Research & Evidence-Based Practice Flashcards

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

Answer: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

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.

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

Answer: Provide a comparison baseline to evaluate the effect of the intervention

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.

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:

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

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.

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) in research protects:

Answer: The rights and welfare of human research participants

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.

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

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

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.

When a radiographer applies a new evidence-based positioning technique, the process of integrating research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values is called:

Answer: Evidence-based practice (EBP)

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make clinical decisions. It is the framework for applying research findings in real-world radiography.