Q.1 What is the primary purpose of evidence-based practice in psychiatric nursing?
To follow traditional practices without change
To provide care based on personal experience only
To integrate the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
To reduce costs in healthcare
Explanation - Evidence-based practice combines research findings, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to improve care quality.
Correct answer is: To integrate the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values
Q.2 Which research design is considered the most reliable for determining cause-and-effect relationships?
Case study
Randomized controlled trial
Cross-sectional study
Qualitative interview
Explanation - Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) minimize bias and are the gold standard for testing interventions and causality.
Correct answer is: Randomized controlled trial
Q.3 In psychiatric nursing research, what is the primary role of a literature review?
To collect data from patients
To summarize existing knowledge and identify research gaps
To design the intervention for the study
To calculate statistical results
Explanation - A literature review helps identify what is already known and guides future research questions.
Correct answer is: To summarize existing knowledge and identify research gaps
Q.4 Which type of data is measured in numbers and is often analyzed statistically?
Qualitative data
Quantitative data
Descriptive data
Observational data
Explanation - Quantitative data is numerical and lends itself to statistical analysis, unlike qualitative data which is descriptive.
Correct answer is: Quantitative data
Q.5 Which ethical principle ensures that research participants are fully informed about the study and voluntarily consent?
Beneficence
Justice
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Explanation - Informed consent requires participants to understand the study, risks, benefits, and voluntarily agree to participate.
Correct answer is: Informed consent
Q.6 What is the purpose of a control group in experimental psychiatric research?
To receive the new intervention
To prevent bias by not participating
To provide a comparison baseline for evaluating the intervention
To replace the experimental group if needed
Explanation - A control group allows researchers to compare outcomes and determine the effect of the intervention.
Correct answer is: To provide a comparison baseline for evaluating the intervention
Q.7 Which type of research is primarily concerned with exploring human experiences, feelings, and perceptions?
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
Experimental research
Survey research
Explanation - Qualitative research focuses on understanding experiences and meanings rather than measuring numbers.
Correct answer is: Qualitative research
Q.8 In psychiatric nursing, which source provides the highest level of evidence for clinical decision-making?
Expert opinion
Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews
Case reports
Textbooks
Explanation - Systematic reviews and RCTs are considered high-quality evidence due to their rigorous methods and reliability.
Correct answer is: Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews
Q.9 Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in research?
A detailed procedure of the study
A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables
A summary of study results
A statistical method
Explanation - A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested through research to determine relationships or effects.
Correct answer is: A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables
Q.10 Which statistical test is commonly used to compare the means of two independent groups?
Chi-square test
Independent t-test
Correlation coefficient
ANOVA
Explanation - An independent t-test compares the means between two separate groups to determine if differences are statistically significant.
Correct answer is: Independent t-test
Q.11 Which term describes the extent to which a study accurately reflects the real-world situation it intends to represent?
Reliability
Validity
Generalizability
Randomization
Explanation - Validity refers to how well a study measures what it is intended to measure.
Correct answer is: Validity
Q.12 What is the main difference between longitudinal and cross-sectional studies?
Longitudinal studies follow participants over time; cross-sectional studies assess at one point in time
Cross-sectional studies involve interventions; longitudinal studies do not
Longitudinal studies are always qualitative; cross-sectional are quantitative
Cross-sectional studies are more expensive than longitudinal studies
Explanation - Longitudinal studies track changes over time, while cross-sectional studies provide a snapshot at a single time point.
Correct answer is: Longitudinal studies follow participants over time; cross-sectional studies assess at one point in time
Q.13 Which is an example of a dependent variable in psychiatric research?
The type of therapy provided
Patient symptom improvement
Age of participants
Gender of participants
Explanation - The dependent variable is the outcome being measured, such as symptom improvement, which depends on the intervention.
Correct answer is: Patient symptom improvement
Q.14 Which sampling method ensures that every member of a population has an equal chance of selection?
Convenience sampling
Purposive sampling
Random sampling
Snowball sampling
Explanation - Random sampling reduces selection bias and increases the generalizability of study results.
Correct answer is: Random sampling
Q.15 In evidence-based practice, 'clinical expertise' refers to:
The ability to follow research findings without modification
Experience and skills that guide individualized patient care
Knowledge of hospital policies only
Theoretical knowledge unrelated to practice
Explanation - Clinical expertise allows nurses to integrate research evidence into patient-specific care effectively.
Correct answer is: Experience and skills that guide individualized patient care
Q.16 Which of the following is a key characteristic of qualitative research?
Use of large sample sizes
Focus on numeric measurements
Exploration of experiences, meanings, and perspectives
Strict experimental control
Explanation - Qualitative research emphasizes understanding human experiences rather than quantifying them.
Correct answer is: Exploration of experiences, meanings, and perspectives
Q.17 Which of the following is a common limitation of psychiatric nursing research?
Ethical constraints in studying vulnerable populations
Too much randomization
Excessive generalizability
Low need for funding
Explanation - Research with psychiatric patients often requires careful ethical considerations due to their vulnerability.
Correct answer is: Ethical constraints in studying vulnerable populations
Q.18 Which term describes the ability of a research instrument to consistently measure what it is intended to measure?
Validity
Reliability
Accuracy
Randomization
Explanation - Reliability refers to the consistency and repeatability of measurements in research.
Correct answer is: Reliability
Q.19 Systematic reviews are valuable in evidence-based practice because they:
Provide anecdotal evidence
Summarize results of multiple studies using a standardized method
Focus on a single patient case
Ignore study quality
Explanation - Systematic reviews critically appraise and synthesize evidence from multiple studies for better clinical decision-making.
Correct answer is: Summarize results of multiple studies using a standardized method
Q.20 Which component is NOT part of the PICO framework for evidence-based practice?
Population
Intervention
Comparison
Observation time
Explanation - PICO stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome; observation time is not a standard component.
Correct answer is: Observation time
Q.21 Which ethical principle protects participants' privacy and confidentiality in research?
Autonomy
Beneficence
Confidentiality
Justice
Explanation - Confidentiality ensures that participants' personal information is securely handled and not disclosed without permission.
Correct answer is: Confidentiality
Q.22 Which type of bias occurs when the researcher’s expectations influence study outcomes?
Selection bias
Measurement bias
Observer bias
Recall bias
Explanation - Observer bias happens when researchers’ expectations or knowledge influence how outcomes are recorded or interpreted.
Correct answer is: Observer bias
Q.23 Which type of study design is most suitable for exploring patient experiences with mental illness?
Randomized controlled trial
Qualitative phenomenological study
Cohort study
Meta-analysis
Explanation - Phenomenological studies explore the lived experiences of individuals, making them ideal for understanding patient perspectives.
Correct answer is: Qualitative phenomenological study
Q.24 Which term refers to applying research findings into daily clinical practice?
Research methodology
Knowledge translation
Data collection
Peer review
Explanation - Knowledge translation involves integrating research evidence into practical clinical interventions to improve patient care.
Correct answer is: Knowledge translation
Q.25 What is a primary goal of using evidence-based practice in psychiatric nursing?
To standardize care regardless of patient needs
To improve patient outcomes and care quality
To replace clinical judgment entirely
To reduce documentation requirements
Explanation - Evidence-based practice aims to enhance patient care by combining research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.
Correct answer is: To improve patient outcomes and care quality