Chapter 06: Understanding and Critically Appraising the Literature Review

Chapter 06: Understanding and Critically Appraising the Literature Review

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. One reason for conducting a review of the literature other than for purposes of developing a research study is to:

a.	determine the expertise of researchers in the field of study.
b.	identify current theoretical frameworks.
c.	implement evidence-based practice guidelines.
d.	work in a Magnet-certified hospital setting.

 

 

ANS:  C

 

	Feedback
A	Evaluation of the expertise of researchers and identification of theoretical frameworks are part of literature reviews but are not the reason for conducting them.
B	Evaluation of the expertise of researchers and identification of theoretical frameworks are part of literature reviews but are not the reason for conducting them.
C	Although a literature reviews are commonly associated with development of research studies, they are also conducted when developing projects to establish evidence-based-practice (EBP).
D	Nurses in Magnet hospitals often participate in EBP projects and will conduct literature reviews for these, but not solely to be able to work in these institutions.

 

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive level: Applying (Application)

REF:   p. 163

 

2. What is the purpose of a limited research review?

a.	To allow the reader to become familiar with the research problem
b.	To develop an initial pilot study prior to a more in-depth study
c.	To direct the planning and execution of a study
d.	To identify studies published after a study is performed

 

 

ANS:  D

 

	Feedback
A	A full literature review allows the reader to become familiar with the research problem and is performed prior to a pilot or a full study.
B	The full literature review directs the planning and execution of the study.
C	The full literature review directs the planning and execution of the study.
D	A limited research review is often conducted after an initial literature review in order to describe any studies performed after the study has been performed. The results of both the original literature review and the limited literature review are included in the report.

 

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive level: Understanding (Comprehension)

REF:   p. 163

 

3. A reviewer reading a proposal for a qualitative research study notes that the author has not included a literature review. The reviewer understands that a literature review may have been omitted in this case because:

a.	it is not necessary to conduct a literature review for qualitative research.
b.	qualitative research is conducted to study areas where there is no previous knowledge.
c.	some researchers feel that previous studies may bias data collection in qualitative studies.
d.	the researcher was not adequately prepared to conduct this research study.

 

 

ANS:  C

 

	Feedback
A	A literature review can be helpful in qualitative research and should be performed if possible.
B	This is true of some but not all qualitative methods (for example grounded theory); however, it is not true of all qualitative designs.
C	Many times literature reviews are omitted from qualitative research to avoid causing expectations that might bias findings, data collection, and data analysis.
D	At times, there is little or no previous research on the topic, but not always. Omission of a literature review in qualitative research does not indicate that the researcher is ill-prepared.

 

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive level: Applying (Application)

REF:   p. 164

 

4. Which type of study is least likely to include a review of the literature prior to initiating the study?

a.	Grounded theory
b.	Phenomenological
c.	Qualitative
d.	Quantitative

 

 

ANS:  B

 

	Feedback
A	Grounded theory researchers may have a limited review of relevant studies in order to make the researcher aware of what studies have been conducted and that a research problem exists.
B	Phenomenological researchers are most likely to delay literature review until after a study is completed in order to avoid bias.
C	Qualitative and quantitative research will involve literature reviews, although these may be less substantial in qualitative studies.
D	Qualitative and quantitative research will involve literature reviews, although these may be less substantial in qualitative studies.

 

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive level: Remembering (Knowledge)

REF:   p. 164

 

5. What is the main purpose of a literature review in grounded theory research?

a.	To explain, extend, and support the framework used for the study
b.	To identify gaps in current knowledge about the research topic
c.	To place research findings in context of what is already known.
d.	To support the need to study the selected research topic

 

 

ANS:  A

 

	Feedback
A	In grounded theory research, the researcher uses the literature review primarily to explain, support, and extend the framework used in the study, and not to direct data collection or study methods. It is usually completed at the end of the analysis rather than before the proposal development
B	The literature review in quantitative studies is designed to identify gaps in knowledge.
C	Phenomenological literature reviews are conducted to place research findings in the context of what is already known.
D	Because the literature review for grounded theory research is generally conducted at the end of the analysis, it is not used to support the need for studying the topic, but to summarize what is known.

 

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive level: Understanding (Comprehension)

REF:   p. 164