Burns: Understanding Nursing Research, 5th Edition
Chapter 07: Understanding Theory and Research Frameworks
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A study framework reflects the:
a. blueprint for the study.
b. data analysis strategy.
c. researcher’s “theory” or idea about the study.
d. specific plan for data collection.
ANS: C
When an idea for a study first emerges, the researcher has a “theory” about what the
study outcomes will be and why. As a researcher develops a plan for conducting a study,
the theory on which the study is based is expressed as the study framework.
The research design is the blueprint for the study. When an idea for a study first emerges,
the researcher has a “theory” about what the study outcomes will be and why. As a
researcher develops a plan for conducting a study, the theory on which the study is based
is expressed as the study framework.
Data analysis is planned ahead of time through the research design. When an idea for a
study first emerges, the researcher has a “theory” about what the study outcomes will be
and why. As a researcher develops a plan for conducting a study, the theory on which the
study is based is expressed as the study framework.
The specific plan for data collection is mapped out in the methodology section. The
correct answer is “researcher’s ‘theory’ or idea about the study.” When an idea for a
study first emerges, the researcher has a “theory” about what the study outcomes will be
and why. As a researcher develops a plan for conducting a study, the theory on which the
study is based is expressed as the study framework.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 227
2. A researcher theorizes that walking three times per week will minimize the likelihood of
premature labor in at-risk pregnant women. The researcher initiates a research program to
test this theory. This research study is attempting to validate what aspect of theory?
a. Development
b. Explanation
c. Prediction
d. Strategies for controlling outcomes
ANS: D
Theories are tested through research to determine the correctness of their descriptions,
explanations, predictions, and strategies to control outcomes.
In this situation the theory is already developed. The correct answer is “Strategies for
controlling outcomes.” Theories are tested through research to determine the correctness
of their descriptions, explanations, predictions, and strategies to control outcomes.
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-2
The theory being tested will not explain why the situation happens. The correct answer is
“Strategies for controlling outcomes.” Theories are tested through research to determine
the correctness of their descriptions, explanations, predictions, and strategies to control
outcomes.
Prediction requires formal experimental study. The correct answer is “Strategies for
controlling outcomes.” Theories are tested through research to determine the correctness
of their descriptions, explanations, predictions, and strategies to control outcomes.
DIF: Cognitive level: Application
REF: p. 239
3. Which of the following is true about theoretical frameworks used in research? Theories:
a. are constructed by people and are tentative in nature.
b. offer precise guidance in all situations.
c. represent ultimate truth and are congruent with reality.
d. represent ultimate truth and are congruent with reality.
ANS: A
Theories are developed in nursing to explain phenomena important to clinical practice.
Theories must be tested through research to determine their correctness.
No theory an offer precise guidance in all situations. Theories are developed in nursing to
explain phenomena important to clinical practice. Theories must be tested through
research to determine their correctness.
Theories provide a possible explanation of how concepts are related to one another; they
do not prove it. Theories are developed in nursing to explain phenomena important to
clinical practice. Theories must be tested through research to determine their correctness.
Theories strive for truth, but it is relative. Theories are developed in nursing to explain
phenomena important to clinical practice. Theories must be tested through research to
determine their correctness.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 239
4. “Abstract” is defined in research as:
a. concrete and specific.
b. not well defined and general.
c. particular and realistic.
d. well defined and precise.
ANS: B
An abstract idea focuses on more general things.
Concrete and specific is the opposite of abstract. An abstract idea focuses on more
general things.
Particular and realistic are descriptive of concrete ideas. An abstract idea focuses on more
general things.
Concrete ideas are well defined and precise. An abstract idea focuses on more general
things.
DIF: Cognitive level: Knowledge
REF: p. 228
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-3
5. Which of the following is true about the relationship between a study framework and the
hypotheses?
a. Hypotheses are inductively identified within the stated framework.
b. If the hypotheses are stated, the researcher does not need to have a framework.
c. The hypotheses are not meant to be testable, but the framework is.
d. The framework and hypotheses must be congruent with each other.
