Ensuring they get adequate on the job training,
conflict resolution/management training, crisis
management and education on how to handle
highly agitated/armed people
Why is it important for a nurse manager to
ensure nurses working in high-risk
environments get adequate training to deal
with protective techniques?
Manages can be at increased risk for non-
adherence to state/federal employee selection
(negligent hiring)
What are the 5 management practices that
have been identified (by the IOM) as
1. managing the change process actively 2.
balancing the tension between efficiency and
effective when instituting change and
achieving patient safety in high-risk
organizations?
reliability 3. creating a learning environment 4.
creating and sustaining trust 5. involving the
workers in the redesign and workflow decision
making
What are the two IOM reports a nurse
manager should be familiar with?
Keeping Patients Safe and Crossing the
Quality Chasm/A New Health Care System for
the 21st Century
What 6 improvement aims were identified
for lower-performing health care sytems?
-safety in patient practices that help rather than
hinder patient care -providing effective patient
care grounded in scientific knowledge and
eliminating services with no benefit -provide
patient centered care that ensures the patient
values the clinical decisions -addressing
efficiency, including avoidance of energy
waste (not just supply waste) -providing timely
care -providing equitable care
What two sets of skills does a nurse
manager need in order to address staff
issues with members of upper
management?
-know who the power sources are and develop
a strategy to present information to them -
ability to pressure power sources for change
implementation
How can a nurse manager lend stability to
staff in times of change?
Consistently follow the core values even if the
approach to achievng them changes. Reflect
the mission, vision and purpose of the
organization
Why is an understanding of business
principles important for nurse managers?
They can become conduits for managin safe,
effective, affordable care (and wisely manage
resources)
What are the keys to effective case
management?
Coordination of care with identified
timeframes for accomplishing appropriate
outcomes
What are the three critical resources a nurse
manager must be able to plan for and
allocate?
Personnel, finances and technologic access
What organization has developed quality
indicators for nurse managers to use to
assess their units?
The ANA. They developed the National
Database of Nursing Quality Indicators
(NDNQI)
What is the Nursing Licensure Compact?
It allows a nurse to have a single licensure that
is recognized by compact states (those that
participate) allowing greater mobility across
states
What are the three major responsibilities of
a nurse manager?
-Maintaining relationships with those above
themselves, peers and staff for whom they are
accountable -Professionalism -Management of
resources
What type of law governs the nurse actions Common law, guided by each state
and duties allowable by the profession?
______ law is guided by principles rather
than rules and regulations and consists of
broad and comprehensive principles based
on justice and reason.
Common
What is the most important piece of nursing
legislation?
The state nurse practice acts
T/F Nursing state boards cannot grant
exceptions, waivers, or expand practice acts
outside of the Nursing Practice Act's
specific provisions.
True
What guides the nursing educational and
examination requirements, grants licensure
and defines functions of nursing in each
category of nursing?
The Nurse Practice Acts
What are the main purposes of a state board
of nursing?
-ensure enforcement of the nurse practice acts -
protect the public through licensure
The _________ ensures individual state
actions against a nurse's license is recorded
and enforced in all states in which the nurse
holds a license.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
(NCSBN)
For a nurse who holds a license in one state
but is able to work in another state due to
compact agreements, which Nurse Practice
Acts govern that nurse's actions?
The state in which she/he is practicing
_______ denotes conduct that is lacking in
car and typically concerns
nonprofessionals.
Negligence
Professional negligence is also referred to
as...
Malpractice
A deviation from the standard of care a
reasonable person would deliver is called...
Negligence
A failure of a person with professional
education and skills to act in a reasonable
and prudent manner is called...
Malpractice
What is omission as it relates to
negligence/malpractice?
The failure to do something the reasonable,
prudent person would have done.
Acting in a way that causes injury to a
patient is called...
Commission
T/F Malpractice and negligence both refer
to acts that result in nonintentional injury to
a patient.
True
What are the six elements required to meet 1. A duty is owed to the patient 2. There is a
the definition of Malpractice? breach of the duty owed 3. There was
foreseeability 4. There was causation 5. There
was an injury 6. There were damages
How are the standards of care r/t the duty
owed to a patient, established?
By reviewing: -The institutions policies and
procedures -the job description -practitioner's
education and skills -ANA standards -JCAHO
standards -state standards
What is the nurse manager's responsibility
r/t standards of care?
-ensuring that the standards established by a
facility are adhered to -educate and train staff
regarding new standards of care -ensure new
standards are followed
The concept that certain events can/will
result in certain results is called...
Foreseeability-knowing that failure to do
something may result in harm
What are common areas concerning
foreseeability?
Medication errors, patient falls, failure to
adhere to physician orders
The concept that a patient came to harm as
a direct result of a nurse's action/inaction is
called...
