Measurement, Statistics, and Appraisal

Q 1. Compare independent variables, dependent variables, and extraneous variables. Describe two ways that researchers attempt to control extraneous variables.
Q2. Describe the “levels of evidence” and provide an example of the type of practice change that could result from each.

Answer each question with using peer reviewed resources < 5 years old

ANSWER

Measurement, Statistics, and Appraisal

Question 1

An independent variable stands alone and does not change when other measurable variables change. For example, a participant’s weight is an independent variable. On the other hand, a dependent variable is the measured or rested item that varies from one subject to another. For example, when dealing with a test score study, the participant’s score is the dependent variable where each of them has a different test score. Extraneous variables are factors that could affect an experiment’s results. For instance, when dealing with a study focusing on audibility, background noise exists as a key extraneous variable. One of the ways of controlling extraneous variables is through randomization. It ensures that the results achieved at identical across various conditions. Also, the use of experimental design reduces or removes the impact of an extraneous variable. As Showkat and Parveen (2017) reveal, an experimental design effectively controls extraneous variables. Thus, researchers can focus on this approach to achieve quality results.

Question 2

One of the levels of evidence is the systematic review of all relevant randomized controlled trials. It integrates analysis and a combination of results from different similar studies. As Tawfik et al. (2019) recommend, this evidence is mainly useful when dealing with abundant studies. One of the practice areas that attract this evidence is assessment is quality dietary interventions. The other essential evidence level is one obtained from at least one well-designed randomized controlled trial. A key practice area at this level is the development of a new treatment method. Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization is the other significant level that attracts different treatment groups. It integrates comparison groups with random allocation of interventions (Bhide, Shah & Acharya, 2018). A fundamental practice change at this level is the safety and effectiveness of an intervention. Evidence from well-designed case-control studies exists as another primary level and can be used to assess viable options in oral contraceptives. The other level is evidence from systematic reviews of descriptive and qualitative studies that can be used in an area such as solutions for workplace violence.  The other level is the evidence from a single descriptive study and can be used when examining recommendations for quality purchase decisions in the fashion industry.  Lastly, the evidence from the opinion of authorities is on another level and is helpful mainly in studying potential mechanisms for reporting bills.

References

Bhide, A., Shah, P. S., & Acharya, G. (2018). A simplified guide to randomized controlled trials. Acta obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 97(4), 380-387. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.13309

Showkat, N & Parveen, H. (2017). Communications Research: Experimental Method.

Tawfik, G. M., Dila, K. A. S., Mohamed, M. Y. F., Tam, D. N. H., Kien, N. D., Ahmed, A. M., & Huy, N. T. (2019). A step by step guide for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis with simulation data. Tropical medicine and health, 47(1), 1-9.