In Testing an Instrument Consisting of 25 Items for Homogeneity

question 11

Multiple Choice

In testing an instrument consisting of 25 items for homogeneity using the "item-to-total" correlation, 8 items were found to have a low correlation to the total. The nurse researcher interprets this information to mean that the researcher should do what?

• A) Use the instrument without changes.
• B) Use the instrument only with a multitrait-multimethod approach.
• C) Retain the 8 items with low correlation and delete the other 17 items.
• D) Delete the 8 items with low correlation and retain the other 17 items.

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Definitions:

Classical Conditioning

A method of learning in which two stimuli are consistently associated; the response initially produced by the second stimulus ultimately becomes triggered by just the first stimulus alone.

Extinction

The process through which the conditioned response is weakened by presenting the conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus, eventually leading to the cessation of the conditioned response.

Conditioned Stimulus

A stimulus that initially has no response connected to it but gains the power to evoke a response through association with an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioning Theory

A psychological theory that explains learning as a process where behavior is modified through reinforcement or punishment.