In an observational study of manifestations of various categories ...

[Frost2351]

In an observational study of manifestations of various categories of sundowning behavior in hospitalized super-elders, which of the following are true? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Checklists based on a rating scale would be helpful ways to record behaviors.
  b. Rating scales of 1-absent, 2-slight, 3-moderate, and 4-severe could be used.
  c. A category system should be developed before the study begins.
  d. The patient's assessment of whether or not he is sundowning is valuable.
  e. There should be no overlap of the categories confused, placid and confused, agitated.
  f. Research assistants observing the patients should be given similar training.
  g. Observations should be made under similar circumstances.

Question 2

Which of the following are direct measures? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. The patient's radial pulse rate
  b. The dimensions in centimeters of a decubitus ulcer
  c. The nurse's observations of an infant's apparent pain
  d. The physician's measure of the patient's deep tendon reflexes
  e. The patient's estimate as to whether his lithium level is within therapeutic range
  f. The mother's report of her toddler's anxiety level before a blood draw
  g. The patient's serum serotonin levels

[TDubDCFL]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C, E, F, G
The first step in a structured observation is to define carefully what specific behaviors or events are to be inspected or observed in a study. From that point, researchers determine how the observations are to be made, recorded, and coded. In most cases, the research team will develop an observational checklist or category system to direct the collecting, organizing, and sorting of the specific behaviors or events being observed. The observational categories should be mutually exclusive. A numerical value is assigned to each category; and the fineness of the distinctions between categories varies with the scale, making this one of the crudest forms of scaling technique. If the observations in a study are being conducted using multiple data collectors, it is essential that the consistency or interrater reliability of the data collectors be determined.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D, G
Direct measures are more accurate because there is an objective measurement of the study variable. For example, patients might be asked to report any irregular heartbeats during waking hours over a 24-hour period, which is an indirect measurement of heart rhythm, and each patient's heart could be monitored with a Holter monitor over the same 24-hour timeframe, which is a direct measurement. Whenever possible, researchers usually select direct measures of their study variables due to the accuracy and precision of these measurement methods. However, if a direct measurement method does not exist, an indirect measurement method could be used in the initial investigation of a physiological variable.