Causation
T/F Injury, as it related to cases of
malpractice, can be physical, psychological
or transient.
False, only physical injury is considered an
element for malpractice.
In order to prove damages, a patient must
show ______harm before the courts will
allow a finding of liability.
Financial
How can a nurse manager ensure that all of
his/her employees meet the standards of
care?
-performing/reviewing all performance
reviews for evidence they are met -reviewing
patient charts randomly to ensure
documentation standards are met -inquiring
employees regarding standards and where they
can be accessed within the facility
_______ liability refers to each person's
responsibility and accountability for their
own actions/ommissions.
Personal
Vicarious liability/substituted liability refer
to the _________ doctrine which makes
employers accountable for the actions of
their employees.
Respondeat Superior (let the master answer)
T/F In states that allow
vicarious/substituted liability, only the
facility where the nurse works, not the
nurse can be sued.
False
What is indemnification?
The ability of a facility to sue a nurse whose
negligence caused the facility to pay damages
to a patient.
_________ holds that an institution has the
responsibility and accountability to
maintain an environment that ensures
quality healthcare delivery for patients.
Corporate liability
What are some examples of areas of
corporate liability?
Negligent hiring/firing issues Failure to
maintain safety in the physical environment
Lack of competent, qualified and adequate
staff
How do nurse managers protect their
facility from corporate liability?
-by ensuring staff remains competent and
qualified -ensuring their staff has current
licensure -reporting incompetent, illegal or
unethical practices -determining employment
How are nurse managers exposed to the
possibility of malpractice?
-Failure to assign, delegate, and supervise
within standard of nursing practice -Failure to
orient, educate and evaluate new and existing
employees -Failure to warn potential
employers of staff incompetencies or
impairment -failure to provide adequate
staffing, failure to ensure qualifications of a
float nurse or ensuring temporary agency
nurses are qualified
A transfer or authority from one individual
to another to perform some type of work or
task is called...
Delegation
T/F Once delegated, the accountability for a
task falls upon the person who assumed the
task.
False
________ is the transfer of a task and the
accountability related to that task from one
person to another.
Assignment
How often should nurse managers evaluate
the competency of their employees to
provide competent care?
Daily
What is the nurse manager's responsibility
if an issue has been identified with a staff
member?
-promptly respond to any allegation, regardless
of the source (patient or co-workers) of
incompetent or questionable care -recommend
options for correcting the situation -Follow up
on options/recommendations (evaluate)
What are things a future employer should
be told of in order not to be liable for a
failure to warn?
-Suspected addictions -Violent behavior -
incompetency
What must occur in order for 'qualified
privilege' to be in effect?
The individual must list the nurse manager or
institution as a reference
Communications made in good faith
between individuals/entities with a 'need to
Qualified privilege
know' is called...
T/F A patient must suffer an injury directly
related to lack of nursing personnel and not
to incompetent or inappropriate staff
actions in order for a nurse manager to be
held liable for insufficient staff.
True
What measures can a nurse manager take
when short-staffing is a concern?
-approve overtime to ensure adequate coverage
-reassign personnel -restrict new admissions to
the area -notify the COO when understaffing
endangers patient welfare
How can a nurse manager minimize
malpractice risks presented by the use of
float staff?
-assess their expertise, patient-care delivery
systems, and patient-care requirements -match
the nurse's home unit and float unit by skills
required -cross train nurses between several
units
_________ refers to liability that is
assumed by a facility when employing a
nurse from a staffing agency that is
assumed by the patient to be a hospital
employee.
Apparent Agency
What are a nurse manager's responsibilities
r/t use of temporary nurses?
-consider their skills, competencies and
knowledge when assigning them to tasks -
supervise their actions -report incompentency
to the agency -send an incompetent worker
home or reassign them to other duties in other
areas
When using agency or temporary personnel,
what things can a nurse manager do to
ensure the temp is adequatel acclimated to
their current work environment?
-conduct brief orientation regarding
institutional policies and procedures -advise
them where resource materials are located -
advise them of documentation procedures -
assign a resource person/mentor to them
________ is a system that monitors
licensure status in all states and US
territories for discipline issues, competency
ratings and renewals.
ELVIS (Electionic License Verification
System)
What exactly is informed consent?
The authorization by a patient or patient
representative to do something to a patient
based on legal capacity, voluntary action and
comprehension.
What are the three criteria that must be met
in order for informed consent to be valid?
The patient must have legal capacity to
authorize (legal capacity), voluntarily give
consent (voluntary action), and be able to
comprehend what they are agreeing to.
What types of minors are nurses permitted
to get informed consent from?
Emancipated minors, minors seekin treatment
for substance abuse or communicable disease,
and pregnant minors
Which criteria for informed consent is the
most difficult to ascertain?
Comprehension
When a nurse signs as a witness to
informed consent, what does the signature
mean?
Only that she/he has witnessed a voluntary
