A nurse researcher develops the following research question: Is there a relationship between anxiety and body weight in premenopausal and postmenopausal women? What type of research question format is this considered to be?

The research question posed focuses on the relationship between two variables: anxiety and body weight, specifically in the context of premenopausal and postmenopausal women. This indicates that the researcher is interested in understanding how these two factors interact with each other rather than merely describing them or comparing them.

Correlational research questions aim to identify and quantify the relationship between two or more variables without influencing or manipulating them. In this case, the question seeks to determine if there is a correlation—that is, a statistical relationship—between the levels of anxiety and body weight across different menopausal statuses. A finding that shows a significant correlation would imply that as one variable changes, there may be a related change in the other variable.

Understanding this type of question is vital for nurse researchers because it helps guide the methodology and analysis processes, allowing for deeper insights into how psychological and physiological factors may be interrelated, which can inform practice and interventions.