Chapter 16: Data Analysis: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

Chapter 16: Data Analysis: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse researcher is interested in estimating how reliably data can be used to generalize the findings of a study. In order for this to occur, the researcher should use what?

a.	Inferential statistics
b.	Descriptive statistics
c.	Nonparametric statistics
d.	Mathematical statistics

 

 

ANS:  A

 

	Feedback
A	Inferential statistics are used by researchers to make predictions and generalize findings on the basis of data.
B	Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data by reducing data to manageable proportions by summarizing them.
C	Nonparametric statistics are a type of inferential statistics.
D	The term mathematical statistics is a circular answer.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                    REF:   Page 311

 

2. The nurse researcher is interested in describing and summarizing the characteristics of the sample used in the research study. In order for this to occur, the researcher should use what?

a.	Inferential statistics
b.	Descriptive statistics
c.	Nonparametric statistics
d.	Mathematical statistics

 

 

ANS:  B

 

	Feedback
A	Inferential statistics are used by researchers to make predictions and generalize findings on the basis of data.
B	Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data by reducing data to manageable proportions by summarizing them.
C	Nonparametric statistics are a type of inferential statistics.
D	The term mathematical statistics is a circular answer.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                    REF:   Page 311

 

3. A nurse researcher would opt to use measures of central tendency in which case?

a.	When there is a need to describe how reliably the findings can be generalized
b.	When there is a need to describe how much dispersion is in the sample
c.	When there is a need to describe the accuracy of predictions made
d.	When there is a need to describe the average member of the sample

 

 

ANS:  D

 

	Feedback
A	This answer describes a function of inferential statistics.
B	This answer describes measures of variability.
C	This answer is incorrect.
D	Measures of central tendency yield a single number that describes the middle of the group and summarizes the members of a sample.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)             REF:   Page 316

 

4. The nurse researcher is interested in describing the assignment of numbers to objects or events. This is best achieved in which way?

a.	Through use of prediction
b.	Through use of dispersion
c.	Through use of variability
d.	Through use of measurement

 

 

ANS:  D

 

	Feedback
A	This answer does not fit the definition provided.
B	This answer represents a measure of variability description.
C	This answer represents a measure of dispersion (variability) description.
D	This answer fits the definition provided.

 

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)             REF:   Page 311