Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real CFS 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 CFS professional is reviewing a study that claims floodproofing reduces average annual losses by 40%. What is the most critical factor to evaluate first?
Answer: The study's methodology, sample characteristics, and potential confounders
Critical appraisal of methodology, sample representativeness, and confounding variables determines whether reported findings are valid and applicable.
Which research framework is most appropriate for a floodplain study that aims to understand community residents' lived experiences during flood evacuation?
Answer: Interpretivist/phenomenological framework
A phenomenological approach within interpretivism is designed to explore and describe people's lived experiences and subjective perceptions.
When evaluating the external validity of a floodplain damage study conducted in coastal Louisiana, a CFS professional should consider whether:
Answer: Findings can be generalized to inland riverine floodplain settings
External validity concerns whether findings from one study context (coastal Louisiana) can be generalized to different settings such as inland riverine floodplains.
A floodplain authority conducts an after-action review following a major flood event. Which research method does this most closely resemble?
Answer: Case study methodology
After-action reviews examine a specific event in depth to extract lessons learned, which is the core purpose of case study methodology.
In hydraulic modeling research, what does 'model calibration' involve?
Answer: Adjusting model parameters so simulated outputs match observed historical data
Calibration adjusts model parameters (e.g., Manning's n values) until the model accurately reproduces known historical flood events.
Which of the following best describes the 'precautionary principle' as applied in evidence-based floodplain management?
Answer: Taking protective action under scientific uncertainty when potential consequences are severe
The precautionary principle supports protective action even when evidence is incomplete, particularly when the potential for serious or irreversible harm exists.
A floodplain researcher wants to establish that a community's adoption of higher freeboard standards caused a reduction in flood losses. Which research design provides the strongest causal evidence?
Answer: Quasi-experimental design with a matched control community
A quasi-experimental design with a matched control community approximates experimental conditions and provides stronger causal inference than simple before-and-after comparisons.