Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

Which study design is considered the gold standard for establishing cause-and-effect relationships in clinical research?

Answer: Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

RCTs use random assignment to treatment and control groups, minimizing bias and allowing causal inference.

A care manager uses a validated depression screening tool because multiple studies confirm its accuracy. This practice best exemplifies:

Answer: Evidence-based practice (EBP)

EBP integrates best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values in decision-making.

In a research study, internal validity refers to:

Answer: The extent to which results are free from confounding variables

Internal validity is threatened when confounders, selection bias, or measurement errors distort the true relationship between variables.

A systematic review differs from a traditional narrative literature review primarily because it:

Answer: Uses transparent, reproducible methods to identify and synthesize all relevant studies

Systematic reviews follow explicit, pre-specified methods to minimize bias when locating, appraising, and synthesizing evidence.

Which level of the evidence hierarchy provides the weakest support for clinical decision-making?

Answer: Expert opinion and case reports

Expert opinion and case reports sit at the bottom of the evidence hierarchy due to high susceptibility to bias.

A care manager notices that patients who choose a new program tend to be healthier than those who do not. This is an example of:

Answer: Selection bias

Selection bias occurs when the groups being compared differ systematically in ways other than the exposure or intervention under study.

In quantitative research, a p-value of 0.03 means:

Answer: There is a 3% probability of observing the results if the null hypothesis were true

The p-value represents the probability of obtaining results as extreme as observed, assuming the null hypothesis is true.