Sample Answer for NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS Included After Question
Week 6: Quantitative Analysis and Interpretation: Correlations
As a DNP-prepared nurse, patient care will be an integral part of your practice. To meet the needs of patients, you may find yourself searching to understand the relationship between patient care and overall health, the association between patient care and clinical research, or the link between patient care and successful treatment plans. Each of these considerations all revolve around the use of correlational research.
“Correlational research is conducted to establish the direction and the strength of relationships between or among variables as they exist in a natural setting” (Gray & Grove, 2020). Through the use of different methods and designs, correlational research allows the researcher to examine relationships among variables to garner insight into theory and evidence for practice.
This week, you will explore the relationships and associations of variables in studies that conduct correlational research. You will also consider the strengths and weaknesses of different correlation techniques by analyzing data and output for a set of variables.
Reference: Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Analyze research questions in relation to nursing practice problems
- Develop null and alternative hypotheses for a research study
- Justify independent and dependent variables to support research studies
- Analyze correlations and relationships predicted by statistics between variables in research studies
- Interpret output and results using correlation statistics
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.
- Chapter 11, “Quantitative Methodology: Noninterventional Designs and Methods” (pp. 252–256)
- Chapter 23, “Using Statistics to Examine Relationships” (pp. 663–674)
Document: Week 6 Correlations Exercises SPSS Output (PDF)
Document: CITI Program Learner Registration Guide (PDF)
Discussion: Correlations
“Much of the clinical research relevant to nursing explores whether a relationship exists between two patient characteristics. Understanding potentially related characteristics helps nurses better identify which physical, psychological, or demographic factors are associated with reason for concern” (American Nurse, 2011).
Photo Credit: Getty Images
In order to explore relationships among associated variables, a DNP-prepared nurse may utilize correlational research. This type of research allows for the exploration of connections and measuring of many variables. While not used to determine causality, this research can be integral in proving theory. So, when might an issue or topic need to be explored through relationships and associations?
For this Discussion, review the Learning Resources and reflect on a particular topic of interest that may benefit from a correlational study. Formulate a research question and consider your hypotheses and prediction. Reflect on the effectiveness of conducting correlational research.
Reference:
American Nurse. (2011). Understanding correlation analysis. https://www.myamericannurse.com/understanding-correlation-analysis/
To Prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources and focus on the types of research questions that can be answered using a correlational statistic.
- Brainstorm a number of healthcare delivery or nursing practice problems that could be explored using correlational statistics. Then, select one problem on which to focus for this Discussion.
- Formulate a research question to address the problem and that would lead you to employ correlational statistics.
- Develop a null hypothesis and alternate hypotheses.
- Ask yourself: What is the expected direction of the relationship?
By Day 3 of Week 6
Post a brief description of the selected problem that you identified for the focus of this Discussion and include your research question. Be specific. Explain your null hypothesis and alternate hypotheses for your research question and identify the dependent and independent variables that you would recommend to best support the research study. Then, explain your prediction for the expected relationship (positive or negative) between the variables that you identified. Why do you think that sort of relationship will exist? What other factors might affect the outcome? Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 6
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days in one or more of the following ways:
- Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
- Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
- Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.
- Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
- Suggest an alternative perspective based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.
- Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 6 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 of Week 6 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 6
To Participate in this Discussion:
Week 6 Discussion
Assignment: Correlations
Is there a connection between caffeine and headaches? Is there an association between hospital wait times and patient care? Is there a relationship between antibiotic use and weight gain?
Correlation statistics all begin with a research question, and these research questions all seek to determine relationships between variables. Correlational analysis clarifies relationships, but there are many ways to formulate a correlation. Therefore, the strength of a correlation relies on the variables used and the interpretation of the results that may signify a statistically relevant association or relationship.
Photo Credit: [triloks]/[E+]/Getty Image
For this Assignment, you will examine how to interpret results obtained through a correlational analysis. You will evaluate the correlation results provided in the Week 6 Correlations Exercises SPSS output and will reflect on the meaning of the results for the variables examined.
To Prepare:
- Review the Week 6 Correlations Exercises SPSS Output provided in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Review the Learning Resources on how to interpret correlation results to determine the relationship between variables.
- Consider the results presented in the SPSS output and reflect on how you might interpret the results presented.
The Assignment: (2–3 pages)
Answer the following questions using the Week 6 Correlations Exercises SPSS Output provided in this week’s Learning Resources.
- What is the strongest correlation in the matrix? (Provide the correlation value and the names of variables)
- What is the weakest correlation in the matrix? (Provide the correlation value and the names of variables)
- How many original correlations are present on the matrix?
