CSP Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

According to NAR's Profile of Home Staging, what percentage of buyers' agents reported that staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home?

Accepted Answer

77%

Answer

NAR research consistently reports approximately 77% of buyers' agents say staging helps buyers visualize the home as their own.

Question 2

A stager wants to determine which paint colors most increase perceived room size. Which research design best isolates the effect of color alone?

Accepted Answer

A controlled experiment varying only wall color across identical rooms

Answer

A controlled experiment that changes only the independent variable (wall color) while keeping all other factors constant provides the strongest causal evidence.

Question 3

Days on Market (DOM) data is best used in staging research to measure:

Accepted Answer

The relationship between staging investment and sale speed

Answer

DOM data quantifies how long a property sits on the market, making it the standard metric for evaluating whether staging accelerates sales.

Question 4

What is the primary limitation of relying solely on anecdotal evidence when advising clients on staging ROI?

Accepted Answer

Individual cases may not represent typical outcomes across diverse markets

Answer

Anecdotal evidence reflects individual experiences that may not generalize, so staging outcomes can vary significantly by market, price point, and property type.

Question 5

A stager reviews MLS data showing staged homes sell for 5% more than unstaged ones. Which factor most threatens the internal validity of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Sellers who stage may also make other improvements that raise value

Answer

Confounding variables — such as concurrent repairs or upgrades — may explain the price difference, not staging alone, undermining causal claims.

(CSP) Certified Staging Professional Practice Test

(CSP) Certified Staging Professional Practice Test

CSP Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2