11.1 The Scientific Method

Question 1

scientific method steps (8)

Answer 1

generate a testable question (relatively narrow, not too broad)

gather data and resources

form a hypothesis (often in if-then form)

collect new data

analyze the data

interpret the data and existing hypothesis

publish (includes peer review)

verify results

Question 2

the FINER method for evaluating a research question

Answer 2

determines whether the answer to one’s question will add to the body of scientific knowledge in a practical way and within a reasonable time period

Question 3

5 questions of the FINER method

Answer 3

feasible?

interesting?

novel?

ethical?

relevant?

Question 4

positive vs negative controls

Answer 4

positive controls: a control group in an experiment that uses a treatment that is known to produce results

negative controls: a control group in an experiment that uses a treatment that isn’t expected to produce results (ex. placebos)

Question 5

causality

Question 6

independent vs dependent variables

Answer 6

independent variable: the experimenter manipulates this variable

dependent variable: the variable being observed; “depends” on the independent variable (possibly)

Question 7

accuracy / validity

Answer 7

the ability of an instrument to measure a true value

ex. an accurate scale should measure a 150 lb person as 150 lb

Question 8

precision / reliability

Answer 8

the ability of an instrument to read consistently, within a narrow range

ex. a 150 lb person may stand on a scale and get readings from 130 to 170 lbs

Question 9

experimental approach: randomization

Answer 9

the process by which participants in clinical trials are assigned by chance to separate groups that are given different treatments or other interventions

Question 10

experimental approach: blinding

Answer 10

a practice where study subjects and/or investigators are prevented from knowing certain information that may somehow influence them and affect the results

Question 11

single blind vs double blind experiments

Answer 11

single-blind: only the patient or the assessor is blinded

double-blind: the investigator, subject, AND assessor do not know the subjects group

Question 12

binary, continuous, and categorical variable

Question 13

3 types of observational studies:

Answer 13

cohort studies

cross-sectional studies

case-control studies

Question 14

cohort studies

Question 15

cross-sectional studies

Question 16

case-control studies