Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real AME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice flashcards as text
A screening test for vestibular dysfunction in pilots has 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity. In a low-prevalence population, which characteristic will be most affected?
Answer: Positive predictive value will be low
In low-prevalence settings, positive predictive value (PPV) decreases substantially even with high sensitivity, because false positives outnumber true positives.
In aeromedical evidence synthesis, what is the primary purpose of the GRADE framework?
Answer: To rate the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations
The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) framework systematically rates evidence certainty and translates it into recommendation strength.
An aeromedical study finds r = −0.65 between hours of sleep and cognitive error rate among pilots. What does this correlation indicate?
Answer: There is a moderate-to-strong inverse linear relationship between sleep and errors
A Pearson r of −0.65 indicates a moderate-to-strong negative (inverse) linear relationship; it does not establish causality.
Which term describes the systematic error introduced when pilots under-report medication use on aeromedical forms due to fear of losing certification?
Answer: Social desirability bias
Social desirability bias occurs when respondents provide answers they believe are more acceptable rather than truthful ones, especially under perceived scrutiny.
When the FAA updates a special issuance protocol based on emerging research, which step of evidence-based practice is being executed?
Answer: Applying evidence to practice (translation)
Updating protocols based on research represents the application/translation step, where evidence is implemented into real-world practice or policy.
A longitudinal study tracks 500 pilots for 20 years but loses 40% to follow-up. The primary threat to validity is:
Answer: Attrition (loss-to-follow-up) bias
Attrition bias occurs when participants who drop out differ systematically from those who remain, threatening the internal validity of longitudinal studies.
An AME is critically appraising a clinical practice guideline on antihypertensive medications for pilots. Which element is most important to assess first?
Answer: Whether the guideline was developed using a systematic evidence review
The first appraisal priority is whether recommendations are based on a rigorous, systematic review of evidence rather than expert opinion alone.