Radiography Exam Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

Which level of evidence is considered highest in the evidence-based practice hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

Answer

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represent the highest level of evidence because they synthesize the best available research, reducing bias and increasing statistical power.

Question 2

In a radiography research study, a control group is used to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a comparison baseline to evaluate the effect of the intervention

Answer

A control group does not receive the experimental intervention (or receives a placebo/standard treatment), providing a baseline for comparison. This allows researchers to determine whether changes in the experimental group are due to the intervention.

Question 3

A radiographer reads a study claiming a new low-dose protocol reduces patient dose by 30% with no loss in diagnostic quality. Before adopting the protocol, the radiographer should evaluate:

Accepted Answer

The study's methodology, sample size, peer review status, and applicability to their patient population

Answer

Critical appraisal requires evaluating methodology (study design, sample size, controls), publication status (peer-reviewed), and external validity (applicability to one's own patients) — not just the conclusion or the source's prestige.

Question 4

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research protects:

Accepted Answer

The rights and welfare of human research participants

Answer

IRBs review and monitor research involving human subjects to ensure their rights (autonomy, informed consent) and welfare (minimized risk, justified benefit-to-risk ratio) are protected, in compliance with federal regulations.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'p-value' in research statistics?

Accepted Answer

The probability of obtaining the observed results (or more extreme) if the null hypothesis is true

Answer

The p-value is the probability of observing results at least as extreme as those found, assuming the null hypothesis is true. A p-value <0.05 is conventionally used to reject the null hypothesis and conclude statistical significance.

Radiography Exam Practice Test

Radiography Exam Practice Test

Radiography Exam Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2