Create a research question related to nursing (to be used for this discussion question only). Identify the independent and dependent variables. Next, create a hypothesis or set of hypotheses to go along with your research Question. Identify your hypothesis as one of each of the four categories below and explain why your hypothesis fits into these categories: 1. Associative or causal 2. Simple or complex 3. Nondirectional vs directional 4. Null vs research

Research Question:
Does the implementation of an electronic health record system in a hospital setting improve patient outcomes and reduce medication errors?

Independent variable: Implementation of an electronic health record system
Dependent variables: Patient outcomes, Medication errors

Hypothesis:
H0 (Null hypothesis): The implementation of an electronic health record system in a hospital setting does not have an impact on patient outcomes or medication errors.

H1 (Research hypothesis): The implementation of an electronic health record system in a hospital setting improves patient outcomes and reduces medication errors.

Explanation of Hypothesis Categories:

1. Associative or causal: The research hypothesis in this case is causal because it proposes that there is a cause and effect relationship between the implementation of an electronic health record system and the improvement of patient outcomes and reduction of medication errors. It suggests that the independent variable (implementation of an electronic health record system) directly impacts the dependent variables (patient outcomes and medication errors).

2. Simple or complex: The research hypothesis is complex because it involves multiple variables (implementation of an electronic health record system, patient outcomes, and medication errors). It suggests that the relationship between these variables is not straightforward and may be influenced by various other factors. The outcome of the implementation of an electronic health record system can have a complex impact on patient outcomes and medication errors.

3. Nondirectional vs directional: The research hypothesis is directional as it predicts a specific outcome of the implementation of an electronic health record system on patient outcomes and medication errors. It suggests that the impact of the independent variable will be positive, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced medication errors.

4. Null vs research: The null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the implementation of an electronic health record system and patient outcomes or medication errors. It suggests that any observed differences in patient outcomes and medication errors are due to chance and not influenced by the implementation of an electronic health record system. On the other hand, the research hypothesis suggests that there is a relationship and that the implementation of an electronic health record system has a positive impact on patient outcomes and medication errors.

The hypothesis falls under each of the four categories as follows:

1. Associative or causal: The hypothesis is causal as it proposes a cause and effect relationship between the implementation of an electronic health record system and the improvement of patient outcomes and reduction of medication errors.

2. Simple or complex: The hypothesis is complex as it involves multiple variables (implementation of an electronic health record system, patient outcomes, and medication errors).

3. Nondirectional vs directional: The hypothesis is directional as it predicts a specific outcome of the implementation of an electronic health record system on patient outcomes and medication errors.

4. Null vs research: The research hypothesis states that there is a relationship between the independent variable (implementation of an electronic health record system) and the dependent variables (patient outcomes and medication errors), while the null hypothesis suggests that there is no relationship between these variables.

In summary, the research question investigates whether the implementation of an electronic health record system in a hospital setting has an impact on patient outcomes and medication errors. The research hypothesis suggests that the implementation of this system improves patient outcomes and reduces medication errors. The hypothesis falls into the categories of causal, complex, directional, and research.