Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What type of analysis is performed when there is insufficient information to determine effective predictors of a dependent variable?

1. Exploratory data analysis

2. Data analysis

3. Exploratory regression analysis

4. Latent transition analysis

The correct answer is: Exploratory regression analysis

Exploratory regression analysis is utilized when there is insufficient information to identify effective predictors of a dependent variable. This type of analysis focuses on examining various potential predictors to uncover insights about their relationship with the dependent variable, especially in situations where the relationships are not well understood or defined. In exploratory regression, the analysis involves testing different variables without a strong hypothesis guiding the selection of predictors. This method encourages the exploration of numerous possibilities and the identification of patterns or trends within the data that could indicate potential predictive value concerning the dependent variable. It allows researchers and analysts to gain a better understanding of the data and to refine their models or develop new hypotheses based on these initial findings. The other options, while related to data analysis, do not specifically address situations characterized by uncertainty in determining effective predictors for a dependent variable. Exploratory data analysis mainly focuses on summarizing the main characteristics of the data rather than seeking predictors. Data analysis is a broad term that doesn't imply the exploratory aspect that is critical in this context. Latent transition analysis is employed in the context of categorical data to understand transitions between states across time but does not pertain directly to identifying predictors in the same way exploratory regression does.