patient signature on the form
What are the basic pieces of information
that should be communicated in order to
truly have informed consent?
-explanation of the treatment and expected
results -description of risks involved -benefits
that are likely from the procedure -options
aside from the treatment, including no
treatment period -name of who will be
performing treatment -statement that the
patient can withdraw consent at any time
What are the 8 elements of informed
consent related to participation in a research
study?
1. A statement that indicates the study involves
research, the purposes of the research, the
duration of their participation, procedures to be
followed, and identification of experimental
procedures 2. Risks/discomforts related to the
study 3. Benefits to self or others from
research 4. Alternate procedures/treatment
available 5. Extent of confidentiality provided
6. Compensation, treatment options if needed,
what they consist of, and how to get them and
contact info for more informat
What additional information, aside from
that needed for informed consent, should a
study participant be provided? (6)
1. Any personal costs that may be incurred 2.
Potential for foreseeable risks 3. Rights to
withdraw with no questions asked and no
additional incentives 4. Any consequences of
premature withdrawal 5. Statement that
significant findings will be disclosed 6.
Number of subjects for the study
T/F Exculpatory wording is acceptable in
an informed consent document as long as
the information is gone over and initialed
by the participant.
False
T/F With the advent of HIPAA, medical
record information can be used without
patient notification and approval as long as
there is no way to link the patient back to
the record.
True (this is called de-identification)
What demographic factors are not removed
in the deindentification process?
3-digit zip code, gender and age
T/F In medical records that are used in
research, if the individual is 98, his/her age
is recorded as 90.
True
What two criteria must be met in order for a
waiver to forego authorization requirements
to view medical records is granted?
-the use/disclosure of PHI involves minimal
risk to personal privacy -the research cannot be
done practically without the waiver
Which individuals are at risk for not being
able to understand discharge instructions,
medication labels, consent forms, or
diagnosis/treatment options?
Those for whom English is not a first
language, are unable to read at a level over 2nd
grade, or who have vision or cognitive
impairments
What is protected under the legal definition
of privacy?
-a patient's picture or name won't be used for
the institution's benefit -the institution has no
right to intrude on a patient's seclusion or
affairs -the institution can't publish information
r/t the patient that presents them in a false light
-public disclosure of private facts is prohibited
T/F If a patient is reviewing his/her medical
record, the nurse manager should explain
only those entries a patient questions.
True
T/F A patient never has the right to an
original medical record, only copies of that
record.
True, the original medical record is considered
a business document and belongs to the
hospital/organization
T/F An incident report should be referenced
in medical record if a legal issue arises so
the hospital staff can readily locate it.
False, an incident report should never be
referenced in the medical record
What is the goal of risk management?
To identify potential hazards and eliminate
them before an injury occurs
What are the three steps in the EEOC's
processing of an employment
discrimination complaint?
Investigation-is the complaint valid
Conciliation-can the parties reach an
agreement? Litigation-complaining party is
given authorization to sue
What did the 1963 Equal Pay Act do?
Made it illegal to pay different wages based on
gender
What did the Age Discrimination Act do?
Made it illegal to discriminate against older
adults (40 and up)and eliminated mandatory
retirement
T/F The Americans with Disabilities Act
mandates that if two qualified applicants
apply for the same job and one of them is
disabled, the disabled applicant should be
given preference.
False. It mandate that people with disabilities
not be disqualified from consideration of the
job just because of their disability
T/F Affirmative Action takes steps to
enhance the employment opportunities of
Veterans with disabilities and Veterans of
the Vietnam War.
True
When is unequal pay permissable in the
workplace?
When it is based on merit, seniority, incentive
systems...essentially, anything other than
gender, race, sexual preference, etc.
Which governmental legislation requires
isolation procedures, placarding areas
containing ionizing radiation, proper
grounding of electrical equipment,
protective storage of flammable and
combustible liquids, and gloving of all
personnel when handling body fluids?
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration Act (OSHA)
What are the eligibility requirements for
FMLA?
-must have worked at least 12 months -must
have worked at least 1250 hours in the
proceeding 12 months -must give 30 days
notice (like for pregnancy)/as much notice as
practical in emergency situations
T/F Under FMLA, an employee is granted
unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks without
having to utilize vacation time, sick days, or
personal leave benefits first.
False...they have to use up all paid time off
first in that 12 week period. Whatever weeks
remain without paid leave to account for it
becomes unpaid time off
What are public policy exceptions to the
Employment at Will doctrine?
An employer cannot fire an employee for: -
serving on a jury -whistle-blowing -filing a
workers comp claim
What conditions must be present for a valid
employer retailiation lawsuit
(whistleblowing)?
-the whistleblower must have disclosed or
threatened to disclose an allegation to the state
