Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Practice Exam

Which is the best method for evaluating a training program designed to change behavior?

1. Control group

2. Post-training survey

3. Focus group feedback

4. Pre-test and post-test assessment

The correct answer is: Control group

The most effective method for evaluating a training program aimed at behavior change is the use of a control group. This approach allows for a comparison between participants who have undergone the training and those who have not, providing insight into the program’s actual impact. By implementing a control group, the effects of external factors can be minimized, ensuring that any observed changes in behavior can be attributed more confidently to the training. This method contributes to a more rigorous evaluation, as it provides stronger evidence of causation due to the controlled experimental conditions. In contrast, post-training surveys gather immediate feedback from participants about their perceptions of the training, but they often lack objectivity regarding behavior changes and can be influenced by participants’ satisfaction rather than actual behavioral shifts. Focus group feedback can provide valuable qualitative insights but is often subjective and may not reflect broader behavioral changes effectively. Pre-test and post-test assessments can indicate changes in knowledge or attitudes but may not reliably capture real-world behavioral changes since participants might perform better on tests without altering their day-to-day actions. Thus, the control group method offers the most robust framework for evaluating the effectiveness of a training program in changing behavior.