Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

What does 'peer review' mean in the context of roofing industry technical publications, and why does it increase the value of research findings?

Answer: Independent experts evaluating a study's methodology and conclusions before publication

Peer review by independent experts verifies that a study's methods are sound and conclusions are supported by the data, increasing confidence in the findings.

A contractor is evaluating two underlayments: one with a published ASTM D1970 nail sealability test result and one without. What does the tested product's certification demonstrate?

Answer: It has been objectively measured for resistance to water infiltration around fasteners

ASTM D1970 specifically tests whether an underlayment self-seals around nails to prevent water infiltration, providing objective, standardized evidence of that performance.

Which concept describes the gap between what research shows is best practice and what is commonly done in the field?

Answer: Practice-research gap

The practice-research gap refers to the delay or disconnect between research findings establishing best practices and their widespread adoption in the field.

When GAF publishes a case study showing improved storm performance for a specific roofing system, what limitation should a contractor recognize about this evidence?

Answer: A single case study may not be generalizable to all climates, structures, or installation conditions

Case studies provide valuable real-world context but represent a single scenario; results may not generalize to different climates, building types, or installation variables.

What is the significance of a roofing product achieving a UL 790 Class A fire rating based on evidence-based practice?

Answer: It demonstrates the product has passed standardized tests for the highest level of fire resistance

UL 790 Class A certification is based on standardized fire testing and represents the highest level of fire resistance, providing contractors with objective safety performance data.

How does GAF's system approach to roofing — using compatible, co-tested components — align with evidence-based practice principles?

Answer: Performance data is generated from the complete system as used in real installations

Testing complete roofing systems with all components together generates performance data that reflects actual installation conditions, making the evidence more relevant and reliable.

Which statistical concept helps roofing researchers determine whether a performance difference between two products is meaningful or due to random chance?

Answer: Statistical significance

Statistical significance (typically expressed as a p-value) indicates the probability that observed differences are real rather than due to random variation in the data.