Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

A researcher reports a 'p-value of 0.03' for a new UV disinfection study. What does this indicate?

Answer: There is a 3% probability the results occurred by chance

A p-value of 0.03 means there is only a 3% probability that the observed difference between groups occurred by random chance, supporting the study's conclusion.

When applying evidence-based practice to pool operations, the CPO should FIRST:

Answer: Identify the specific operational question or problem

Evidence-based practice begins with clearly defining the clinical or operational question before searching for and evaluating relevant evidence.

A meta-analysis on chloramine formation combines data from 15 different pool studies. What is the key advantage of this research method?

Answer: It provides greater statistical power by pooling large datasets

Meta-analysis pools data from multiple studies, dramatically increasing sample size and statistical power, which produces more precise and reliable estimates of treatment effects.

Which research design would BEST determine whether a rise in recreational water illnesses (RWIs) at a facility correlates with bather load?

Answer: Prospective cohort study tracking illness rates and attendance

A prospective cohort study follows groups over time and can identify associations between bather load (exposure) and illness rates (outcome).

A CPO finds two conflicting studies about optimal pH range for chlorine effectiveness. The BEST next step is to:

Answer: Review both studies' methodology and look for systematic reviews

Evaluating methodology quality and seeking systematic reviews that synthesize multiple studies provides the highest-quality evidence to resolve conflicting findings.

In research on pool water quality, a 'control group' refers to:

Answer: A group that does not receive the treatment being tested

A control group is not exposed to the intervention being tested, providing a baseline for comparison to determine the true effect of the treatment.

Which scenario represents a CONFLICT OF INTEREST that should make a CPO cautious about a published study?

Answer: The study was entirely funded by the manufacturer of the tested product

Manufacturer-funded studies may have financial bias in design, analysis, or reporting, making independent replication and third-party peer review especially important.