ISSA Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3

Question 1

Which level of evidence is generally considered HIGHEST in the hierarchy of evidence-based nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that pool data from multiple well-conducted RCTs represent the highest quality evidence in the hierarchy.

Question 2

A researcher finds p = 0.03 for a dietary intervention study. Which conclusion is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The result is statistically significant at α = 0.05

Answer

A p-value of 0.03 is below the conventional threshold of 0.05, indicating statistical significance, but this does not confirm clinical importance or large effect size.

Question 3

In a double-blind RCT on protein supplementation, who is blinded to the treatment assignment?

Accepted Answer

Both participants and investigators administering the treatment

Answer

Double-blind means neither the participants nor the researchers delivering or assessing the intervention know who received the active treatment or placebo.

Question 4

Heterogeneity in a meta-analysis is commonly assessed using which statistic?

Accepted Answer

I² statistic

Answer

The I² statistic quantifies the percentage of total variation across studies that is due to heterogeneity rather than chance.

Question 5

Which term describes a systematic error that consistently skews study results in one direction?

Accepted Answer

Bias

Answer

Bias is a systematic error that leads to an over- or underestimate of the true association, unlike random error which affects precision.

(ISSA) International Sports Sciences Association Certified Nutritionist Practice Test

(ISSA) International Sports Sciences Association Certified Nutritionist Practice Test

ISSA Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 3