dept. of regulation -allegation must have been
about a violation by the organization -the
employee must have notified the organization
of the problem in writing and allowed enough
time for it to be corrected -the employee must
have suffered from a retaliatory action from
the organization
T/F An employee handbook outlining the
disciplinary process/progressive discipline
must be followed before a person can be
fired.
True, this is an exception to the employment at
will doctrine
_________ is the joining together of
employees for the purpose of strengthening
the ability to influence an employer and
improve working conditions.
Collective bargaining/labor relations
Which Act provides and protects Collective
Bargaining? What organization oversees
collective bargaining?
The National Labor Relations Act
provides/protects The National Labor
Relations Board (NLRB) oversees
T/F In collective bargaining, a 'management
group' and a 'labor group' are formed for
bargaining purposes. Both groups are
protected under the National Labor
Relations Act.
False, only the labor group has protection
T/F In ethics, there are no right or wrong
answers.
True (there are better and worse answers)
T/F Ethics are considered an internal
concept, not a legally based one.
True
What are the eight principles that should be
considered when making a decision based
on ethics?
Autonomy, Beneficence, Nonmaleficence,
Veracity, Justice, Pateralism, Fidelity, and
respect for others
Which ethical principle is directly related to
informed consent?
Autonomy
What ethical principle underlies progressive
discipline in the workplace?
Autonomy (the employee takes responsibility
for improvement to maintain their job)
Accentuating an employee's strengths rather
than their weaknesses is an example of
what ethical principle?
Beneficence
A nurse manager encouraging an employee
to seek more challenging and satisfying
clinical experiences is an example of what
ethical principle?
Beneficence
Providing positive direction during an
evaluation for an employee to correct work
issues is an example of what principle?
Nomaleficence (beating them down with their
errors instead of strategizing to correct them
could potentially do harm)
T/F To work within the ethical principle of
Justice, selecting a nurse to go to a
conference should be based on who is next
on the list, not based on senority or overall
performance.
False, overall performance should be the
deciding factor (Justice, not Fairness)
A nurse manager assisting an employee in
deciding a major career move or plan is an
example of what ethical principle?
Paternalism
_________ allows one person to make
decisions for another when he/she does not
have sufficient data to make the decision on
their own.
Paternalism
What is the ultimate purpose of a code of
ethics?
It is a public expression of a profession's duties
and obligations to the population it serves
Where should a nurse look to first when
facing an ethical issue?
The Code of Ethics for Nurses published by
the ANA
As far as the nursing code of ethics is
concerned, what is the first and foremost
obligation?
Patients, whether as individual, families,
groups or communities comes first (including
their safety)
What disciplines should be involved in an
ethical committee?
Nurses, physicians, clergy, clinical social
workers, mutritional experts, pharmacists,
administrative personnel and legal experts
The ethics committee model that facilitates
decision making for competent clients is
called the...
Autonomy model
The ethics committee model that uses
'substituted judgment' to make decisions
based on what the patient would want if
they were capable of making the issue
known is called...
The patient benefit model
The ethics committee model that makes
decisions based on broad social issues and
is accountable to the overall institution is
called...
The social justice model
T/F Legal mandates dictated by court
decisions take precendent over ethical
issues.
True (look at abortion...)
Problem solving and decision making both
require _________.
Critical thinking
_______ is a purposeful and goal-directed
effort that uses a systematic process to
choose among options.
Decision making
__________ is a process that is considered
the gap between 'what is' and 'what should
be.'
Problem solving
What are the phases of the decision making
process?
Defining Objectives Generating Options
Identifying advantages/disadvantages of the
options Rankng the options Selecting the best
option for the objective Implementing the
option Evaluating the outcome
A manager who makes decisions
independent of the input or participation of
others has a ________ style of decision
making.
Autocratic
A manager that involves the appropriate
personnel in their decision making process
has a ________ style of decision making.
Democratic/participative
Decision making situations that are covered
by agency policies, standard procedures or
analytical tools use what decision making
theory model?
Normative/prescriptive
Which decision making model should be
used when the options available are known
and predictable?
Normative/predictive
This decision making model is used when
the data is subjective, nonroutine and
Descriptive or behavioral
nonstructured. The options or the outcomes
are unknown.
Gathering more data, using past
experiences, using creative thinking or
following a group process are all
components of decision making using the
________ model.
Descriptive/behavioral
The decision making model that provides
the most expedient, conservative response
that minimally meets the objective is
called...
The satisficing model
The decision making process that selects
the most ideal solution to a problem, but
takes longer is called...
The Optimizing model
When is autocratic style decision making
appropriate?
When more rapi decision making is needed
like in a crisis situation, and when groups
appreciate/respond to this style
When is a democratic/participative decision
making style appropriate?
-when a conflict is likely to occur -when the
