EBPS 2: Truth, Bias and Chance in Research Flashcards
Sampling
Choosing particular individuals from a population
Census
where we study every individual in a population
Experimental study
You intentionally manipulate an exposure by doing an “intervention” (usually with one or more control groups), and then see what happens
Randomized & non-randomized controlled trial
Observational study
You just observe without any intervention
- Cross-sectional
- Cohort
- Case-control
Target population
The population for whom the research question is relevant
Accessible population
The population the researchers have access to and plan to study
Study sample
the actual study subjects who were included in the study and whose data were analyzed and included in the study estimates
Target phenomenon
The thing you want to learn about
Intended variables
The things you think you can realistically measure in a research study
Actual measurements
The measurements that are actually made (with error) for a study
Inference
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Estimate
Numerical best guess informed by data
Point estimate
The single best guess estimate
95% Confidence interval
The interval within which the TRUE parameter will be found 95% of the time (this helps us understand the precision of an estimate)
Internal validity
How well do the study estimates represent what was intended in the study plan?
