Author Question: A researcher has conducted a study that uses a measurement tool for agitation, normed in a hospital ... (Read 109 times)

neverstopbelieb · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

A researcher has conducted a study that uses a measurement tool for agitation, normed in a hospital setting, in an outpatient mental health setting.

After completion of the data analysis phase, which of the following is the next logical step in evaluating the evidence?
a. Recalibration of all instruments used for physiologic measurements
b. Review of the literature
c. Identification of statistically significant findings
d. Examination of the measurement tool's reliability in this setting
e. Re-evaluation of the tool's validity in this population

Question 2

A researcher studies the effect of a computerized hospital charting system on nurses' compliance with charting the exact times of tracheostomy care, periodic turning of patients, and bed baths.

The researcher hypothesizes that instituting the new charting system would improve compliance. The sample size is 120. The level of significance is set at .05 and the power at 80. Findings are nonsignificant, at p = .146. How might this be discussed by the researcher? (Select all that apply.)
a. The null hypothesis was accepted. There was no difference in compliance when paper charting was replaced with computer charting, in terms of the variables of tracheostomy care, periodic turning, and bed bath charting.
b. Nurses do not chart consistently the tracheostomy care, periodic turning, and bed baths they deliver, regardless of charting system.
c. The effect size was smaller than expected; a repeat power analysis revealed that the sample size of 120 was insufficient to demonstrate a significant difference.
d. This study showed no significant difference between the two charting methods, in terms of compliance.
e. Had the level of significance been set at 0.15, the findings would have reached statistical significance.

Brenm · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D, E

One assumption often made in interpreting study results is that the study variables were adequately measured. This adequacy is determined by examining the fit of operational definitions with the framework and through validity and reliability information. Although reliability and validity of measurement strategies are reviewed before use, one must reexamine the measures at this point to determine the strength of evidence available from the results. For example, did the measurement truly reflect the concept in the study population? Were the validity and reliability of instruments examined in the present study? The validity and reliability of measurement methods are critical to the validity of results.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, D, E
Unpredicted nonsignificant or inconclusive results are the most difficult to explain. These results are often referred to as negative results. The negative results could be a true reflection of reality. In this case, the reasoning of the researcher or the theory used by the researcher to develop the hypothesis is in error. If so, the negative findings are an important addition to the body of knowledge. With nonsignificant results, it is important to determine if adequate power of 0.8 or higher was achieved for the data analysis. Thus, the researcher needs to conduct a power analysis to determine if the sample size was adequate to prevent the risk of a type II error. A type II error means that in reality the findings are significant, but, because of weaknesses in the methodology, the significance was not detected. Negative results, in any case, do not mean that there are no relationships among the variables or differences between groups; they indicate that the study failed to find any.