problem is unstructured -when the manager
doesn't have the knowledge/skills to solve the
problem
_________ decision making styles work
when staff members can work
independently and are committed to the job
and organization.
Laissez Faire
What are the drawbacks to an
autocratic/authoritative decision making
style?
It encourages dependency May result in higher
turnover, less motivation, less creativity and
increased dissatisfaction
What are the drawbacks to a
democratic/participative decision making
style?
It takes longer and may decrease efficiency
What are the drawbacks to Laissez Faire
decision making style?
The group may flounder if no one can emerge
to give the group direction when needed
Physical and emotional state, philosophy,
biases, values, interests, experiences,
knowledge and attitudes are all examples of
________ factors that can influence
decision making.
Internal
Environmental conditions, time and
resources are examples of _______ factors
that influence decision making.
External
"We've always done it this way" is an
example of an internal or external factor in
decision making?
External
What are the two primary criteria for
effective decision making?
-The decision must be of high quality, defined
as achieving the goals, objectives and
outcomes. -Those who implement it, must
accept it
When are higher-quality decisions more
likely to occur?
When groups are involved in the decision
making process as opposed to an individual
What are the drawbacks to using a small
group for decision making?
-fewer options will be generated and fewer
points of view expressed
What are the drawbacks to using a large
group for decision making?
May lack structure, consensus is more difficult
to achieve
What characteristic of individuals within a
group tend to decrease effectiveness of a
decision making process?
Authoritarian, aggressive or self-oriented
What are the major advantages of group
decision making?
-Quality outcomes are more likely when
different skills, knowledge sets, and views are
involved -Participation, especially of follower,
facilitates "buy in" to the solution -Consensus
is easier to achieve
What are the disadvantges of "Majority
Rule" in group decision making?
-may only partially achieve goals/objectives -
group leaders in the minority may not support
the majority decision -Members may support
the formal leader even if they don't agree with
the decision for fear of reprisal -Members may
form coalitions to block majority votes
What are the disadvantages to group
decision making?
-requires time -not appropriate in crisis
situations -dominant personality types
influence passive members -Defending
positions may waste time and cause loss of the
primary objective -group harmony may be the
unspoken goal, resulting in no active
discussion or creative thinking
What are killer phrases?
Phrases that are inflammatory and shut down a
creative thinking process. Examples: "That
will never work." "We tried that before." "It's
not in the budget."
The __________ is a strategy that facilitates
brainstorming by having all group members
present but not communicating with one
another as they write ideas for solutions
down. Each member selects one idea to
share to the group. Discussion is then open.
Privately, members assign priority to the
ideas and the highest by majority is
implemented.
Nominal Group Technique
What are the advantages of the Nominal -allows equal participation -minimizes
Group Technique? influence of dominant personalities
What are the disadvantages to the Nominal
group technique?
-time consuming -requires advanced prep -
requires the group comes together physically
The purpose of _______ is to explore issues
and generate information and involves
groups meeting face to face and discussing
issues.
Focus Groups
What are the advantages of focus groups?
Participants can validate/disagree with ideas,
yields a lot of information
What are the disadvantages of focus
groups?
Issues revolving around group dynamics,
getting everyone togehter, time involved
The _______ technique involves
sysematically collecting and summarizing
opinions and judgmens from respondents
such as expert panalists, through interviews,
surveys or questionnaires. The opinions are
constantly fed back to them to offer more
refined opinions. The goal is to reach a
consensus.
Delphi technique
What are the benefits of the Delphi
technique?
-ability to involve large numbers of
respondents -no need for assembly -little time
committment on the part of the participant -
saves time by eliminating digression seen in
meetings -avoids negative verbal/nonverbal
behavior
What are the disadvantages to the Delphi
technique?
-lower sense of accoplishment/involvement
What are the most common quantitative
tools used for decision making?
Decision grids and payoff tables
______ facilitate the visualization of the
options under consideration in a decison
making process. They allow comparison of
the options using common criteria selected
by the decision makers.
Decision grids
_______ are a decision making tool that
requires a cost-vs-benefit relationship of the
options to solve a problem and the
probabilities of certain outcomes using the
current and historical information available.
Payoff tables
________ is when a conscious decision is
made to do nothing in order for the
individuals involved in a problem to arrive
at their own solution.
Purposeful inaction
What is the most common reason for failure Inproper identifcation of the problem/issue
to solve a problem?
What are the four M's under which work
problems commonly fall?
Manpower, Methods, Machines and Materials
What type of diagram is useful in
categorizing the potential causes of a
problem?
Fishbone/cause and effect diagram
In a fishbone diagram, what does the head,
large bones and small bones represent?
The head is the effect of the problem, the big
bones are major categories of causes and the
little bones are issues that contribute to the
main causes.





