ACBN Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

A nutritionist wants to determine if a new dietary intervention reduces LDL cholesterol. Which study design provides the strongest causal evidence?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the strongest causal evidence because random assignment minimizes confounding variables.

Question 2

In a clinical nutrition study, 'blinding' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Preventing participants or researchers from knowing group assignments

Answer

Blinding prevents knowledge of group assignment, reducing bias in outcome assessment and participant behavior.

Question 3

A meta-analysis of omega-3 supplementation trials reports a pooled effect size with a 95% confidence interval of 0.1 to 0.9 mmol/L triglyceride reduction. This means:

Accepted Answer

We are 95% confident the true population effect falls within that range

Answer

A 95% confidence interval means we are 95% confident the true population parameter lies within the stated range.

Question 4

Which type of bias occurs when participants who drop out of a nutrition study differ systematically from those who complete it?

Accepted Answer

Attrition bias

Answer

Attrition bias occurs when dropouts differ from completers, potentially skewing results toward those who tolerated the intervention.

Question 5

The PRISMA statement is a reporting guideline used for:

Accepted Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Answer

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) provides a checklist and flow diagram for transparent reporting of systematic reviews.

ACBN - Nutritionist Exam Practice Test

ACBN - Nutritionist Exam Practice Test

ACBN Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2