Which level is characteristic of the strength of the evidence provided by the results of a quasi-experimental study?

The strength of the evidence provided by the results of a quasi-experimental study is characterized as Level III. This classification is based on the design and methodological rigor of the study. Quasi-experimental studies involve interventions that do not use random assignment of participants to control or treatment groups, which limits their ability to control for confounding variables.

Level III evidence typically includes non-randomized controlled trials and cohort or case-control studies that may provide some insights but still fall short of the more robust design offered by randomized controlled trials classified as Level I. Consequently, while quasi-experimental studies can yield valuable findings and contribute to the body of evidence, they are considered less robust than higher-level studies due to their design limitations.

This understanding is pivotal in nursing research as it helps in evaluating the reliability and applicability of the findings in clinical practice.