Question Excerpt From Nursing research practice test
Q.1)
A nurse who reads research articles and incorporates research findings into nursing practice
would demonstrate which of the following research roles?

A. Consumer
B. Primary investigator
C. Collaborator
D. Producer
Q.2) Florence Nightingale is most noted for which of the following contributions to nursing research?

A. Case study approach to research
B. Data collection and analysis
C. Framework and model development
D. Quasi-experimental study design
Q.3) Which of the following historical events had a major impact on the funding for nursing research?

A.
Development of local, national, and international nursing research conferences by Sigma
Theta Tau
B. Initiation of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research
C. Formation of the National Institute for Nursing Research
D. Development of a Nursing Research Council as part of the American Nurses Association
Q.4) An example of inductive reasoning is:

A. reasoning from all chronically ill patients to a single chronically ill patient
B. reasoning from a single diabetic patient to all diabetic patients
C. using a standard nursing care plan to care for a specific patient
D. using a computerized nursing care plan to care for insulin-dependent diabetic patients.
Q.5) Quantitative and qualitative research approaches are particularly useful in nursing because they:

A. are easy to implement.
B. require few resources.
C. are both process oriented.
D. balance each other by generating different types of nursing knowledge.
Q.6)
Which of the following types of research involve at least some control by the researcher to
implement the study treatment?

A. Correlational
B. Descriptive
C. Quasi-experimental
D. Experimental
Q.7)
In which type of research is there high researcher control, random sampling, and laboratory
setting?

A. Descriptive
B. Correlational
C. Quasiexperimental
D. Experimental
Q.8)
Benner (1984) emphasizes the importance of acquiring clinical knowledge and expertise
through:

A. Professional experience
B. Personal experience
C. Academic experience
Q.9)
What category of research is suggested by the following research question?

"Does telephone follow-up by nurses improve patients' compliance with their medication
regimens?"

A. Applied research
B.
Basic research

C. descriptive research
D. phenomenological research
Q.10)
A researcher investigates the effect of frequency of position change on healing of decubitus
ulcers. The study would be described as:

A. applied research
B. basic research
C. descriptive research
D. phenomenological research
Q.11) Applied research seeks to solve a clinical problem in which setting?

A. Controlled
B. Laboratory
C. Natural
D. Simulated
Q.12)
A researcher designs a study that uses a random sampling method to decrease the likelihood
of bias in the study sample. This strategy was used to implement:

A. manipulation
B. control
C. data collection
D. experimental research
Q.13) Which of the following definitions best describes rigor in quantitative research?

A. Time frame in which the research takes place
B. Degree of aggressiveness used in acquiring the data
C. Amount of control and precision exerted by the methodology
D. Process used to synthesize findings to form conclusions from a study
Q.14)
A researcher is interested in studying stress and coping in caregivers of elderly stroke victims.
The researcher designs a study where data collection takes place in the caregiver's home. This
would be an example of which type of research setting?

A. Natural, field
B. Highly controlled, field
C. Partially controlled, laboratory
D. Highly controlled, laboratory
Q.15)
Problem identification in the research process would be equivalent to which step in the nursing
process?

A. Goal identification
B. Data interpretation
C. Identifying solutions
D. Nursing diagnosis
Q.16) The plan in the problem-solving process is equivalent to which step in the research process?

A. Outcomes
B. Design
C. Implementation
D. Goal identification
Q.17) The research process differs from the nursing process on which of the following?

A. Identifies new information
B. involves abstract, critical thinking
C. has a broader focus
D. utilizes complex thinking
Q.18)
Which of the following would identify the specific aim or goal of the study based on the
identified problem?

A. Purpose
B. Literature review
C. Methodology
D. Assumptions
Q.19)
Research subjects in a study of quality of life (QOL) in liver transplant recipients were asked to
complete a questionnaire about their experiences following transplantation. Which of the
following would be a likely assumption the researcher made in relation to this study?

