LSA Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice

Question 1

In evidence-based practice, which of the following best describes the primary decision-making framework?

Accepted Answer

Integrating best available research, clinical expertise, and client values

Answer

Relying solely on the social worker's clinical intuition

Answer

Following agency policies without considering research findings

Answer

Applying the same intervention to all clients regardless of circumstances

Question 2

Which research design is most appropriate for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between an intervention and an outcome?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Answer

Case study

Answer

Survey research

Answer

Ethnographic study

Question 3

A social worker wants to understand the lived experiences of homeless veterans. Which research approach is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative interviews or focus groups

Answer

Quantitative survey with standardized measures

Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Secondary data analysis of census data

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a control group in experimental research?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison with the treatment group

Answer

To receive the most intensive intervention

Answer

To represent the general population

Answer

To test multiple interventions simultaneously

Question 5

Which of the following best defines 'reliability' in research measurement?

Accepted Answer

The consistency of a measure across repeated administrations

Answer

The degree to which a measure accurately captures the concept it intends to measure

Answer

The generalizability of findings to other populations

Answer

The ethical soundness of the research design

Question 6

When conducting research with vulnerable populations, which ethical principle requires that participants understand and freely agree to participate?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 7

A social worker reviews multiple published studies on a specific intervention before implementing it with clients. This process most closely reflects which step of evidence-based practice?

Accepted Answer

Searching for and critically appraising the best evidence

Answer

Assessing the client's needs

Answer

Evaluating the outcome of the intervention

Answer

Formulating a clinical question