Qualitative Research Methods for Advanced Nursing Research

Question 1

According to phenomenology, what is the researcher's main objective?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals or groups.

Answer

Objectively observing and accurately describing observable phenomena.

Answer

Testing hypotheses based on a priori assumptions.

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Manipulating variables to establish causal relationships.

Question 2

Which data collection method is most commonly used in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Immersive participant observation in the field setting.

Answer

Structured interviews with predetermined questions.

Answer

Experimental manipulation of variables.

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Online surveys with quantitative data.

Question 3

What is a primary purpose of conducting a literature review before embarking on qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To identify research gaps and refine research questions.

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To confirm existing theories and support hypotheses.

Answer

To gather data for direct analysis.

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To establish the generalizability of expected findings.

Question 4

What is the fundamental difference between inductive and deductive reasoning in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning generates theories from data, while deductive reasoning tests theories with data.

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Deductive reasoning generates theories from data, while inductive reasoning tests theories against data.

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Inductive reasoning is used in quantitative research, while deductive reasoning is used in qualitative research.

Answer

There is no distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning in qualitative research.

Question 5

Which software is commonly used for qualitative data analysis?

Accepted Answer

NVivo

Answer

SPSS

Answer

Microsoft Word

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Excel

Question 6

What is the significance of reflexivity in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and addressing the researcher's own biases and perspectives.

Answer

Ensuring the objectivity of the research findings.

Answer

Establishing the validity of the research methodology.

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Generalizing the findings to a larger population.

Question 7

When is it appropriate to employ a constructivist approach in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

When exploring the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals.

Answer

When testing hypotheses based on pre-existing theories.

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When examining the effects of interventions on a population.

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When analyzing large datasets using statistical methods.

Question 8

Which element is NOT a fundamental aspect of grounded theory methodology?

Accepted Answer

Hypothesis testing

Answer

Constant comparison

Answer

Theoretical sampling

Answer

Memoing

Question 9

Which characteristic defines grounded theory research?

Accepted Answer

Theory development based on collected data

Answer

Exclusive use of established theoretical frameworks

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Focus on examining societal structures

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Quantitative data collection for analysis

Question 10

The primary goal of phenomenological research is to:

Accepted Answer

Explore the lived experiences of individuals

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Validate existing theoretical models

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Describe social phenomena objectively

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Predict future occurrences

Question 11

Which data collection method is commonly employed in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Immersive observation and engagement with participants

Answer

Structured interviews with set questions

Answer

Analysis of written documents and artifacts

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Manipulating variables to observe changes

Question 12

In grounded theory research, the researcher's role is that of an:

Accepted Answer

Active participant who interacts and influences the data

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Objective observer who remains detached from the research

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Passive observer who records data without involvement

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Authoritative figure who controls the research direction

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a criterion used to establish trustworthiness in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity of the researcher

Answer

Credibility of the findings

Answer

Transferability to different contexts

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Reliability of the research methods

Question 14

What is the main purpose of triangulation in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the validity and reliability of the findings

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To minimize the potential impact of researcher bias

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To increase the generalizability of the results

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To facilitate data collection from diverse perspectives

Question 15

In phenomenological research, how does reflexivity influence data analysis and interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Researchers disclose their biases and values in research reports as part of reflexivity.

Answer

Reflexivity is irrelevant to phenomenological research.

Answer

Reflexivity is limited to data collection in phenomenological research.

Answer

Reflexivity is only relevant for inexperienced researchers in phenomenological studies.

Question 16

In grounded theory, what is the primary distinction between in vivo and ex vivo coding?

Accepted Answer

In vivo coding generates codes directly from the raw data, while ex vivo coding applies predetermined codes to the data.

Answer

Ex vivo coding is more objective than in vivo coding.

Answer

In vivo coding is used exclusively in grounded theory research.

Answer

Ex vivo coding always takes longer than in vivo coding.

Question 17

Which of the following is a **key** characteristic of grounded theory?

Accepted Answer

Generates theory from data collected

Answer

Relies on pre-existing theory

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Uses a **deductive** approach

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Involves **a priori** coding

Question 18

Which of the following is a technique used in phenomenology to analyze data?

Accepted Answer

Horizontalization

Answer

Saturation

Answer

Theoretical sampling

Answer

Coding

Question 19

An ethnographic researcher **actively** participates and observes a group of nurses in a hospital setting. Which type of observation is this?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Non-participant observation

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Covert observation

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Triangulation

Question 20

What is the **primary** goal of triangulation in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To increase the validity of findings

Answer

To reduce the bias of the researcher

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To enhance the generalizability of results

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To identify potential limitations

Question 21

What is the **primary** purpose of a research proposal?

