Contemporary Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Issues in Nursing related questions and content

A nurse is interested in learning how reminiscence therapy can improve memory in cognitively intact persons over the age of 65 years. Findings from three groups are compared. Group 1 receives music therapy, Group 2 receives life review therapy, and Group 3 does not receive therapy, but data are collected from all three groups and compared. Group 3 is known as the:

  • A. pilot study.
  • B. survey.
  • C. needs assessment.
  • D. control group.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: control group. In this study design, Group 3 serves as the control group to compare the effects of music therapy and life review therapy on memory. The control group does not receive any intervention, allowing researchers to isolate the impact of the therapies. This helps determine if any observed improvements in memory are due to the therapies and not other factors. A pilot study (A) is a small-scale preliminary investigation, not a comparison group. A survey (B) is a data collection method, not a comparison group. A needs assessment (C) is used to determine needs, not a comparison group. Thus, the control group is essential in research to establish causal relationships.