1. What is the primary purpose of research in nursing?
a) To confirm existing practices
b) To identify and solve clinical problems
c) To increase patient load
d) To maintain hospital records
Answer: b) To identify and solve clinical problems

2. Which type of research is designed to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect relationships?
a) Descriptive research
b) Experimental research
c) Qualitative research
d) Exploratory research
Answer: b) Experimental research

3. What is a hypothesis?
a) A detailed description of a study’s procedures
b) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables
c) The method used to collect data
d) The literature review
Answer: b) A testable prediction about the relationship between variables

4. Which research method involves the collection of numerical data?
a) Qualitative research
b) Quantitative research
c) Exploratory research
d) Descriptive research
Answer: b) Quantitative research

5. What does the term “sample” refer to in research?
a) The entire population being studied
b) A subset of individuals selected from the population
c) The researcher’s personal opinions
d) The methods used to collect data
Answer: b) A subset of individuals selected from the population

6. What is the primary goal of descriptive research?
a) To establish cause-and-effect relationships
b) To describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon
c) To test theories
d) To make predictions
Answer: b) To describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon

7. In which type of research design is random assignment used?
a) Observational research
b) Case study
c) Experimental research
d) Correlational research
Answer: c) Experimental research

8. What is an independent variable?
a) A variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher
b) A variable that is observed or measured in response to changes
c) A variable that remains constant throughout the study
d) A variable that is irrelevant to the research
Answer: a) A variable that is manipulated or controlled by the researcher

9. What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
a) To collect data
b) To present the study results
c) To identify existing research and gaps in knowledge
d) To develop a hypothesis
Answer: c) To identify existing research and gaps in knowledge

10. What is a cross-sectional study?
a) A study that examines data at a single point in time
b) A study that follows participants over a long period
c) A study that collects data from multiple sources
d) A study that involves random assignment
Answer: a) A study that examines data at a single point in time

11. Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?
a) Uses numerical data
b) Focuses on statistical analysis
c) Explores meanings and experiences
d) Tests hypotheses
Answer: c) Explores meanings and experiences

12. What is a case-control study?
a) A study that compares individuals with a specific condition to those without it
b) A study that follows participants over time
c) A study that involves random assignment
d) A study that collects data from surveys
Answer: a) A study that compares individuals with a specific condition to those without it

13. What is the purpose of using control groups in experimental research?
a) To ensure random selection of participants
b) To compare the effects of the independent variable
c) To increase the sample size
d) To provide qualitative data
Answer: b) To compare the effects of the independent variable

14. What is the primary advantage of longitudinal research?
a) It collects data at a single point in time
b) It allows for the observation of changes over time
c) It involves random assignment
d) It is less expensive than cross-sectional studies
Answer: b) It allows for the observation of changes over time

15. What does “informed consent” mean in research ethics?
a) Participants agree to participate without understanding the study
b) Participants are fully aware of the nature, risks, and benefits of the study
c) Researchers withhold information from participants
d) Participants are paid for their participation
Answer: b) Participants are fully aware of the nature, risks, and benefits of the study

16. What is a “confounding variable”?
a) A variable that is intentionally manipulated in the study
b) A variable that affects the outcome but is not controlled for
c) A variable that is used to compare results
d) A variable that remains constant throughout the study
Answer: b) A variable that affects the outcome but is not controlled for

17. What is the purpose of a random sample in research?
a) To ensure that the sample represents the population
b) To increase the study’s budget
c) To collect qualitative data
d) To reduce the sample size
Answer: a) To ensure that the sample represents the population

18. What is a “qualitative research method”?
a) A method that uses statistical analysis to evaluate numerical data
b) A method that explores participants’ perspectives and experiences
c) A method that tests hypotheses with controlled variables
d) A method that uses random assignment
Answer: b) A method that explores participants’ perspectives and experiences

19. What is the difference between “reliability” and “validity” in research?
a) Reliability refers to consistency; validity refers to accuracy
b) Reliability refers to accuracy; validity refers to consistency
c) Reliability and validity are the same
d) Reliability refers to sample size; validity refers to statistical analysis
Answer: a) Reliability refers to consistency; validity refers to accuracy

20. What does “bias” in research refer to?
a) The use of random sampling methods
b) The influence of personal opinions or errors on research results
c) The process of collecting data
d) The analysis of data
Answer: b) The influence of personal opinions or errors on research results