ANS: D
In a well-thought-out study, the researcher would explain abstractly in the framework
why one variable is expected to cause the other. Concretely the idea would be expressed
as a hypothesis to be tested through the study methodology.
Hypotheses must be clearly identified. The correct answer is “The framework and
hypotheses must be congruent with each other.” In a well-thought-out study, the
researcher would explain abstractly in the framework why one variable is expected to
cause the other. Concretely the idea would be expressed as a hypothesis to be tested
through the study methodology.
The framework provides the foundation for the study, hypotheses flow from it. In a
well-thought-out study, the researcher would explain abstractly in the framework why
one variable is expected to cause the other. Concretely the idea would be expressed as a
hypothesis to be tested through the study methodology.
Hypotheses are exactly what are tested in a research study. In a well-thought-out study,
the researcher would explain abstractly in the framework why one variable is expected to
cause the other. Concretely the idea would be expressed as a hypothesis to be tested
through the study methodology.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 228
6. The framework and conceptual map for a study:
a. are always included in the study report.
b. are usually clearly identified in the report.
c. often must be inferred by the reader from the text of the report.
d. should be referred to only at the end of the study.
ANS: C
Every study has a framework. Unfortunately, in some studies, the ideas that compose the
framework remain nebulous and vaguely expressed. A conceptual map graphically shows
the interrelationships of the concepts and statement in a theory.
Unfortunately, this is not always true. Every study has a framework. Unfortunately, in
some studies, the ideas that compose the framework remain nebulous and vaguely
expressed. A conceptual map graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and
statement in a theory.
Sometimes they are, but sometimes the reader has to figure them out. Every study has a
framework. Unfortunately, in some studies, the ideas that compose the framework remain
nebulous and vaguely expressed. A conceptual map graphically shows the
interrelationships of the concepts and statement in a theory.
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-4
The framework and conceptual map should be part of the literature review, in the early
portion of the study. Every study has a framework. Unfortunately, in some studies the
ideas that compose the framework remain nebulous and vaguely expressed. A conceptual
map graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and statement in a theory.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 228
7. Which of the following represents the most concrete term?
a. Concept
b. Construct
c. Framework
d. Variable
ANS: D
A variable is more specific than a concept and is measurable. A concept is more abstract
than a variable and represents the name for an object or phenomenon of interest. A
concept is the most abstract element of all. A framework explains how the researcher sees
the relationship between variables.
A concept is more abstract than a variable and represents the name for an object or
phenomenon of interest. A concept is the most abstract element of all.
A construct is a concept that has been created for the study.
A framework explains how the researcher sees the relationship between variables.
DIF: Cognitive level: Application
REF: p. 230
8. Conceptual definitions are important to include in a research report because conceptual
definitions:
a. may differ in their meaning of terms depending on the study framework.
b. provide a dictionary definition that can be understood by everyone.
c. suggest how to precisely measure the variables of interest.
d. tell others how the concept will be measured in the study.
ANS: A
A conceptual definition is more comprehensive than a dictionary definition and includes
associated meanings the word may have. Defining concepts allows consistency in the
way the term is used because many terms commonly used in nursing language have not
been clearly defined and subsequent researchers will be able to operate using the same
meanings.
A conceptual definition is more comprehensive than a dictionary definition. A conceptual
definition is more comprehensive than a dictionary definition and includes associated
meanings the word may have. Defining concepts allows consistency in the way the term
is used because many terms commonly used in nursing language have not been clearly
defined.
The method of measurement will tell how the variable will be measured. A conceptual
definition is more comprehensive than a dictionary definition and includes associated
meanings the word may have. Defining concepts allows consistency in the way the term
is used because many terms commonly used in nursing language have not been clearly
defined.
