MSN Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Answer

Expert opinion and case reports

Answer

A single well-designed cohort study

Answer

A cross-sectional survey with large sample size

Question 2

Which statistical measure is used in a meta-analysis to combine effect sizes across studies?

Accepted Answer

Pooled odds ratio or standardized mean difference

Answer

Pearson correlation coefficient

Answer

Confidence interval width

Answer

P-value from the largest study

Question 3

The PICO framework is used in EBP to formulate clinical questions. What does the 'C' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Comparison or control intervention

Answer

Cost of the intervention

Answer

Compliance of the patient

Answer

Clinician's expertise

Question 4

A researcher reports a p-value of 0.03. Which statement best interprets this finding?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

There is a 97% probability the intervention works

Answer

The effect size is clinically meaningful

Answer

The study has a 3% chance of a Type II error

Question 5

Which type of reliability refers to the consistency of results when the same test is administered twice to the same group?

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability

Answer

Inter-rater reliability

Answer

Internal consistency

Answer

Content validity

Question 6

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required primarily to protect which principle?

Accepted Answer

Research participant rights, safety, and welfare

Answer

Funding transparency

Answer

Publication integrity

Answer

Researcher confidentiality