Nurses' Satisfaction with Their Work Environment

S0004 [Source: Begat et al. (2005). Journal of Nursing Management 13:221-230.]

Approximately 190 questionnaires were distributed to Norwegian registered nurses to solicit their satisfaction with their psychosocial work environment and their perceptions of moral sensitivity (i.e. moral motivation to do good). A total of 71 (37.4%) completed questionnaires were returned.

The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between "satisfaction with relationships with colleagues" and "perception of independence on patient-oriented care" was 0.33 (p < 0.05). However, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between "satisfaction with job stress and anxiety" and "perception of independence on patient-oriented care" was -0.02 (p > 0.05).

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Questions:

Q1. Interpret the results on the two correlation coefficients. State the assumptions made, if any.

Q2. Name another correlation coefficient as a possible alternative to the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. How are the two relation coefficients compared?

Q3. Describe a limitation of this study and discuss how it may impact the results.

Q4. How you would overcome the limitation in Q3 if you are going to conduct the study again?