Which of the following is an example of quantitative study?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Descriptive research is a type of quantitative study.
Its primary purpose is to systematically describe a population, situation, or phenomenon.
It involves collecting numerical data and analyzing it with descriptive statistics (e.g., frequencies, averages).
This method answers 'what is' questions, such as the prevalence of a condition, but does not test for cause and effect.

Option A: A case study is a classic example of qualitative research. It provides a deep, detailed investigation of a single individual, group, or event, focusing on narrative description rather than numerical data.
Option C: Ethnography is a qualitative method rooted in anthropology. It involves the immersive study of a culture or social group to understand their behaviors, beliefs, and social structures from an insider's perspective.
Option D: Grounded theory is a qualitative methodology used to generate a new theory from data. The theory 'emerges' from the systematic collection and analysis of data, typically interviews and observations.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Evidence-based nursing practice relies on both quantitative and qualitative research.
A nurse might use findings from a quantitative descriptive study to understand the prevalence of pressure ulcers on their unit, which can inform staffing and resource allocation.
A qualitative study (like a case study or ethnography) could then be used to explore the patient experience of living with a pressure ulcer or the nursing culture around prevention, providing context and deeper understanding.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'quantitative study'.
Recall the definition of quantitative research: it involves numerical data and statistical analysis.
Evaluate each option against this definition.
Case study: Involves in-depth description of one case, which is qualitative.
Descriptive: Aims to describe characteristics of a population using numbers (e.g., percentages, rates), which is quantitative.
Ethnography: Involves observing and describing a culture, which is qualitative.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Stem keywords: quantitative study, example
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

QaSW5Zx_IKzvlQhvFuUC5L

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 1 p. 31-33

E6 NursingResearch Polit 11e Part 2 pp. 69-71, 78-80

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