CCC CCC ASHA Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In single-subject experimental designs used in SLP research, what is the purpose of a reversal (ABA) design?
- To test three different treatment approaches simultaneously
- To demonstrate experimental control by withdrawing and reintroducing treatment to show its effect (Correct answer)
- To compare two client groups with different diagnoses
- To measure long-term maintenance without intervention
Correct answer: To demonstrate experimental control by withdrawing and reintroducing treatment to show its effect
An ABA reversal design establishes experimental control by showing that behavior improves during treatment (B), returns toward baseline when treatment is withdrawn (A), demonstrating the treatment's causal effect.
Question 2: What is the difference between statistical significance and clinical significance in SLP outcome research?
- They are identical concepts used interchangeably
- Statistical significance indicates a result is unlikely due to chance, while clinical significance indicates the change is meaningful in the client's daily life (Correct answer)
- Clinical significance is measured only by standardized tests
- Statistical significance always implies real-world benefit
Correct answer: Statistical significance indicates a result is unlikely due to chance, while clinical significance indicates the change is meaningful in the client's daily life
A result can be statistically significant (unlikely due to chance) but not clinically significant if the magnitude of change does not translate to meaningful functional improvement for the client.
Question 3: According to ASHA's EBP model, which factor represents the client's role in clinical decision-making?
- The client's insurance coverage limits
- The client's values, preferences, and goals for treatment (Correct answer)
- The client's performance on standardized assessments only
- The client's geographic location
Correct answer: The client's values, preferences, and goals for treatment
In ASHA's EBP model, the client perspective includes their individual values, cultural background, preferences, and personal goals, which must be integrated with research evidence and clinical expertise.
Question 4: What is a systematic review in the context of EBP for SLPs?
- A clinician's personal review of client files
- A rigorous synthesis of all available research on a specific clinical question using predefined search and appraisal criteria (Correct answer)
- An annual ASHA review of certification standards
- A supervisor's evaluation of a clinician's documentation
Correct answer: A rigorous synthesis of all available research on a specific clinical question using predefined search and appraisal criteria
A systematic review uses explicit, reproducible methods to identify, appraise, and synthesize all relevant studies addressing a specific clinical question, providing a comprehensive evidence summary.
Question 5: Which of the following outcomes measures is most appropriate for demonstrating functional communication improvement in an adult with aphasia for EBP purposes?
- IQ score
- Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL) or ASHA FACS (Correct answer)
- Reading grade level
- Audiometric threshold
Correct answer: Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL) or ASHA FACS
Functional outcome measures such as the CADL or ASHA FACS capture real-world communicative functioning, which is the most clinically meaningful evidence of improvement for adults with aphasia.
Question 6: What is the purpose of inter-rater reliability in SLP clinical research?
- To ensure all clients receive the same diagnosis
- To demonstrate that two or more independent raters produce consistent scores or observations (Correct answer)
- To compare results across different therapy settings
- To validate insurance reimbursement rates
Correct answer: To demonstrate that two or more independent raters produce consistent scores or observations
Inter-rater reliability ensures that measurements or observations are consistent across different raters, which is essential for the validity and reproducibility of clinical research findings.
CCC CCC ASHA Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2
In single-subject experimental designs used in SLP research, what is the purpose of a reversal (ABA) design?