Accepted Answer

To outline the research plan and secure funding

Answer

To present the final research findings

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To evaluate the data collection process

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To obtain ethical approval

Question 22

Which of the following is a **key** difference between descriptive and exploratory qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Descriptive research uses a deductive approach, while exploratory research uses an inductive approach

Answer

Descriptive research focuses on exploring a phenomenon, while exploratory research focuses on describing a phenomenon

Answer

Descriptive research typically uses a larger sample size, while exploratory research typically uses a smaller sample size

Answer

Descriptive research is more hypothesis-driven, while exploratory research is not

Question 23

Which characteristic defines grounded theory research?

Accepted Answer

It employs an inductive approach, developing theory from data.

Answer

It starts with a preconceived hypothesis.

Answer

It relies on a priori coding schemes for data analysis.

Answer

It assumes social reality is objective.

Question 24

In phenomenological research, what is the researcher's primary role?

Accepted Answer

Observe and describe participants' experiences without judgment.

Answer

Interpret participants' experiences to form a theory.

Answer

Manipulate the research setting to elicit specific responses.

Answer

Test a predetermined hypothesis.

Question 25

What is a primary strength of ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Provides deep insights into a culture or social group.

Answer

Allows for generalization of findings to a wider population.

Answer

Is less time-intensive compared to other qualitative methods.

Answer

Offers a high degree of objectivity.

Question 26

What is the main purpose of using purposive sampling in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To choose participants with specific characteristics relevant to the research question.

Answer

To select a random sample that represents the population.

Answer

To ensure the sample is as large as possible.

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To eliminate bias in the selection process.

Question 27

What is the purpose of inductive analysis in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

To identify themes and patterns within the data.

Answer

To test a predetermined hypothesis.

Answer

To reduce the data into a quantitative form.

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To identify outliers and inconsistencies in the data.

Question 28

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method?

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory research.

Answer

Survey research.

Answer

Experimental research.

Answer

Observational research.

Question 29

Which characteristic is central to the grounded theory methodology?

Accepted Answer

Inductive data analysis to generate theory

Answer

Reliance on established theoretical frameworks

Answer

Exploration of societal norms and values

Answer

Use of structured interview questionnaires

Question 30

In phenomenological research, the researcher aims to:

Accepted Answer

Describe the lived experiences of participants in their own terms

Answer

Develop a theory explaining the phenomenon under investigation

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Determine the causal relationships within the phenomenon

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Evaluate the efficacy of an intervention

Question 31

Which data collection method is commonly employed in ethnography?

Accepted Answer

Observation with participation in the setting

Answer

Focus group discussions

Answer

Content analysis of documents

Answer

Experimental design

Question 32

Which criterion is essential for establishing the credibility of qualitative research findings?

Accepted Answer

Validity

Answer

Reliability

Answer

Generalizability

Answer

Replication

Question 33

Which principle sets grounded theory research apart from other qualitative research methods?

Accepted Answer

Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously and iteratively

Answer

Pre-existing theoretical frameworks guide data collection

Answer

Findings are generalized to a wider population

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Generalizability of findings to a population

Answer

Iterative data collection and analysis

Answer

Inductive reasoning process

Answer

Emphasis on understanding experiences and perspectives

Question 35

Grounded theory is a qualitative research method primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Developing a theory through inductive analysis of collected data

Answer

Gathering data solely through observation and interviews

Answer

Interpreting cultural symbols and practices

Question 36

Which data collection method is commonly employed in phenomenological research?

Accepted Answer

In-depth interviews

Answer

Focus groups

Answer

Ethnographic observation

Answer

Surveys

Question 37

The primary focus of ethnographic research is:

Accepted Answer

Studying a culture or social group over an extended period

Answer

Examining individual beliefs and experiences

Answer

Analyzing written or visual artifacts

Question 38

One of the key strengths of qualitative research is its ability to provide:

Accepted Answer

Rich and nuanced understanding of experiences

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Generalizable findings to a large population

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Statistical validity of results

Question 39

Data saturation in qualitative research refers to the point where:

Accepted Answer

No additional themes or patterns emerge from further data collection

Answer

The data set reaches a predefined sample size

Answer

All potential participants have been interviewed

Question 40

Which of the following is an essential ethical consideration in qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring confidentiality and anonymity of participants

Answer

Coercing individuals into participation

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Intentionally misleading participants to obtain data

Question 41

A research question well-suited for qualitative investigation would be:

Accepted Answer

What are the experiences of individuals living with chronic pain?

Answer

What is the prevalence of hypertension in the elderly population?

Answer

Is there a significant difference in pain reduction between two pain medications?

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a common criticism of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

Providing objective and generalizable findings

Answer

Limited suitability for large-scale studies

Answer

Potential time-consuming and resource-intensive nature

Answer

Reliance on researcher interpretation

Question 43

In qualitative research, the role of the researcher is primarily:

Accepted Answer

An active participant and interpreter of data

Answer

An unbiased expert providing definitive conclusions

Answer

A mere data collector with no analytical responsibilities

Answer

A passive observer with no influence on the research process