A. Subjects will complete every item on the questionnaire.
B. Subjects are able to identify a personal awareness of QOL.
C. All liver transplant recipients invited to participate in the study will complete a questionnaire
D. QOL is an important issue to liver transplant recipients.
Q.20)
Before implementing a large, multisite research investigation, a researcher conducts a smaller
study of the planned study to identify any problematic areas. This smaller study is known as
a(n):

A. abstract
B. exploratory design
C. pilot study
D. proposal
Q.21) The researcher uses which portion of the research report to capture the reader's attention?

Q.22)
The sentence "The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health
beliefs and breast self-examination" would most likely be found in which section of a research
report?

Q.23) The initial and one of the most significant steps in conducting the research process is:

A. defining the research variables.
B. identifying the research problem.
C. stating the research purpose.
D. determining the feasibility of the study.
Q.24)
The purpose statement should identify the study variable(s) and what other key aspect of the
study?

A. Design
B. measurement tools
C. population
D. statistics
Q.25) One important source for identification of a research problem would be:

A. nursing practice
B. research textbook
C. nursing code of ethics
D. practice guidelines
Q.26)
In the literature report of a study on quality of life, the researcher describes two previous
investigations suggesting that spirituality is related to quality of life. This information suggests
the current study is significant because it:

A. influences theology.
B. builds on previous research.
C. challenges existing theory.
D. addresses multidisciplinary concerns.
Q.27) Feasibility is determined by examining which of the following?

A. Researcher's credibility
B. Significance of research problem
C. Availability of subjects
D. Previous studies
Q.28)
In a research proposal, the investigator notes that written permission has been obtained from
three local hospitals to access patients for the proposed study. This is an example of what
aspect of a study?

A. Reliability
B. Methodology
C. Ethics
D. Feasibility
Q.29) A research hypothesis:

A. predicts the expected results or outcomes of the study
B. defines the theoretical framework for the study
C. identifies the source of the problem under study
D. clarifies the concepts used in the study
Q.30)
The statement "This study explores the experience of caregiving by adult daughters of parents
with Alzheimer disease" is an example of which of the following?

A. Objective
B. Question
C. Simple hypothesis
D. Complex hypothesis
Q.31)
What type of hypothesis is the following?

"Normal saline flush with heparin is more effective than normal saline flush alone in maintaining
patency of an intermittent intravenous site."

A. Simple, research
B. Complex, nondirectional
C. Complex, causal
D. Simple, directional
Q.32)
What type of hypothesis is the following?

"Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less
pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy."

A. Complex, directional hypothesis
B. Simple, associative hypothesis
C. Simple, nondirectional hypothesis
D. Complex, null hypothesis
Q.33)
What type of hypothesis is the following?

"Low-fat diet is related to lower total cholesterol and higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein)."

A. Complex, directional, causal
B. Complex, directional, associative
C. Simple, nondirectional, research
D. Simple, directional, causal
Q.34) The dependent variable is:

A. a stimulus or activity that is varied by the researcher.
B. the quality, property, or characteristic identified in the problem
C. a characteristic or element of the human subjects involved in the study
D. the response or outcome that the researcher wants to understand
Q.35)
Identify the independent variable in the following hypothesis:

"Cancer patients who receive music therapy complain less frequently of pain and require less
pain medication than cancer patients not receiving music therapy."

A. Relaxation therapy
B. Complaints of pain
C. Pain medication use
D. Music therapy
Q.36)
Hypotheses:
"Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of
pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support."

Question: "Request for analgesics" is the:

A. independent variable.
B. dependent variable.
C. attribute variable
D. extraneous variable
Q.37)
Hypotheses:
"Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of
pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support."

Question: "Perception of pain" is the:

A. independent variable.
B. dependent variable.
C. attribute variable.
D. extraneous variable
Q.38)
Hypotheses:
"Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of
pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support."

Question: "Type of support" is

A. independent variable.
B. dependent variable
C. attribute variable
D. extraneous variable
Q.39)
Hypotheses:
"Structured preoperative support is more effective in reducing surgical patients' perception of
pain and request for analgesics than structured postoperative support."

This hypothesis is

A. simple, directional, research
B. complex, nondirectional, null
C. complex, directional, research
D. simple, nondirectional, statistical
Q.40)
The statement below is an example of which of the following?

"In this study, pain is reflected as a score between 0 and 10 on the Post-operative Pain Rating
Scale."

A. Problem statement
B. Conceptual definition
C. Associative hypothesis
D. Operational definition
Q.41) In which section of the research report might the problem statement be located?

