Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

Which of the following best describes a 'benchmark' in staging research?

Answer: A reference standard (e.g., average DOM) against which staged results are compared

A benchmark is a standard reference point that allows stagers to measure whether their results exceed, meet, or fall below typical market performance.

A stager wants to present ROI data to a skeptical seller. The most persuasive evidence format would be:

Answer: Aggregated local MLS data showing staged vs. unstaged sale price differentials with sample sizes noted

Aggregated local data with transparent sample sizes is more credible and specific than testimonials, national reports, or social media content.

The term 'correlation does not imply causation' is most relevant when a stager claims that:

Answer: Because staged homes sell faster, staging must be causing the speed increase

When two variables move together (staging and faster sales), it doesn't prove one causes the other without ruling out confounding factors.

A staging trade association publishes a report funded by furniture rental companies. A critical reader should be concerned about:

Answer: Potential publication bias or conflict of interest skewing the findings toward positive staging outcomes

Funding sources with financial stakes in positive outcomes create conflicts of interest that can influence how data is collected, analyzed, or reported.

Which survey scale is most appropriate for measuring buyer satisfaction with a staged home on a spectrum from very dissatisfied to very satisfied?

Answer: Likert scale

A Likert scale captures gradations of attitude or satisfaction along an ordered continuum, making it ideal for measuring buyer sentiment.

A stager finds two studies with conflicting findings on staging ROI. The best practice for evidence-based decision-making is to:

Answer: Evaluate each study's methodology, sample size, and relevance to local conditions

Methodological quality, sample size, and local applicability determine which evidence is more trustworthy, not publication date or favorable outcomes alone.

In staging research, 'selection bias' occurs when:

Answer: Homes chosen for staging are systematically different from unstaged homes in ways that affect outcomes

If sellers who stage also tend to be more motivated, have larger budgets, or list in stronger neighborhoods, the staging effect is confounded by these pre-existing differences.