LMSW LMSW Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A social worker wants to explore the lived experiences of refugees adjusting to a new country. Which research design is MOST appropriate?
- Randomized controlled trial
- Phenomenological qualitative study (Correct answer)
- Cross-sectional survey
- Meta-analysis
Correct answer: Phenomenological qualitative study
Phenomenological qualitative designs are ideal for exploring subjective lived experiences in depth.
Question 2: Which statistical measure describes the spread of scores around the mean?
- Mode
- Median
- Standard deviation (Correct answer)
- Frequency
Correct answer: Standard deviation
Standard deviation quantifies how much individual scores vary from the mean of a dataset.
Question 3: A researcher reports a p-value of 0.03 with α set at 0.05. What is the correct interpretation?
- Fail to reject the null hypothesis
- Reject the null hypothesis (Correct answer)
- The study is inconclusive
- The effect size is large
Correct answer: Reject the null hypothesis
When p < α, the result is statistically significant and the null hypothesis is rejected.
Question 4: Which sampling method gives every member of the population an equal chance of selection?
- Purposive sampling
- Snowball sampling
- Simple random sampling (Correct answer)
- Convenience sampling
Correct answer: Simple random sampling
Simple random sampling ensures each population member has an equal and independent probability of being selected.
Question 5: An LMSW is evaluating a group intervention using a pre-test/post-test design without a control group. The BIGGEST threat to internal validity is:
- Attrition
- History (Correct answer)
- Measurement error
- Ceiling effect
Correct answer: History
History refers to external events occurring between pre- and post-test that could explain changes independent of the intervention.
Question 6: In evidence-based practice, after identifying the clinical question, what is the NEXT step?
- Implement the intervention
- Apply clinical judgment
- Search for the best available evidence (Correct answer)
- Evaluate outcomes
Correct answer: Search for the best available evidence
The EBP process follows: formulate question → search evidence → critically appraise → apply → evaluate.
Question 7: Which level of measurement allows for meaningful calculation of a mean?
- Nominal
- Ordinal
- Interval (Correct answer)
- Dichotomous
Correct answer: Interval
Interval-level data have equal intervals between values, making arithmetic operations like calculating a mean meaningful.
LMSW LMSW Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice 4
A social worker wants to explore the lived experiences of refugees adjusting to a new country.
Which research design is MOST appropriate?