OCPS Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

A payroll manager wants to determine whether switching to a new payroll software reduces processing errors. Which research design is most appropriate for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

Pre-post quasi-experimental study

Answer

A pre-post quasi-experimental design compares error rates before and after the software change, providing evidence of impact.

Question 2

In payroll research, what does 'construct validity' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Whether the measurement tool actually measures what it claims to measure

Answer

Construct validity ensures that the instrument (e.g., an error-rate metric) truly captures the concept it is intended to measure.

Question 3

A payroll analyst reviews five studies on overtime calculation accuracy and combines their findings into one overall conclusion. This process is called:

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Meta-analysis statistically combines results from multiple studies to produce a stronger overall conclusion.

Question 4

Which sampling method would be most appropriate when a payroll department wants every employee record to have an equal chance of being selected for an audit?

Accepted Answer

Simple random sampling

Answer

Simple random sampling gives every record an equal probability of selection, minimizing selection bias.

Question 5

When implementing evidence-based payroll practices, the 'best available evidence' hierarchy places which source at the highest level?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review or meta-analysis

Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesize multiple high-quality studies and sit at the top of the evidence hierarchy.

(OCPS) Online Certified Payroll Systems Certified Professional Practice Test

(OCPS) Online Certified Payroll Systems Certified Professional Practice Test

OCPS Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2