MPT Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice

Question 1

According to the hierarchy of evidence, which study design provides the strongest evidence for clinical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review with meta-analysis

Answer

Expert opinion and clinical guidelines

Answer

Case reports and case series

Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Question 2

A study reports a p-value of 0.03. What does this most accurately indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a 3% probability of obtaining results as extreme as observed if the null hypothesis is true

Answer

There is a 3% chance the intervention is clinically effective

Answer

The effect size is small but meaningful

Answer

The sample size was adequate for the study

Question 3

Which research design is most appropriate for establishing cause-and-effect relationships between an intervention and an outcome?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Case-control study

Answer

Cohort study

Question 4

Internal validity in a research study refers to:

Accepted Answer

The extent to which the study design supports valid conclusions about cause and effect within the study

Answer

The degree to which results can be generalized to other populations

Answer

The accuracy of the measurement instruments used

Answer

The consistency of measurements across different raters

Question 5

A researcher rejects the null hypothesis when it is actually true. This error is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Type I error

Answer

Type II error

Answer

Beta error

Answer

Power error

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of randomization in a randomized controlled trial?

Accepted Answer

To distribute known and unknown confounding variables equally between groups

Answer

To increase the overall sample size of the study

Answer

To ensure that participants and researchers are blinded

Answer

To improve the external validity and generalizability of findings

Question 7

A systematic review differs from a narrative review primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Uses explicit, predefined, and reproducible methods to search, select, and appraise evidence

Answer

Includes a greater number of articles

Answer

Is always conducted by multiple authors or research teams

Answer

Focuses exclusively on a single clinical condition or diagnosis