Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

Which sampling method divides a population into subgroups and randomly selects from each to ensure representation?

Answer: Stratified random sampling

Stratified random sampling divides the population into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and samples proportionally from each.

A parking manager conducts a study where participants know they are being observed. What bias is most likely to occur?

Answer: Hawthorne effect

The Hawthorne effect occurs when subjects change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

Which data type best describes parking occupancy rates expressed as percentages?

Answer: Ratio

Occupancy rates are ratio data because they have a true zero point (0% occupancy) and equal intervals between values.

A CPP candidate wants to compare parking utilization across five facilities using a single statistical test. Which is most appropriate?

Answer: One-way ANOVA

One-way ANOVA compares means across three or more independent groups simultaneously.

In a parking demand study, the term 'validity' refers to:

Answer: Whether the measure actually captures what it is intended to measure

Validity refers to the degree to which a research instrument measures what it claims to measure.

Which research design is best suited for exploring the lived experiences of parking enforcement officers?

Answer: Phenomenological qualitative study

Phenomenological research explores participants' subjective lived experiences, making it ideal for understanding officer perspectives.

A parking study reports a 95% confidence interval of [62%, 78%] for peak occupancy. What does this mean?

Answer: If the study were repeated 100 times, 95 intervals would contain the true occupancy rate

A 95% confidence interval means that in repeated sampling, 95% of such intervals would capture the true population parameter.