Which is an example of a secondary source in a literature review?
An autobiography of a developer of a nursing theory.
A summary and critique of another's scholarly work.
An oral history of a nurse researcher.
An investigator's report of a research study.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
An autobiography is considered a primary source because it is a first-hand account written by the individual who lived the experiences or developed the theory. In a literature review, primary sources are preferred because they provide the original, uninterpreted words of the author. Using an autobiography allows the researcher to understand the theorist's direct perspective without the filter of another person's interpretation, which is the defining characteristic of a primary historical or theoretical document.
Choice B rationale
A secondary source is a document that discusses, summarizes, or evaluates information originally presented in another work. In this case, a summary and critique of a scholarly work involves an intermediary author interpreting the original investigator's findings. While secondary sources are helpful for gaining a broad overview of a topic or understanding how a theory has been received in the field, they are one step removed from the original data and the primary researcher.
Choice C rationale
An oral history is a primary source consisting of a recorded interview or account from a person with direct knowledge of historical events or research developments. Because the nurse researcher is providing their own direct testimony, the information is considered original evidence. Researchers use oral histories to capture personal insights and contextual details that might not be found in formal reports, but the direct nature of the communication keeps it in the primary category.
Choice D rationale
An investigator's report of their own research study is a primary source because it contains the original data, methodology, and results directly from the person who conducted the inquiry. This is the most common type of primary source used in nursing literature reviews to support evidence-based practice. Reviewing the original report ensures that the information is accurate and has not been distorted by the interpretations or biases of a third-party author or reviewer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing the quality of nursing education programs is typically the responsibility of accrediting bodies and academic institutions using specific educational standards. The Iowa Model is a clinical framework designed for practice settings rather than academic curriculum evaluation. While evidence-based practice is taught in schools, the model itself serves as a pragmatic guide for clinicians to translate research into bedside care, focusing on patient outcomes rather than student performance or faculty benchmarks.
Choice B rationale
Standardizing nursing interventions is an outcome of implementing evidence-based practice, but it is not the sole purpose of the Iowa Model. The model provides the pathway to reach that standardization by identifying triggers, critiquing evidence, and piloting changes. Standardization without the evidence-based process could lead to stagnant or outdated care. The Iowa Model ensures that any standardization is rooted in the best available evidence and is continuously evaluated for clinical effectiveness.
Choice C rationale
While evidence-based practice often involves interprofessional collaboration, the primary goal of the Iowa Model is not specifically to manage nurse-physician relationships. It focuses on the organizational process of moving from a clinical problem to a researched solution. Collaboration is a supportive element of the process, but the model’s structure is centered on the flow of information and the systemic implementation of change within the nursing department to improve the quality of patient care.
Choice D rationale
The Iowa Model is a widely recognized framework specifically designed to guide healthcare professionals through the process of implementing evidence-based practice. It begins with "triggers" such as clinical problems or new knowledge and leads the user through a series of steps including evidence synthesis, piloting the change, and observing results. Its primary purpose is to provide a structured, practical method for integrating research into the clinical setting to ensure patients receive the highest quality care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale
Quantitative research focuses on the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, averages, or correlations. Counting the number of patients who experienced adverse reactions provides objective, measurable data that can be statistically analyzed. This approach seeks to find empirical evidence and quantify a specific phenomenon, which is the hallmark of quantitative inquiry. By using discrete numbers and objective outcomes, the researcher can determine the frequency and prevalence of reactions within a specific clinical population.
Choice A rationale
Asking community members if they thought a training session was helpful is an informal way of gathering feedback that is primarily subjective. This approach lacks the rigorous control, standardized measurement tools, and numerical analysis required for quantitative research. It is more akin to a simple evaluation or a qualitative inquiry into participant perceptions. Quantitative research requires a systematic process where variables are operationalized and measured using scales or counts to provide a high level of statistical evidence.
Choice C rationale
Interviewing patients about their feelings regarding health insurance policies is a classic qualitative approach. It aims to explore human experiences, perceptions, and emotions in depth. Qualitative research uses open-ended questions to gather rich, narrative data rather than trying to reduce experiences to numbers. While the group is random, the goal of understanding feelings and perspectives is fundamentally non-quantitative because it does not prioritize numerical measurement or the testing of a specific hypothesis using statistical tools.
Choice D rationale
Observing a community and writing a report based on a personal perspective is an ethnographic or descriptive qualitative method. This type of research relies on the researcher as the primary instrument for data collection and interpretation. It is subjective and focused on providing a detailed narrative of a culture or social setting. Quantitative research, by contrast, strives for objectivity and uses standardized instruments to ensure that findings can be replicated and generalized without being influenced by personal bias.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
