PRC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

In a randomized controlled trial examining a PRI intervention, the 'allocation concealment' process is intended to prevent which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias during participant assignment

Answer

Allocation concealment prevents researchers from knowing upcoming assignments, eliminating the ability to selectively enroll participants into favorable groups.

Question 2

A PRC clinician wants to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) for a breathing pattern assessment tool. Which statistic is most directly used to calculate MDC?

Accepted Answer

Standard error of measurement (SEM)

Answer

MDC is calculated using the SEM (MDC = SEM × 1.96 × √2), making SEM the foundational statistic for this determination.

Question 3

A systematic review of PRI outcomes uses the GRADE framework. Which factor would most likely DOWNGRADE the quality of evidence from 'high' to 'moderate'?

Accepted Answer

Significant unexplained heterogeneity (I² > 75%)

Answer

High statistical heterogeneity (I² > 75%) indicates substantial variability in study results that cannot be explained, which GRADE uses as grounds to downgrade evidence quality.

Question 4

When a PRI study reports a number needed to treat (NNT) of 4 for resolving asymmetrical respiratory patterns, this means:

Accepted Answer

4 patients must be treated for 1 additional patient to benefit beyond control

Answer

NNT represents how many patients must receive treatment for one additional patient to achieve the target outcome compared to the control condition.

Question 5

A researcher uses purposive sampling to select PRI-certified clinicians for a qualitative study on clinical decision-making. This sampling strategy is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Deliberate selection of participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the study

Answer

Purposive sampling involves intentional selection of participants who possess characteristics most informative to the research question, common in qualitative designs.

(PRC) Postural Restoration Certified Practice Test

(PRC) Postural Restoration Certified Practice Test

PRC Research Methods & Evidence-Based Practice 2