Question

The nurse locates on meta-analysis study on a clinical topic. When evaluating the research question or hypothesis for the individual studies, what characteristic is to be expected?

a. the questions or hypotheses across studies should be essentially identical
b. some studies may have research questions and other studies have hypotheses
c. there should be general similarities between studies questions and hypotheses
d. the research questions and hypotheses should be different across studies

Answer 1

When evaluating the research question or hypothesis in a meta-analysis, one should expect general similarities between studies' questions and hypotheses. Research questions are broader, while hypotheses are more specific and testable predictions that stem from these questions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating the research question or hypothesis for the individual studies in a meta-analysis, there should be general similarities between studies' questions and hypotheses.

This is because meta-analysis involves the statistical analysis of a large collection of analysis results from individual studies for the purpose of integrating the findings. It is important that the studies are examining similar issues so that their results can be compared meaningfully. However, slight variations in the research questions or hypotheses are expected, as each study might approach the topic from a slightly different angle or research aim.

Research questions and hypotheses serve different purposes in scientific inquiry. A research question is a broad query that addresses a gap in the knowledge base, while a hypothesis is a more specific and testable prediction about the outcome of a study. During the process of research, investigators may refine their research questions based on existing knowledge and then construct hypotheses accordingly.