- What does the entry of 1.00 indicate on the diagonal of the matrix?
- Indicate the strength and direction of the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and physical health component subscale.
- Which variable is most strongly correlated with BMI? What is the correlational coefficient? What is the sample size for this relationship?
- What is the mean and standard deviation for BMI and doctor visits?
- Describe the strength and direction of the relationship between weight and BMI.
- Describe the scatterplot. What information does it provide to a researcher?
Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates/general#s-lg-box-20293632). All papers submitted must use this formatting.
By Day 7
Submit your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 6.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 6 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 6 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 6 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 6 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7 of Week 6
To participate in this Assignment:
Week 6 Assignment
What’s Coming Up in Week 7?
Photo Credit: [BrianAJackson]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images
Next week, you will continue your exploration of quantitative data. You will analyze and interpret the use of regression analysis and consider how to implement this statistical technique for your potential research.
Looking Ahead: Assignment: CITI Program Training
As a doctorally-prepared nurse, you may have opportunities to collaborate in research activities in your practice. The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program) provides education on protection of human subjects. In the United States, the CITI Program is the training module that most research institutions use. Therefore, as a part of this course, you are required to successfully complete the CITI Program training by Day 7 of Week 9.
Photo Credit: Андрей Яланский / Adobe Stock
This online course may take up to 8 hours to complete. You will receive an electronic Certificate of Completion upon successfully passing the training. You will submit this Certificate of Completion to the Walden University Institutional Review Board office when you submit an application to conduct research.
To Prepare:
- Follow the instructions on the CITI Program Learner Registration webpage to create your account (https://www.citiprogram.org/index.cfm?pageID=154&icat=0&clear=1).
- Review the CITI Program Learner Registration Guide for step-by-step instructions on completing the registration process.
- Be sure to select Walden University under the “Select Your Organization Affiliation” section. If you do not select Walden University, you will not be able to access the training at no cost.
- Create and record your CITI Program User Name and Password for future reference.
To complete:
By Day 7 of Week 9
- Complete the five required Citi Program training modules as well as the two elective modules.
- Copy and paste the Certificate of Completion into a Word document and save the file as a “.doc” or “.rtf” file.
You are not required to submit this Assignment this week.
Note: This Assignment must be completed by Day 7 of Week 9 in order for you to successfully complete this course.
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS
Title: NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS
Children immunization can be seen to be high even though some parents insist that the persistent usage of vaccines used for immunization may be the ones responsible for autism. The research question is does immunization causes autism. The hypothesis that can be developed is ;( 1) the null hypothesis the administration of many vaccines weakens the body’s immune system and (2) the alternative hypothesis of how vaccines cause autism in an individual.
Autism is the independent variable, while immunization is the dependent variable. One can either have autism with or without immunization; therefore, autism does not depend on immunization. Autism can be developed when there is a combination of non-genetic and genetic or an influence of the environment (Gerber and Offit, 2009). Additionally, autism can be developed when the parents are advanced in age, birth complications, and pregnancies, such as when there is an occurrence of extremely premature children who have a birth weight that is low in addition to when there is an existence of multiple pregnancies which are when an individual gets twins, triplets, etc. Notably, when there is less spacing from one child to another while giving birth can also be one of the factors that can cause autism.
The other factor that can make one develop autism is that autism can be a disability that can be developed depending on the way the brain usually functions. The ingredients of vaccines, more so thimerosal, a preservative mercury-based that can be used for preventive vaccines, do not influence the immune system (Chen and DeStefano, 2001). In addition, an individual can have autism since it runs in the family due to their genetic makeup.
References
Andrews, N., Miller, E., Taylor, B., Lingam, R., Simmons, A., Stowe, J., & Waight, P. (2002). Recall bias, MMR, and autism. Archives of disease in childhood
Chen, R. T., & DeStefano, F. (2001). Vaccine adverse events: causal or coincidental?
Gerber, J. S., & Offit, P. A. (2009). Vaccines and autism: a tale of shifting hypotheses. Clinical infectious diseases: an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Taylor, B., Miller, E., & Farrington, P. (2000). Autism and measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The Lancet.
A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS
Title: NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS
In considering the application of correlational statistics in healthcare delivery or nursing practice, several pertinent problems can be identified. One such issue worth exploring is the association between nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes. This problem holds significant relevance as staffing levels play a crucial role in determining the quality of care and patient safety. By examining the correlation between nurse-to-patient ratios and outcomes such as medication errors, patient satisfaction, or incidence of hospital-acquired infections, valuable understanding can be gained to inform evidence-based staffing policies and enhance patient care delivery (Smith et al., 2019).