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-5
Operational definitions tell how the variable will be measured in the study. A conceptual
definition is more comprehensive than a dictionary definition and includes associated
meanings the word may have. Defining concepts allows consistency in the way the term
is used because many terms commonly used in nursing language have not been clearly
defined.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 231
9. In the research report, what can the reader expect in a theoretical statement? A theoretical
statement:
a. is always clearly identified.
b. would only be discussed in the framework section; may be implied.
c. may be omitted if variables are not yet well defined.
d. would only be discussed in the framework section.
ANS: B
In some studies, the statements are implied rather than clearly stated, and sometimes they
are located within the introduction or literature review rather than within a clearly
expressed framework.
In some studies, the statement will not be clearly identified. The correct answer is “may
be implied.” In some studies, the statements are implied rather than clearly stated, and
sometimes they are located within the introduction or literature review rather than within
a clearly expressed framework.
The researcher should not omit the theoretical statement. The correct answer is “may be
implied.” In some studies, the statements are implied rather than clearly stated, and
sometimes they are located within the introduction or literature review rather than within
a clearly expressed framework.
Theoretical statements can be found in the introduction or literature review sections. The
correct answer is “may be implied.” In some studies, the statements are implied rather
than clearly stated, and sometimes they are located within the introduction or literature
review rather than within a clearly expressed framework.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 227
10. Which relationship diagram below best represents the following hypothesis?
“Conventional gauze dressings cause fewer skin changes in wound sites than do
hydrocolloid or hydroactive dressings.”
a. Gauze dressing  skin changes
b. Gauze dressing  wound site
c. Type of dressing  skin changes
d. Type of dressing  wound site
ANS: C
A conceptual map includes all of the major concepts in a theory or framework. These
concepts are linked by arrows expressing the proposed linkages between concepts. Each
linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic illustration of a relational statement of the theory.
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-6
This response does not use the correct variable, which is “type of dressing.” (Gauze is
one type.) A conceptual map includes all of the major concepts in a theory or framework.
These concepts are linked by arrows expressing the proposed linkages between concepts.
Each linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic illustration of a relational statement of the
theory.
Wound site is not one of the variables involved. A conceptual map includes all of the
major concepts in a theory or framework. These concepts are linked by arrows expressing
the proposed linkages between concepts. Each linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic
illustration of a relational statement of the theory.
Wound site is not one of the variables involved. A conceptual map includes all of the
major concepts in a theory or framework. These concepts are linked by arrows expressing
the proposed linkages between concepts. Each linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic
illustration of a relational statement of the theory.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 233
11. Which of the following responses best describes the relational statement that is
diagrammed below?
Pain perception  (+)  anxiety
a. Anxiety causes increased pain perception.
b. Increased perception of pain causes anxiety.
c. Pain perception and anxiety are inversely related.
d. Pain perception and anxiety are positively related to one another.
ANS: D
A conceptual map includes all of the major concepts in a theory or framework. These
concepts are linked by arrows expressing the proposed linkages between concepts. Each
linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic illustration of a relational statement of the theory.
In this illustration, the diagram does not indicate a direction for pain perception; it only
shows a positive relationship between the two concepts as evidenced by the positive sign
in the middle of the diagram.
The diagram does not indicate a direction for pain perception.
The diagram does not indicate a direction for pain perception.
There is not an indication of an inverse relationship which would be seen with a negative
sign instead of a positive sign along the arrow.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 233
12. Select the correct pair of terms to make the statement congruent with the following map.
Attitudes of practicing nurses toward HIV-positive patients — (+)  care behavior
As attitudes of practicing nurses become more (positive or negative), their care behavior
toward patients (increases or decreases).
a. Negative, decreases
b. Negative, increases
c. Positive, decreases
d. Positive, increases
ANS: D
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-7
A conceptual map includes all of the major concepts in a theory or framework. These
concepts are linked by arrows expressing the proposed linkages between concepts. Each
linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic illustration of a relational statement of the theory.