A. Literature review
B. Methods
C. Results
D. Implications
Q.42)
The literature review section of a research report might include a summary of which of the
following?

A. Empirical literature
B. Funding sources
C. Proposed methods and design
D. Description of study sample
Q.43) Which of the following represents a primary source?

A. The results of a computer search related to the primary topic of interest
B. A report of a study written by the researcher who did the study
C. A published summary of the relevant research in a primary care area
D. A thesaurus that identifies key words to use in a computer search
Q.44) At what point is the literature review conducted in a qualitative investigation?

A. Prior to study implementation
B. During study implementation
C. After study completion
D. Depends on the type of study
Q.45)
Which of the following types of information is consistently covered in a quantitative literature
review?

A. Descriptions of effective clinical outcomes
B. Anecdotal opinions of expert researchers
C. Approaches used to investigate similar problems
D. Clinical impressions of related phenomena
Q.46) The primary purpose for reviewing relevant literature is to:

A. select the research design.
B. delineate the existing knowledge base of an identified problem
C. interpret previous research findings
D. develop conceptual and operational definitions of variables
Q.47) A crucial resource for researchers conducting a literature review would be:

A. a secondary source.
B. an academic library.
C. lay literature
D. a research mentor
Q.48) Which numbers are even

A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 6
E. 7
Q.49) Which of the following indexes would provide the largest number of relevant nursing sources?

A. International Nursing Index
B. Nursing Studies Index
C. Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature
D. Index Medicus
Q.50)
A critical aspect of beginning a database search for relevant literature on a topic of interest
involves identifying:

A. reference management software
B. electronic journals
C. keywords
D. existing knowledge
Q.52)
What is the arrow pointing to?


A. Aorta
B. Scalene muscles
C. Diaphraghm
D. Left lung
Q.53) One advantage of an integrative review of research is that:

A. previous research findings have been synthesized.
B. multidisciplinary literature has been filtered out.
C. emphasis is placed on what is not known.
D. statistical analyses of the summarized research are conducted.
Q.54) A study framework reflects the:

A. blueprint for the study
B. specific plan for data collection
C. data analysis strategy
D. researcher's "theory" or idea about the study
Q.55)
A researcher theorizes that walking three times per week will minimize the likelihood of
premature labor in at-risk pregnant women. The researcher initiates a research program to test
this theory. This research study is attempting to validate what aspect of theory?

A. Development
B. Explanation
C. Prediction
D. Strategies for controlling outcomes
Q.56) Which of the following is true about theoretical frameworks used in research?

A. Theories offer precise guidance in all situations.
B. Theories prove how concepts are related to one another.
C. Theories represent ultimate truth and are congruent with reality.
D. Theories are constructed by people and are tentative in nature.
Q.57) "Abstract" is defined in research as:

A. particular and realistic
B. not well-defined and general
C. well-defined and precise
D. concrete and specific
Q.58)
Which of the following is true about the relationship between a study framework and the
hypotheses?

A. The framework and hypotheses must be congruent with each other.
B. The hypotheses are not meant to be testable, but the framework is.
C. If the hypotheses are stated, the researcher does not need to have a framework.
D. Hypotheses are inductively identified within the stated framework.
Q.59) The framework and conceptual map for a study:

A. are always included in the study report.
B. are usually clearly identified in the report.
C. often must be inferred by the reader from the text of the report.
D. should be referred to only at the end of the study.
Q.60) Which of the following represents the most concrete term?

A. Variable
B. Concept
C. Framework
D. Construct
Q.61) Conceptual definitions are important because:

A. the meanings of terms may differ depending on the study framework.
B. they tell others how the concept will be measured in the study.
C. they provide a dictionary definition that can be understood by everyone
D. they suggest how to precisely measure the variables of interest
Q.62) In the research report, a theoretical statement:

A. will always be clearly identified
B. should only be discussed in the framework section
C. may be implied
D. can be omitted if variables are not yet well defined
Q.63)
Which relationship diagram below best represents the following hypothesis?

"Conventional gauze dressings cause fewer
skin changes in wound sites than do
hydrocolloid or hydroactive dressings."

A. Gauze dressing ----------> skin changes
B. Type of dressing ---------> skin changes
C. Type of dressing <---------> wound site
D. Gauze dressing <--------- wound site
Q.64)



Which of the following responses best describes the relational statement that is diagrammed
below?

Pain perception <------- (+) --------> Anxiety

A. Increased perception of pain causes anxiety.
B. Anxiety causes increased pain perception.
C. Pain perception and anxiety are positively related to one another
D. Pain perception and anxiety are inversely related.