ICF Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'triangulation' in qualitative coaching research?
- Using three research participants only
- Combining multiple data sources or methods to strengthen findings (Correct answer)
- Running three separate statistical tests
- Interviewing participants three separate times
Correct answer: Combining multiple data sources or methods to strengthen findings
Triangulation enhances research credibility by cross-checking findings using multiple data sources, methods, or researchers.
Question 2: A coach practitioner reads a study with a p-value of 0.03. What does this indicate?
- There is a 3% chance the coaching intervention is ineffective
- There is a 3% probability the results occurred by chance if there were no real effect (Correct answer)
- The study used only 3 participants
- The effect size is small
Correct answer: There is a 3% probability the results occurred by chance if there were no real effect
A p-value of 0.03 means there is a 3% probability that the observed result would occur by chance assuming the null hypothesis is true.
Question 3: In the context of evidence-based coaching, 'practitioner expertise' is considered:
- The only source of evidence needed
- One of three pillars alongside research evidence and client preferences (Correct answer)
- Less important than published studies
- Irrelevant when standardized protocols exist
Correct answer: One of three pillars alongside research evidence and client preferences
Evidence-based practice integrates practitioner expertise, best available research evidence, and client characteristics/preferences as equally important pillars.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a literature review in a coaching research study?
- To replace primary data collection entirely
- To document the existing body of knowledge and identify gaps (Correct answer)
- To confirm the researcher's pre-existing beliefs
- To list all books the researcher has read
Correct answer: To document the existing body of knowledge and identify gaps
A literature review surveys existing research to establish context, identify what is already known, and highlight gaps the current study will address.
Question 5: Which ethical principle requires that coaching research participants fully understand the study before agreeing to participate?
- Confidentiality
- Non-maleficence
- Informed consent (Correct answer)
- Beneficence
Correct answer: Informed consent
Informed consent ensures participants voluntarily agree to participate after receiving clear, complete information about the study's purpose, risks, and procedures.
Question 6: A coaching researcher finds a correlation of r = 0.65 between coaching session frequency and goal attainment. This means:
- Coaching sessions directly cause goal attainment
- Higher session frequency is strongly associated with greater goal attainment (Correct answer)
- Session frequency explains 65% of all coaching outcomes
- There is a weak relationship between the two variables
Correct answer: Higher session frequency is strongly associated with greater goal attainment
A correlation of 0.65 indicates a moderately strong positive association, but correlation does not establish causation.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of 'researcher bias' in a coaching study?
- Using a random sample of participants
- Pre-registering the study hypothesis before data collection
- A coach-researcher who unconsciously interprets data to confirm their own coaching approach is effective (Correct answer)
- Publishing results that do not support the original hypothesis
Correct answer: A coach-researcher who unconsciously interprets data to confirm their own coaching approach is effective
Researcher bias occurs when a researcher's assumptions or investments in the outcome influence how they collect, analyze, or interpret data.
ICF Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3
Which of the following best describes 'triangulation' in qualitative coaching research?