Chapter 14: Intervention-Based Research

Chapter 14: Intervention-Based Research

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Intervention research shifts the focus from causal connection to causal explanation. What does this mean?

ANS:  B

Intervention research is a methodology that holds great promise as a more effective way of testing interventions. It shifts the focus from causal connection to causal explanation. In causal connection, the focus of a study is to provide evidence that the intervention contributes to the outcome. In causal explanation, in addition to demonstrating that the intervention causes the outcome, the researcher must provide scientific evidence to explain why the intervention contributes to changes in outcomes and how it does so. Causal explanation is theory based. Thus, research focused on causal explanation is guided by theory, and the findings are expressed theoretically (see Chapter 7). Researchers employ a broad base of methodologies, including qualitative studies, to examine the effectiveness of an intervention. Qualitative approaches offer substantial value to the development, feasibility, and validation of nursing interventions.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Synthesis              REF:   Page 326

2. Why may intervention research involve the efforts of an entire project team?

ANS:  D

Because of the nature of intervention research, one may need to gather a multidisciplinary project team to facilitate distribution of the work and a broader generation of ideas. If both quantitative and qualitative data will be gathered during the research project, the team should include members experienced in various qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis approaches. Including a team member with marketing expertise will be beneficial, because the final step of the project will be to market the intervention.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 338

3. The presence of drop-down oxygen masks on airplanes represents the process of intervention research. During their development, a prototype was designed and refined. What was the final stage of the testing process for drop-down oxygen masks?

ANS:  A

Advanced testing of the intervention occurs after sufficient evidence is available that the intervention is effective in achieving the desired outcomes. The model proposed by Forbes (2009) places this type of testing in phases III and IV, where the intervention is compared to standard of care interventions followed by replication studies with long-term follow-up of the intervention’s effectiveness. Stage III of intervention testing might involve a single, well-designed study that indicates a satisfactory ES for an intervention, but often an intervention requires modification through additional studies. Replication studies ensure that an intervention is refined to create the desired effect in practice.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Evaluation             REF:   Page 344

4. Why is treatment fidelity such a major concern in intervention research?

ANS:  C

Treatment fidelity has to do with the accuracy, consistency, and thoroughness in how an intervention is delivered according to the specified protocol, treatment program, or intervention model. Strict adherence to treatment specifications must be evaluated on an ongoing basis during the course of a study. Intervention fidelity is “defined as the adherent and competent delivery of an intervention by the interventionist as set forth in the research plan,” and this fidelity is of utmost importance to the inference of the study’s internal validity in intervention-based research. Treatment fidelity is important in the conduct of all intervention-based research, but it is especially critical for complex interventions such as those involving information dissemination, social support, counseling, and other interventions intended to bring about changes in health behaviors and psychosocial outcomes.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   Page 332