Research Flashcards
According to evidence-based medicine (EBM) experts, which of the following types of research provides the highest level of evidence?
A.Meta-analysis
B.Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
C.Cohort study
D.Expert opinion
Answer: A. Meta-analysis
Meta-analyses and systematic reviews offer the highest level of evidence. The ranking of types of research is as follows: (1) meta-analysis, (2) RCT, (3) cohort study, and (4) expert opinion.
Which of the following definitions describes the term specificity?
A.Ability of a screening test to correctly identify a person with a disease
B.Probability that a person with a negative test result does not have the disease
C.Degree of certainty in a sampling method
D.Ability of a screening test to correctly identify a person without a disease
Answer: D. Ability of a screening test to correctly identify a person without a disease
Specificity measures the ability of a screening test to correctly identify a person without a disease. It is often confused with sensitivity, which measures the ability of a screening test to correctly identify a person with a disease. Negative predictive value is the probability that a person with a negative test result does not have the disease, and confidence interval measures the degree of certainty in a sampling method.
According to evidence-based medicine (EBM) experts, which of the following types of research has the lowest ranking?
A.Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
B.Experimental study
C.Cohort study
D.Editorial
Answer: D. Editorial
Editorials and professional society opinions are considered the lowest level of evidence because they are subjective and not based on research. The ranking of types of research is as follows: (1) RCT, (2) experimental study, (3) cohort study, and (4) editorial.
