a. Is this a qualitative or quantitative study? Explain your answer in detail. In my opinion, I believe that this case study is a quantitative study. In the study, the writer wanted to evaluate whether stressing the potential benefits of the hepatitis B vaccination was more or less effective than expressing the potential dangers of not getting the hepatitis B vaccination. In quantitative research, the data is structured, refined and generally based on numerical scales centered on closed-ended questions, objective in nature (p8.)
b. Is this a correlational study or is it an experiment? Explain your answer. This case study is an experiment because in an experimental study, the researcher manipulates the variable or intervenes …show more content…
If there is a dependent variable, what is it? How are they operationalized? A dependent variable corresponds with an outcome in which the researcher wants to understand/predict (p43). In this case scenario, the dependent variables are the subjects/clients at the needles exchange center. The dependent variables are operationalized because the researcher specifically manipulated the control groups to measure the concept of the needed data (p44.)
e. Was there randomization used in this study? What is the purpose of randomization? Yes there was randomization in this study. The purpose of randomization in this study was to collect non-biased data to use for the anticipated outcome. The clients were chosen at random to either receive a letter stating the possible benefits of receiving the vaccination or possible hardships of not receiving the vaccination.
f. If applicable, what is the independent variable in this study? Explain thoroughly. As stated previously the independent variables are the benefits/possible dangers of receiving/not receiving the hepatitis B vaccination. The researcher manipulated the independent variable for his/her data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of approach for the hepatitis B …show more content…
Are there any controls built into this study? Why is integration of controls into a study important? Yes, they are controls built into this study. This is an RCT controlled study. A randomized control trail (RCT) is a study is conducted to isolate phenomena, controlling the conditions of which they occur, and introducing an intervention (p153). Participants are assigned randomly to a controlled or experimental group. In this case, the group was experimental. This allowed for elimination of any biases and also gave each participant an equal chance to be in either group. In the end researchers are able to compare outcomes. Integration of controls into a study is important because it allows for collection of data to be shared when needed to have a major impact of nursing practice.
I. What is an extraneous variable? Why are they considered problematic? An extraneous variable is an undesirable variable that has an impact on the independent and dependent variable in a particular study, often called a confounding variable (p380.) A confounding variable is presumed problematic because, it often times lessens the validity of a study.
j. Develop a PICO question for the above