Case 1:
Researchers and labor and delivery nurses conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC) on breastfeeding duration at 3 and 6 months of age. Two hundred mothers and their term infants were randomized to SSC (n = 100) and control groups (n = 100). A random number sequence was generated using a computer program. Immediately after clamping of umbilical cord, SSC infants were placed in prone position on the bare bosom of mother and control group infants were placed under radiant warmer for 45 minutes during 3rd stage of labor. Breastfeeding practice including exclusive and partial breastfeeding and duration were measured at 3 and 6 months postpartum per telephone call. Breastfeeding duration was measured in number of days when the participants were asked whether they were still breastfeeding during that time?

1. State a research question that addresses the main outcome in the situation given.
2. Identify independent and dependent variables with levels of measurement.
3. Which statistical data analysis method would be appropriate for analyzing this study research question? Provide rationales to obtain the full credit.

Case 2:
A team of nurse practitioners and physicians conducted a randomized control trial to test the effectiveness of self-management intervention on hospital readmission among patients with chronic heart failure. Patients were randomized into two groups: control and experimental groups. Interventions include health education and follow-up phone calls from nurses. Patients in both groups were followed up at 6 months post hospital discharge. Patients were assessed whether they have been re-hospitalized in the last 6 months (yes/no).

1. State a research question that addresses the main outcome in the situation given.
2. Identify independent and dependent variables with levels of measurement.
3. Which statistical data analysis method would be appropriate for analyzing this study research question? Provide rationales to obtain the full credit.

Case 3:
A team of nurse practitioners are interested in evaluating the effects of low-fat diet and exercise intervention programs on lowering the Hgb A1C among patients with type 2 diabetes. The study inclusion criteria are participants who are 18 years and older, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for 1 year with uncontrolled glycemic indexes, and understanding and speaking English.
Subjects are randomly assigned to 3 different groups:
1) Low carbohydrate dietary education and exercise 5 days a week,
2) Low fat, low carbohydrate dietary education
3) Usual care follow-up
Subjects will receive interventions according to their specific groups for 3 months. Each participant will be assessed their Hgb A1C drawn at the 6-month follow up visit.

1. Write a research question that evaluates the effects of the intervention on the main outcome in the given case.
2. Identify independent and dependent variables with levels of measurement.
3. Which statistical data analysis method would be appropriate for analyzing this study research question? Provide rationales to obtain the full credit.

Case 4:
A family nurse practitioner conducted a cross-sectional study to assess whether intention to stop smoking predict smoking cessation among adult smokers with history of cardiovascular disease. Intention to Stop Smoking was measured using Likert-type scales. The instrument has been tested in previous studies with acceptable reliability and validity. The higher scores indicate the greater the amount of intention or commitment to quit smoking. Patients were also evaluated whether they have quit smoking (yes/no).

1. State a research question that addresses the main outcome in the situation given.
2. Identify independent and dependent variables with levels of measurement.
3. Which statistical data analysis method would be appropriate for analyzing this study research question? Provide rationales to obtain the full credit.