In this illustration, a positive, directional relationship is shown between nurses’ behavior
and their subsequent care activities with HIV-positive patients.
The relationship shown in the illustration is a positive one, not negative, between the two
concepts.
The diagram does not show an inverse relationship.
The diagram does not show an inverse relationship.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 233
13. Which of the following provides a partial map for the indicated relationship drawn from
this research title?
“Effects of attendance and effort on cognitive and physical functioning among older
adults in a long-term exercise program”
a. Cognitive function  attendance in a long-term exercise program
b. Effort  physical functioning
c. Long-term exercise program  older adults
d. Physical function  effort in an exercise program
ANS: B
A conceptual map includes all of the major concepts in a theory or framework. These
concepts are linked by arrows expressing the proposed linkages between concepts. Each
linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic illustration of a relational statement of the theory.
In this example, the title of the research project clearly shows a positive relationship
between attendance and effort on cognitive and physical functioning in older adults in a
long-term exercise program. This diagram begins to accurately demonstrate this
relationship.
This indicates the wrong directional relationship between the variables.
Older adults is not a variable in this situation.
This indicates the wrong directional relationship between the variables.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 233
14. Schematic models or maps represent reality with a minimum use of:
a. arrows.
b. boxes.
c. symbols (+, –, ?, etc.).
d. words.
ANS: D
A conceptual map graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and statements
in a theory with a minimum amount of words.
The purpose of schematic models or maps is to represent reality with arrows, boxes, and
symbols. A conceptual map graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and
statements in a theory with a minimum amount of words.
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-8
The purpose of schematic models or maps is to represent reality with arrows, boxes, and
symbols. A conceptual map graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and
statements in a theory with a minimum amount of words.
The purpose of schematic models or maps is to represent reality with arrows, boxes, and
symbols. A conceptual map graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and
statements in a theory with a minimum amount of words.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 233
15. Which of the following is an example of a theory from a physiological background that is
used by nurses as a framework for nursing studies?
a. Gate control theory of pain
b. Health promotion model
c. Social cognitive theory
d. Theory of coping
ANS: A
The theoretical bases of physiological studies are derived from physics, physiology, and
pathophysiology.
This theory has more of a psychological background. The theoretical bases of
physiological studies are derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology.
This theory comes from sociology and psychology. The theoretical bases of physiological
studies are derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology.
This theory has more of a psychological background. The theoretical bases of
physiological studies are derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 230
16. Which of the following links most closely to middle range theory?
a. Basic research
b. Clinical practice
c. Conceptual models
d. Grand theories
ANS: B
Middle range theories tend to be more closely linked to clinical practice than conceptual
models, basic research, or grand theories.
“Basic research” is pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake and has less relevance
than middle range theories. Middle range theories tend to be more closely linked to
clinical practice than conceptual models or grand theories.
Middle range theories tend to be more closely linked to clinical practice than conceptual
models or grand theories.
Middle range theories tend to be more closely linked to clinical practice than conceptual
models or grand theories.
DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension
REF: p. 235
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-9
17. Which of the following statements is true regarding the connection of theory to
qualitative research? Qualitative research:
a. can guide or be derived from theory.
b. cannot generate grand theories due to lack of statistics.
c. is based on middle range theories.
d. leads only to practice model and conceptual frameworks.
ANS: A
Theory can guide or be derived from qualitative research.
Oftentimes qualitative research, as an outcome, generates theory at all levels of
usefulness.
Most qualitative research is done when little knowledge is known about a particular
phenomenon. Middle range theories are derived after much is known about a
phenomenon, when working theories can be generated that can affect practice.
Qualitative research can lead to more than practice model and conceptual frameworks.
Theory can guide or be derived from qualitative research.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 244
18. Critiquing a framework that includes both a conceptual model and a theory is:
a. complex because definitions are required for both constructs and concepts.
b. made easier because both are interwoven within the study.
c. not likely to happen because the situation never occurs in nursing research.
d. something only an advanced researcher should attempt.
