Research Methodology: Bias and Validity

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Questions and Answers

What does bias refer to in the context of a study?

An error due to random sampling.
A systematic error that influences study results. (correct)
Errors related only to the outcome measurement.
Random fluctuations in data interpretation.

What is confounding bias primarily associated with?

Only random errors in a study.
Estimates derived solely from the outcome measurement.
Influences that are completely independent of the exposure.
Confounding factors that affect both the exposure and outcome. (correct)

Which condition must be met for a variable to be classified as a confounder?

It cannot be the outcome of the exposure. (correct)
It must solely explain the outcome without any relation to the exposure.
It has to be a direct cause of the exposure.
It must be a proxy for the exposure being studied.

Which of these options correctly describes the outcome of bias in a study?

It can either underestimate or overestimate true associations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about confounders is NOT true?

A confounder does not necessarily relate to the occurrence of the outcome. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main expectation regarding concurrent validity?

Both measures should be highly correlated when obtained at the same time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of validity involves expecting a measurement instrument to accurately forecast a criterion measure obtained later?

Predictive validity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is expected if a measure has convergent validity?

Correlation with measures of the same construct will be high. (B) Signup and view all the answers

With which type of validity do we expect low correlation with measures of a distinctly different construct?

Divergent validity (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following constructs is an example where gold-standard measurement may not exist?

Anxiety (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the FDA review process after phase 3 of clinical trials?

To evaluate the treatment's safety and effectiveness (C) Signup and view all the answers

In factorial design, what is the primary focus of the trial?

To analyze multiple intervention components simultaneously (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of crossover design in clinical trials?

Each participant experiences all treatments over time (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of blinding/masking in a randomized controlled trial (RCT)?

To reduce bias and ensure the integrity of the trial results. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a washout period in a crossover design?

To assess the prior treatment's lasting effects on participants (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the difference between statistical significance and clinical significance?

Statistical significance indicates if results are due to chance, while clinical significance addresses whether the effect is meaningful for patients. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a cluster randomized trial, what is randomized instead of the individuals?

The study sites where the treatment is applied (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Hill's criteria, which of the following is NOT one of the criteria used to assess causality?

Cost-effectiveness (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the EQUATOR network?

To promote clear reporting guidelines for health research to improve its reliability. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does a risk ratio of 1.2 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.1 to 1.3 imply?

There is a 20% increased risk, and the confidence interval indicates strong statistical significance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is specifically designed for randomized controlled trials?

CONSORT guidelines (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects is NOT typically considered when assessing clinical significance?

Statistical p-value (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes causal inference in research?

Causality must always be inferred from a set of subjective evidence and criteria. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What precedes the research question in a study?

Problem statement (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of question focuses on predicting future outcomes?

Prognosis questions (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a null hypothesis?

There is no difference between the groups being studied (D) Signup and view all the answers

What must research hypotheses indicate?

A predicted relationship between independent and dependent variables (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of hypothesis predicts the direction of a relationship?

Directional hypothesis (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what way can hypotheses be classified?

As simple or complex (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the problem statement in research?

To articulate the research problem and its significance (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a non-directional hypothesis differ from a directional one?

It predicts the existence of a relationship without indicating its direction (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of allocation concealment in a study?

To ensure research staff do not know upcoming assignments (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes blinding in a randomized controlled trial?

Concealing the intervention arm from participants and staff (C) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes randomization from random sampling in research?

Randomization assigns participants to groups while random sampling selects individuals for possible inclusion in a study. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of control might be used in an RCT?

Standard care, placebo, or alternative interventions (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding intervention conditions in research?

They must adhere to a theoretical rationale and be replicable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does a double-blind study ensure?

Neither participants nor researchers know the treatment assignments. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What could be an ethical consideration when designing a control condition?

Ensuring all participants receive a standard of care (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario might blinding be more challenging to implement?

In studies where side effects are easily observable (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bias in research studies

Systematic errors in research design, conduct, or analysis, leading to incorrect estimates of an exposure's effect on an outcome.

Confounding Bias

Bias in the estimated effect of an exposure (IV) on an outcome (DV) due to an association with other factors that influence the outcome.

Confounding Variable

A variable associated with both the exposure and the outcome, but not a part of the direct exposure-outcome pathway.

Conditions for Confounding

A variable must be associated with the exposure, predictive of the outcome, and not an intermediate.