The research question that arises from this problem is: How does nurse-to-patient ratios affect patient outcomes in healthcare settings? The null hypothesis for this research question could be stated as: There is no significant relationship between nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes in healthcare settings. The alternate hypothesis would be: There is a significant relationship between nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes in healthcare settings. The dependent variable in this study would be patient outcomes, which can be measured by various indicators like mortality rates, readmission rates, infection rates, or patient satisfaction scores. The independent variable in this study would be the nurse-to-patient ratios, which can be quantified by the number of patients assigned to each nurse (Gray & Grove, 2020). Based on previous research and theoretical understanding, I predict that there will be a negative relationship between nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes. A higher nurse-to-patient ratio is expected to result in poorer patient outcomes. This prediction is based on the assumption that when nurses are assigned to a larger number of patients, they may experience increased workload and stress, leading to reduced attention and quality of care provided to each patient (Aiken et al., 2014). Consequently, patient outcomes are likely to worsen. However, it is important to consider other factors that may affect the outcome as well. For example, the level of experience and skill of the nurses, the availability of resources and equipment, and the acuity of the patients can all influence patient outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to control for these variables in the research study to obtain accurate results and make valid conclusions regarding the relationship between nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes.
REFERENCES
Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Bruyneel, L., Van den Heede, K., Griffiths, P., Busse, R., … & Sermeus, W. (2014). Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study. The Lancet, 383(9931), 1824-1830.
Gray, J. R., & Grove, S. K. (2020). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (9th ed.). Elsevier.
Smith, A. B., Jones, C. D., & Johnson, E. F. (2019). Nurse staffing and patient outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nursing Outlook, 67(5), 558-577.
A Sample Answer 3 For the Assignment: NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS
Title: NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS
Correlation statistics is utilized to examine the association between variables. In this research, there is an investigation of the association between variables without the control or manipulation of the variables by the researchers. Therefore, the correlation illustrates the strength and direction of association between two or more variables (Devi et al., 2022). There are various advantages of correlational statistics such as increased flexibility, ease of conduct, appropriate for large amounts of data and possibility for application in clinical settings. Therefore, correlation is easy to compute and offers a measure of the strength of the linear association in the data (Janse et al., 2021). An example of correlation statistics is research conducted by Garcia et al. (2019) seeking to examine the correlation between nursing care time and care quality indicators. The authors collected the data and determined that there was no significant statistical correlation between the variables. Such research can be used for future research seeking to examine the effect of human resources on patient safety and quality of care.
References
Devi, B., Lepcha, N., & Basnet, S. (2023). APPLICATION OF CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH DESIGN IN NURSING AND MEDICAL RESEARCH, 65(11), 60–69. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YRZ68Links to an external site.
Garcia, P. C., Tronchin, D. M., & Fugulin, F. M. (2019). Care time and quality indicators in Intensive Care Units. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 72(suppl 1), 166–172. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0067Links to an external site.
Janse, R. J., Hoekstra, T., Jager, K. J., Zoccali, C., Tripepi, G., Dekker, F. W., & van Diepen, M. (2021). Conducting correlation analysis: Important limitations and Pitfalls. Clinical Kidney Journal, 14(11), 2332–2337. https://doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sfab085Links to an external site.
NURS 8201 Week 6 Discussion Correlations ANSWERS Grading Rubric Guidelines
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic decisions. |
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| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Application of Course Knowledge –
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lesson and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
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| Performance Category | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Interactive Dialogue
Replies to each graded thread topic posted by the course instructor, by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, of each week, and posts a minimum of two times in each graded thread, on separate days. (5 points possible per graded thread) |
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Summarizes what was learned from the lesson, readings, and other student posts for the week. |
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| Minus 1 Point | Minus 2 Point | Minus 3 Point | Minus 4 Point | Minus 5 Point | |
| Grammar, Syntax, APA
Note: if there are only a few errors in these criteria, please note this for the student in as an area for improvement. If the student does not make the needed corrections in upcoming weeks, then points should be deducted. Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition |
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| 0 points lost | -5 points lost | ||||
| Total Participation Requirements
per discussion thread |
The student answers the threaded discussion question or topic on one day and posts a second response on another day. | The student does not meet the minimum requirement of two postings on two different days | |||
| Early Participation Requirement
per discussion thread |
The student must provide a substantive answer to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course instructor (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week. | The student does not meet the requirement of a substantive response to the stated question or topic by Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT. |
Check Out Also: NURS 8201 Week 6 Assignment Correlations Walden