General Experiments and Research Flashcards
FINER method
Feasible Interesting Novel Ethical Relevant
Positive control
Ensure a change in the dependent variable when it is expected
Negative controls
Ensure no change in the dependent variable when no change is expected
Dependent variable
a variable whose value depends on that of another. This is the variable we measure and observe
Independent variable
a variable whose variation does not depend on that of another. We manipulate this variable
Observational study
Cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies
Cohort study
Study in which subjects are sorted into groups based on differences in risk factors and then assessed at various intervals to determine how many subjects in each group had a certain outcome
Cross-sectional study
Attempts to categorize patients into different groups at a single point in time
Case control study
Starts by identifying the number of subjects with or without a particular outcome and then looks backwards to assess how many subjects in each group had exposure to a particular risk factor
Bias
A result of flaws in the data collection phase of an experimental or observational study
Confounding
An error during analysis
Selection bias
The subjects used for the study are not representative of the target population
Detection bias
Results from educated professionals using their knowledge in an inconsistent way
Observation bias (Hawthorne effect)
Behavior of study participants is altered simply because they recognize that they are being studied.
Confounding
Data analysis error.
