Manipulations, randomization and control are the features of one of the following research designs:

IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Nursing Research & Statistics

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Experimental design is considered the gold standard in research for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
It is defined by three core characteristics: manipulation, control, and randomization.
Manipulation refers to the researcher actively changing the independent variable (e.g., providing a new treatment).
Control involves using a control group that does not receive the treatment, providing a baseline for comparison.
Randomization is the process of assigning subjects to groups by chance, which minimizes selection bias and ensures the groups are comparable.

Option A: Descriptive research aims to observe and describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon in its natural setting. It does not involve any manipulation, control, or randomization.
Option B: Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables as they naturally occur. It does not involve manipulation and cannot prove causation.
Option C: Quasi-experimental research involves the manipulation of an independent variable but lacks either a control group or the random assignment of subjects. It is used when true experimentation is not feasible.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Characteristics of Quantitative Research Designs as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding research designs is crucial for nurses to implement Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). It allows them to critically appraise research studies and determine the strength of the evidence.
When evaluating a study on a new nursing intervention, a nurse must check if it was a true experiment (often called a Randomized Controlled Trial or RCT) to have confidence that the reported outcomes are due to the intervention and not other factors.
What if? If a study testing a new pain management technique lacked randomization, a nurse should be cautious. The results might be biased because the groups may not have been equivalent at the start, making it difficult to attribute the outcomes solely to the new technique.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question stem: 'manipulation,' 'randomization,' and 'control.'
Recognize that these three terms are the defining characteristics of a specific type of research design.
Systematically evaluate each option against these three criteria.
Recall that Descriptive and Correlational designs are non-experimental and lack manipulation.
Remember that Quasi-experimental designs involve manipulation but are missing either randomization or a control group.
Conclude that only the Experimental design incorporates all three essential features, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 183-185

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