Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

A fleet technician reads a case study reporting that a single fleet reduced costs by 30% using a particular vendor's telematics system. The MAIN limitation of this evidence is:

Answer: A single case study has limited generalizability to other fleet contexts

A single case study lacks external validity—what worked in one fleet may not generalize to fleets with different sizes, vehicle types, or operational environments.

Which research design would best establish whether a preventive maintenance interval change causes a reduction in engine failures across a large fleet?

Answer: A randomized controlled trial assigning vehicles to old vs. new intervals

A randomized controlled trial, where vehicles are randomly assigned to maintenance conditions, provides the strongest evidence for causal claims.

In the context of fleet evidence-based practice, 'validity' refers to:

Answer: How accurately a measurement tool measures what it is supposed to measure

Validity means a measurement instrument actually measures the intended construct, not something else.

A fleet manager wants to predict next year's maintenance budget. Which analytical approach is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Regression analysis using multiple years of historical cost data

Regression analysis uses historical data to identify trends and relationships that produce statistically grounded future cost predictions.

When evaluating published fleet research, 'peer review' is important because it:

Answer: Ensures the research has been critically evaluated by independent subject-matter experts

Peer review subjects research to critical evaluation by independent experts, improving the likelihood that methods and conclusions are sound.

A fleet department implements a new tire rotation schedule and wants to measure its impact. The MOST appropriate outcome variable to track is:

Answer: Average tire tread life and tire replacement frequency before and after the change

Tracking tire tread life and replacement frequency directly measures the outcome the new rotation schedule is designed to affect.

Which principle of evidence-based practice requires fleet managers to consider not just research evidence but also the specific needs and values of their organization when making decisions?

Answer: Contextual integration

Evidence-based practice integrates research evidence with organizational context, values, and operational realities rather than applying research findings universally.