Types of Studies
This type of study combines multiple research studies to provide the highest level of evidence.
What is a systematic review? (Level I)
This level of evidence is considered the "gold standard" in research.
What is Level I (Systematic Review)?
A group of researchers compile 10 RCTs on wound care interventions to determine the most effective approach.
What is a systematic review? (Level I)
This study type uses statistics to predict outcomes based on existing data.
What is a predictive correlational study? (Level IV)
A nurse uses a Cochrane review to decide on the best evidence-based intervention for wound healing.
What is Level I (Systematic Review)?
This research design randomly assigns participants to control and experimental groups to test interventions.
What is a randomized controlled trial (RCT)? (Level II)
This level includes experimental research but lacks full randomization.
What is Level III (Quasi-Experimental)?
Nurses conduct an experiment where patients with hypertension are randomly assigned to medication A or medication B.
What is an RCT? (Level II)
Researchers examine multiple studies to find common themes among patient experiences with telehealth.
What is a qualitative meta-analysis? (Level V)
A hospital adopts a new fall prevention strategy based on findings from a controlled experimental study.
What is Level II (RCT)?
This study lacks full randomization but still applies an intervention to measure its effects.
What is a quasi-experimental study? (Level III)
A study that observes patient outcomes over time without intervention is classified as this level.
What is Level IV (Cohort Study)?
A hospital tests a new bedside rounding protocol on one unit while another unit follows the usual procedure.
What is a quasi-experimental study? (Level III)
A study finds a correlation between nursing shift length and reported medication errors but does not prove causation.
What is a descriptive correlational study? (Level IV)
A researcher studies the effect of a new shift schedule on nurse fatigue by comparing one hospital unit to another.
What is Level III (Quasi-Experimental)?
This type of study examines relationships between variables without manipulating them.
What is a descriptive correlational or predictive correlational study? (Level IV)
When patient experiences are analyzed using qualitative methods, the research is categorized at this level.
What is Level VI (Descriptive or Qualitative Study)?
A study follows 500 nurses over 10 years to examine how sleep patterns affect burnout.
What is a cohort study? (Level IV)
A nursing organization publishes a position statement recommending a new infection control protocol.
What is an expert committee opinion? (Level VII)
A nursing team follows a group of heart failure patients over five years to track rehospitalization rates.
What is Level IV (Cohort Study)?
This approach combines qualitative findings across multiple studies for a deeper understanding.
What is a qualitative meta-analysis? (Level V)
A practice guideline issued by an expert committee is an example of this level of evidence.
What is Level VII (Expert Opinion)?
Researchers collect patient stories about living with chronic pain to identify themes in their experiences.
What is a qualitative study? (Level VI)
A study combines quantitative and qualitative data to assess the impact of a mindfulness program on nurse stress levels.
What is a mixed-methods systematic review? (Level V)
A hospital administrator references a professional organization's guidelines when implementing a new patient care policy.
What is Level VII (Expert Opinion)?