Experimentation Flashcards
What is validity?
Variables are controlled so that any measured effect is likely to be due to the independent variable.
What is reliablity?
Consistent values in repeats and independent replicates.
What is accuracy?
Data, or means of data sets, are close to the true value.
What is precision?
Measured values are close to each other.
Why is a pilot study used?
Integral to the development of an investigation, a pilot study is used to help plan procedures, assess validity and check techniques.
What do pilot study allow for?
This allows evaluation and modification of experimental design.
What can the use of a pilot study ensure?
The use of a pilot study can ensure an appropriate range of values for the independent variable.
What can a pilot study allow the investigator to establish?
It allows the investigator to establish the number of repeat measurements required to give a representative value for each independent datum point.
What is an independent variable?
An independent variable is the variable that is changed in a scientific experiment.
What is a dependent variable?
A dependent variable is the variable being measured in a scientific experiment.
Are independent and dependent variables continuous or discrete?
Independent and dependent variables can be continuous or discrete.
What variable is manipulated by the investigator?
Experiments involve the manipulation of the independent variable by the investigator.
What is the experimental treatment group compared to?
The experimental treatment group is compared to the control group.
What is a simple experiment?
When theres one independent variable.
Advantage of a simple experiment?
The control of laboratory conditions allows simple experiments to be conducted more easily than in a field.
Disadvantage of a simple experiment?
Findings found in laboratory conditions may not be applicable to a wider setting.
What is a multifactorial experiment?
When theres more than one independent variable.
What does a multifactorial experiment involve?
A multifactorial experiment involves a combination of more than one independent variable or combinations of treatments.
What is a disadvantage of using groups that already exist?
Investigators may use groups that already exist, so theres no truly independent variable.
What are observational studies good and bad at?
Observational studies are good at detecting correlation, but since they do not directly test a hypothesis, they are less useful for determining causation.
Why is the independent variable not directly controlled by the investigator in observational studies?
In observational studies the independent variable is not directly controlled by the investigator for ethical or logistical reasons.
What are confounding variables?
When other variables besides the independent variable may affect the dependent variable.