EDAC Research Methodology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which research design is considered the gold standard in evidence-based design studies?
- Randomized controlled trial (Correct answer)
- Case study
- Expert opinion
- Anecdotal report
Correct answer: Randomized controlled trial
Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard because they minimize bias through random assignment of participants to conditions.
Question 2: In EBD research, what does a systematic review primarily accomplish?
- Synthesizes findings from multiple studies on a specific question (Correct answer)
- Tests a single hypothesis in a controlled setting
- Describes a single facility's outcomes
- Gathers expert opinions on design trends
Correct answer: Synthesizes findings from multiple studies on a specific question
A systematic review methodically identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes all relevant research on a focused question.
Question 3: What is a key characteristic of a quasi-experimental design in healthcare design research?
- Lacks random assignment but still manipulates an independent variable (Correct answer)
- Uses only qualitative interviews
- Requires a double-blind protocol
- Relies solely on expert panels
Correct answer: Lacks random assignment but still manipulates an independent variable
Quasi-experimental designs manipulate a variable but cannot randomly assign participants, making them useful when randomization is impractical.
Question 4: Which term describes the degree to which a study's findings can be applied to real-world healthcare settings?
- External validity (Correct answer)
- Internal validity
- Reliability
- Construct validity
Correct answer: External validity
External validity refers to the generalizability of research findings beyond the specific study context.
Question 5: A post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in EBD is best described as:
- A systematic assessment of a building's performance after occupants have moved in (Correct answer)
- A pre-design survey of future users
- A cost-benefit analysis conducted before construction
- A structural inspection of a completed facility
Correct answer: A systematic assessment of a building's performance after occupants have moved in
POEs gather data on how well a completed building meets user needs and performance goals after occupancy.
Question 6: Which measure is most appropriate for assessing the reliability of an observational research instrument in EBD?
- Inter-rater reliability (Correct answer)
- Content validity
- Predictive validity
- Face validity
Correct answer: Inter-rater reliability
Inter-rater reliability measures the degree of agreement between different observers using the same instrument.
EDAC Research Methodology 1
Which research design is considered the gold standard in evidence-based design studies?