ABFM Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3

Question 1

Which element of PICO is represented by 'forensic DNA analysis' in a research question comparing identification methods?

Accepted Answer

Intervention/Index test

Answer

In PICO, the 'I' represents the Intervention or Index test being evaluated, which in this case is forensic DNA analysis.

Question 2

A forensic researcher wants to assess the accuracy of a new bite mark analysis technique. Which statistic simultaneously reflects both sensitivity and specificity across all thresholds?

Accepted Answer

Area under the ROC curve (AUC)

Answer

The AUC of a receiver operating characteristic curve summarizes diagnostic accuracy across all possible cut-off thresholds into a single index.

Question 3

In a forensic toxicology study, inter-rater reliability between two examiners is best quantified using which statistic?

Accepted Answer

Intraclass correlation coefficient

Answer

Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is preferred for quantitative or ordinal ratings by multiple raters because it accounts for both agreement and consistency.

Question 4

A forensic study with n=12 autopsy cases uses a non-parametric test for group comparison. Which assumption was likely violated?

Accepted Answer

Normal distribution of the outcome variable

Answer

Non-parametric tests are chosen when the normality assumption is violated, which is common with small samples like n=12.

Question 5

Which research framework is most appropriate for investigating the lived experiences of families following a forensic autopsy in a medicolegal context?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative phenomenological study

Answer

Phenomenological qualitative research is designed to explore subjective human experiences and meaning, making it ideal for understanding families' experiences.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3