Nursing Assignment: Independent, Dependent Variables and Evidence

This nursing assignment explores the concepts of independent, dependent, and extraneous variables within the context of healthcare research. The solution provides definitions and examples, such as the impact of carbohydrate intake on blood glucose levels. It also addresses methods to control extraneous variables, including random sampling and statistical analysis. Furthermore, the assignment delves into the hierarchy of evidence, outlining different levels from systematic reviews to case studies and reports. It clarifies the strength of recommendations associated with each level, guiding healthcare professionals in practice changes based on evidence-based research. The assignment emphasizes the importance of clinicians staying updated with new evidence and considering patient preferences in decision-making.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Answer 1
Dependent and independent variables are two main variables in an experiment.
Independent variable is changed or controlled in the scientific experiment in order to test its
effect over dependent variable. In other words, it can be said that a dependent variable is
being test or measure in a scientific experiment (Kite, 2017). For example, aim of the paper is
to study the affect of carbohydrate intake in regulating the blood glucose level (BGL). The
amount of carbohydrate intake is modulated in the research in order to see change in the
BGL. Thus, carbohydrate intake is independent variable and BGL is dependent variable.
Extraneous variables are any variables that the researchers are not studying intentionally.
Like BGL in the not only controlled by diet, weight and other lifestyle habits also play an
important role. So apart from carbohydrate intake other factors (co-morbodities) also play an
important role in regulating BGL and these co-morbidities are regarded as extraneous
variables. Extraneous variables are regarded as the confounding factors promoting that
regulate the affect of independent variables over dependent variable. One way to control the
affect of extraneous variable is random sampling. Random sampling does not eliminate
extraneous variables, it helps to ensure equal distribution of the confounding factors in both
the groups (control and experimental groups). Statistical analysis with regulation of the p-
value and confidence interval, helps in regulating the affect of the extraneous variable in
research results (Abdul-Rahman, Chen & Laidlaw, 2019).
Answer 2
 Level 1: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomized control trials (RCTs)
 Level 2: Evidence gathered from the RCTs
 Level 3: Evidence generated through well-designed trials without conducting
randomization (quasi experimental)

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 Level 4: Case control or cohort studies
 Level 5: Systematic reviews of qualitative or descriptive study (meta-synthesis)
 Level 6: Evidence gathered from single evidence study or qualitative study
 Level7: Reports of committees and authorities
(Burns, Rohrich & Chung, 2011)
For level 1 of evidence or other consistent findings coming from multiple studies of
levels 2, 3, 4, strong recommendations are given for the practice change. The healthcare
professionals must follow a strong recommendation unless there is certain compelling
rational for conducting any alternative approach. The recommendations given by level 2, 3, 4
are not strong recommendations like level 1. Thus in the domain of the practice change
related the clinicians must follow the recommendations but must also remain alert about the
new information coming out of level 1 of evidence while remaining sensitive to the
preferences of the patients. The practice level change for the level 4 and 5 are optional as the
results evaluated in such studies can be biased. It is the duty of the clinicians to consider all
the options in their decision-making process. They must also stay alert to the newly published
evidences that help in balancing the benefit versus harm (Ingham-Broomfield, 2016).

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References
Abdul-Rahman, A. L. F. I. E., Chen, M., & Laidlaw, D. H. (2019). A survey of variables used
in empirical studies for visualization. Foundations of Data Visualization. Springer.
Burns, P. B., Rohrich, R. J., & Chung, K. C. (2011). The levels of evidence and their role in
evidence-based medicine. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 128(1), 305.
Ingham-Broomfield, J. R. (2016). A nurses' guide to the hierarchy of research designs and
evidence. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing (Online), 33(3), 38.
Kite, M. E. (2017). Linking identification of independent and dependent variables to the
goals of science. American Psychological Association (APA). Pp: 76- 81.