A study of adults older than 65 years investigated the effect of the use of calming communication techniques by caregivers on the agitation level of patients experiencing stage 2 dementia. The researchers noted that the effectiveness of the calming communication techniques differed based on whether the caregiver was a family member or licensed medical personnel. In this study, which type of variable was the patient–caregiver relationship?

Which factor would most likely distort the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, producing biased results?

Which of the following would most accurately determine causality?

In which way does the nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design differ from the classical experimental design?

True or False? To reduce the threat of mortality, researchers should regularly communicate the benefits of the experimental intervention to the study participants.

Which design type uses pretests and posttests to determine causality?

In a study assessing the effects of a new medication on cholesterol levels, the nurse researcher observes variations in cholesterol levels based on patients’ daily exercise habits. What type of variable is patients’ exercise habits??

True or False? Randomization is one way researchers can control for extraneous variables.

True or False? If a researcher is unable to randomly assign subjects to groups and must use a comparison group, the study design is considered nonexperimental.

Which of the following obligations does the nurse have when conducting research?