Intro to Neuroscience (Research Methods) Flashcards
What is a hypothesis and what do it need? (5)
prediction that can be proven or disproven
explain what you expect clear and concise testable measurable contain independent and dependent variable
What are the four steps of the scientific method?
Observation
Replication
Interpretation
Verification
What can observing include?
watching world around us
introspection
clinical/experimental cases
Why is replication needed?
observations must be able to be replicated to assure results didn’t occur by chance
What is used to make an interpretation and is it set in stone?
knowledge known at the time used
not set in stone
Is verification the same as replication? What does being verified mean?
not the same
once verified, it becomes scientific fact
What does observational mean?
no choices or conditions assigned
look for associations between variables
can be retrospective (what has already happened) or prospective
What does experimental mean?
intervene/change a variable
randomized allocation in experimental groups
assign control groups
How does a CT work?
x-rays to create 3D images of soft tissue and hard tissue, reflects density, overall structure
How does an MRI work?
magnetic/radio waves to detect movement of hydrogen ions (fats and water), high resolution, contrasting agents can be used
How does a fMRI work?
measure blood flow and oxygen within brain, change in oxygen levels indicate blood flow
How does a PET scan work?
patient administered low activity, short-lasting radioactive label to compounds
How does an EEG work?
measures electrical activity of brain using a cap of electrodes fitted to head
What does in vitro mean?
outside living organism
What does in vivo mean?
inside a living organism
In rats, what are tests for motor coordination?
rotarod
In rats, what are tests for sensory function?
bilateral asymmetry test, visual cliff assay, startle response
In rats, what are tests for nociception?
von frey assay
In rats, what are tests for spatial learning and memory?
morris water maze, barnes maze, radial arm maze
In rats, what are tests for non-spatial learning and memory?
novel object recognition
In rats, what are tests for anxiety?
open field test, elevate plus maze
In rats, what are tests for depression?
forced swim test
What are three antibody techniques and how do they work?
Immunohistochemistry: antibody binds to a protein to show spatial expression in tissue or cells
Western blot: antibody binds to protein that has been run on a gel to mark presence of protein in sample
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): antibody binds to protein to mark presence and quantity of protein in sample
What are four types of genetic manipulation?
gene delivery gene silencing (siRNA) gene knockout (transgenic organisms) ]gene expression (PCR)