ANS: A
Critiquing a framework that includes both a conceptual model and a theory is more
complex than critiquing a framework based only on a theory.
Critiquing a framework that includes both a conceptual model and a theory is more
complex than critiquing a framework based only on a theory.
Frameworks including both a conceptual model and a theory are not common, but do
occur. Critiquing a framework that includes both a conceptual model and a theory is more
complex than critiquing a framework based only on a theory.
Any researcher might have the need to critique a study with both a conceptual model and
a theory. Critiquing a framework that includes both a conceptual model and a theory is
more complex than critiquing a framework based only on a theory.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 246
19. Which of the following questions should a reviewer ask when critiquing a study’s
framework?
a. How are the concepts defined?
b. What level of measurement are the variables?
c. What measurement methods are used in the study?
d. What statistical package will be used for analysis?
ANS: A
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-10
Defining the concepts under study in the research is a critical element when describing
the conceptual framework. Reviewers should evaluate the clarity of the definitions the
researcher provides when evaluating the conceptual framework of a research report.
Level of measurement of the variables and methods used to measure the variables are
described in the methods section of a research report.
Level of measurement of the variables and methods used to measure the variables are
described in the methods section of a research report.
Level of measurement of the variables and methods, including types of statistics used to
measure the variables are described in the methods section of a research report.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 240
20. When critiquing a study, the following statement is noted: “Women will experience less
anxiety while undergoing a mammogram after the proposed educational program.”
Which type of statement is it?
a. Hypothesis
b. Proposition
c. Relational statement
d. Theoretical statement
ANS: A
This statement is an example of a hypothesis. A hypothesis predicts the nature of a
relationship between the study variables.
Propositions can be expressed at various levels of abstraction. This statement is an
example of a hypothesis.
Relational statements are propositions. This statement is an example of a hypothesis.
Theoretical statements are quite abstract. This statement is an example of a hypothesis.
DIF: Cognitive level: Application
REF: p. 232
21. What is the best skill to use in distinguishing statements expressed as propositions from
hypotheses?
a. A checklist created from the details of the study
b. A list of questions that can identify one from the other
c. The precise definitions of each kind of statement
d. Use of critical thinking
ANS: D
Using critical reasoning is the best way to identify propositions from hypotheses.
Checklists do not exist for the distinguishing propositions from hypotheses within a study.
Using critical reasoning is the best way to identify propositions from hypotheses.
A list of questions will help, but it is critical reasoning that best differentiates. Using
critical reasoning is the best way to identify propositions from hypotheses.
The definitions indicate a certain degree of abstraction. Using critical reasoning is the
best way to identify propositions from hypotheses.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analysis
REF: p. 232
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Test Bank
7-11
22. Which of the following techniques can a reviewer use for assistance when critiquing a
published study in the area of theory and research frameworks?
a. Develop an expertise in a particular statistical method to improve analysis ability.
b. Creating a conceptual map of the concepts as described in the study.
c. Reading other research reports to familiarize oneself with the concepts being
studied.
d. Writing a well thought-out and well-written study.
ANS: B
Creating a conceptual map from the concepts as described in the study will assist the
reviewer in understanding the relationships the researcher is proposing between the
concepts under study.
The reviewers does not need to develop an expertise in any particular statistical method
to improve analysis ability; rather the reviewer needs to be able to discern if the statistical
methods used are appropriate for the questions posed, and if the report is clearly written.
While having a broader knowledge on the concepts being studied may assist the reviewer
in understanding the concepts being studied in the current report being reviewed, it is not
necessary.
Writing a well thought-out study is the goal of the researcher. The goal of the reviewer is
to be able to effectively evaluate whether a research report is well written and that the
research has usefulness for clinical practice.
DIF: Cognitive level: Synthesis
REF: p. 233
Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.