Author Question: A researcher studies the effect upon pain control of providing pet therapy for children on a ... (Read 93 times)

tuffie · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

A researcher studies the effect upon pain control of providing pet therapy for children on a pediatric ward.

While conducting the study, the researcher becomes aware of a strong correlation between parental presence and hours of children's sleep. What is this correlation?
a. The ability to consent far more subjects than were originally projected: a lucky occurrence
b. A relationship between variables that were not hypothesized or predicted from the framework: serendipitous finding
c. The identification of a variable that affects the dependent variable and distorts its value: extraneous variable
d. A condition that affects generalization: limitation

Question 2

In a cross-sectional study, a researcher studies career trajectories in nurses over the past twenty years. There are five correlational research hypotheses. Why are mixed results, related to significance of findings, to be expected?

a. The study is cross-sectional, and the economy has made bedside care a more practical decision over the past few years.
b. Groups across time cannot be expected to have the same responses to career advancement.
c. The study is merely correlational.
d. Five statistical hypotheses are being tested; not all of these can be expected to demonstrate statistical significance.

braelync · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Serendipitous results are relationships found between variables that were not hypothesized and not predicted from the framework guiding the study. These unexpected results are also called serendipitous results. Most researchers examine as many elements of data as possible in addition to those directed by the research objectives, questions, or hypotheses. They can use these findings to develop or refine theories and to formulate later studies. In addition, serendipitous results are as important as evidence in developing the implications of the study. However, researchers must deal carefully with serendipitous results when considering their meaning, because the study was not designed to examine these results.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Mixed results are probably the most common outcome of studies. In this case, one variable may uphold the characteristics predicted whereas another does not, or two dependent measures of the same variable may show opposite results.