CPP Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sampling method divides a population into subgroups and randomly selects from each to ensure representation?
- Convenience sampling
- Stratified random sampling (Correct answer)
- Cluster sampling
- Systematic sampling
Correct answer: Stratified random sampling
Stratified random sampling divides the population into homogeneous subgroups (strata) and samples proportionally from each.
Question 2: A parking manager conducts a study where participants know they are being observed. What bias is most likely to occur?
- Confirmation bias
- Selection bias
- Hawthorne effect (Correct answer)
- Survivorship bias
Correct answer: Hawthorne effect
The Hawthorne effect occurs when subjects change their behavior because they know they are being observed.
Question 3: Which data type best describes parking occupancy rates expressed as percentages?
- Nominal
- Ordinal
- Interval
- Ratio (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ratio
Occupancy rates are ratio data because they have a true zero point (0% occupancy) and equal intervals between values.
Question 4: A CPP candidate wants to compare parking utilization across five facilities using a single statistical test. Which is most appropriate?
- Independent t-test
- Chi-square test
- One-way ANOVA (Correct answer)
- Pearson correlation
Correct answer: One-way ANOVA
One-way ANOVA compares means across three or more independent groups simultaneously.
Question 5: In a parking demand study, the term 'validity' refers to:
- Whether the study can be repeated with consistent results
- Whether the measure actually captures what it is intended to measure (Correct answer)
- The size of the sample used in the study
- The timeframe over which data was collected
Correct answer: Whether the measure actually captures what it is intended to measure
Validity refers to the degree to which a research instrument measures what it claims to measure.
Question 6: Which research design is best suited for exploring the lived experiences of parking enforcement officers?
- Randomized controlled trial
- Longitudinal panel study
- Phenomenological qualitative study (Correct answer)
- Cross-sectional survey
Correct answer: Phenomenological qualitative study
Phenomenological research explores participants' subjective lived experiences, making it ideal for understanding officer perspectives.
Question 7: A parking study reports a 95% confidence interval of [62%, 78%] for peak occupancy. What does this mean?
- The true occupancy is exactly 70%
- If the study were repeated 100 times, 95 intervals would contain the true occupancy rate (Correct answer)
- There is a 95% chance the parking lot is full
- The margin of error is 95%
Correct answer: If the study were repeated 100 times, 95 intervals would contain the true occupancy rate
A 95% confidence interval means that in repeated sampling, 95% of such intervals would capture the true population parameter.
CPP Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2
Which sampling method divides a population into subgroups and randomly selects from each to ensure representation?