Chapter 3: Research Problems (Questions) Flashcards
Focuses on answering important questions or deciphering the laws of nature.
Basic Research
Employs the answers to basic questions for futher research to practical problems such as questions involving clinical practice.
Applied Research
Any observations that can take different values.
Variables
How should experiments be designed with regard to variables?
Design experiments so that changes to one variable can cause the other variable to vary in a predictable way.
Known as the effect of unknown etiologies. May be changed by manipulating the IV.
Dependent (Outcome) Variable
These variables can be manipulated or changed, and they explain the dependent variables.
Independent Variable
A specific value on a variable (EX: Agreement rating on a scale from 1-5).
Attribute
Any factor that is not directly related to the purpose of the study but may affect the dependent variable.
Extraneous variables
What do extraneous variables have a confounding influence on when they are not controlled?
The independent variable
Methods to control for extraneous variables (4).
- Random assignment of subjects
- Use of a control group
- A well-defined research protocol
- Blinding
Why do researchers use blinding?
To avoid possibly consciously or unconsciously influencing the performance of a subject or the recording of data by a researcher.
Neither the subjects or the investigators are aware of the identity of the treatment groups until after the data are collected.
Double-Blind Studies
Only the participant doesn’t know what the purpose of the study is
Single-Blind Studies
What does PICO stand for?
P - Patient/Population
I - Intervention/Treatment/Exposure
C - Comparison
O - Outcome
Why are hypotheses formulated?
For the purpose of testing theories
States that there is “no statistically significant difference,” or “no statistically significant relationship” between groups or variables.
Null Hypothesis
May simply ask a question. EX: Is there a difference or is there a relationship between groups or variables?
Working (Experimental) Hypothesis
What do researchers attempt to do with the null hypothesis?
- To reject the null hypothesis leading to acceptance of the experimental hypothesis.
What is the most important aspect of a hypothesis? What component should it include?
The hypothesis should include a prediction of an outcome (must be testable).
Variables not expressed as decimals or fractions. For example, the number of subjects, the number of times treatment is administered.
Discrete quantitative variables
Expressed in any numerical value including fractions.
Continuous variables
What is the standard, and most accepted, model of “Control Groups versus Experimental Groups” in research design?
- Control groups may receive the “standard” tx
2. Experimental groups may receive the “new” tx
Describe the type of model of “Control Groups versus Experimental Groups” in research design that can be considered unethical.
- Control groups receive NO tx
2. Experimental groups receive NEW tx
Each subject has equal chance of being assigned to any group.
Random Assignment
