IAC Evidence-Based Coaching Practices 2

Question 1

Which research design is considered the gold standard for establishing causal relationships in coaching effectiveness studies?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Answer

RCTs randomly assign participants to coaching vs. control conditions, controlling for confounds and enabling causal inference.

Question 2

The IAC Coaching Masteries emphasize 'Establishing and Maintaining a Relationship of Trust.' What evidence-based mechanism explains why trust accelerates client outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Trust reduces the client's psychological threat response, enabling deeper cognitive processing

Answer

Neuropsychological research shows trust lowers perceived threat, allowing the prefrontal cortex to engage in the reflective thinking needed for behavior change.

Question 3

A coach uses motivational interviewing (MI) techniques within a session. Which evidence-based principle of MI is most directly applied when the coach reflects ambivalence back to the client?

Accepted Answer

Developing discrepancy

Answer

Reflecting ambivalence highlights the gap between current behavior and the client's values, which is the core 'developing discrepancy' principle of MI.

Question 4

Which validated psychometric instrument is most commonly used in evidence-based coaching to assess client strengths?

Accepted Answer

VIA Character Strengths Survey

Answer

The VIA Survey, grounded in positive psychology research by Peterson and Seligman, is widely validated for identifying 24 character strengths relevant to coaching.

Question 5

Research on the coaching relationship consistently identifies which factor as the strongest predictor of positive coaching outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Working alliance quality

Answer

Meta-analyses of coaching and therapy research show working alliance — the collaborative bond and agreement on goals — is the top predictor of outcomes.

(IAC) International Association of Coaching Certification Practice Test

(IAC) International Association of Coaching Certification Practice Test

IAC Evidence-Based Coaching Practices 2