Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) Practice Exam

According to clinical research standards, what is a desirable practice regarding primary variables?

1. Using one primary variable only

2. Using multiple primary variables

3. Avoiding any primary variables

4. Using secondary variables only

The correct answer is: Using multiple primary variables

In clinical research, using multiple primary variables is often considered a desirable practice as it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of an intervention. This approach can provide richer data and results that capture various dimensions of the study's objectives, enhancing the robustness of the findings. When multiple primary variables are utilized, they can help to identify different facets of a research question that a single variable might miss. For instance, in a clinical trial assessing a new drug, primary variables may include effectiveness, safety, and patient-reported outcomes. By examining these multiple aspects concurrently, researchers can draw more nuanced conclusions and ensure that the results are not limited to just one perspective. On the other hand, using only one primary variable might overlook critical information and not provide a full picture of the intervention's impacts. Exclusive focus on secondary variables or completely avoiding primary variables would undermine the study's design and its interpretation, leading to incomplete or misleading conclusions. Thus, incorporating multiple primary variables aligns with established clinical research standards that prioritize comprehensive and reliable data collection.