Intro to Neuroscience (Research Methods)

Question 1

What is a hypothesis and what do it need? (5)

Answer 1

prediction that can be proven or disproven

explain what you expect
clear and concise
testable
measurable
contain independent and dependent variable

Question 2

What are the four steps of the scientific method?

Answer 2

Observation
Replication
Interpretation
Verification

Question 3

What can observing include?

Answer 3

watching world around us
introspection
clinical/experimental cases

Question 4

Why is replication needed?

Answer 4

observations must be able to be replicated to assure results didn’t occur by chance

Question 5

What is used to make an interpretation and is it set in stone?

Answer 5

knowledge known at the time used

not set in stone

Question 6

Is verification the same as replication? What does being verified mean?

Answer 6

not the same

once verified, it becomes scientific fact

Question 7

What does observational mean?

Answer 7

no choices or conditions assigned
look for associations between variables
can be retrospective (what has already happened) or prospective

Question 8

What does experimental mean?

Answer 8

intervene/change a variable
randomized allocation in experimental groups
assign control groups

Question 9

How does a CT work?

Answer 9

x-rays to create 3D images of soft tissue and hard tissue, reflects density, overall structure

Question 10

How does an MRI work?

Answer 10

magnetic/radio waves to detect movement of hydrogen ions (fats and water), high resolution, contrasting agents can be used

Question 11

How does a fMRI work?

Answer 11

measure blood flow and oxygen within brain, change in oxygen levels indicate blood flow

Question 12

How does a PET scan work?

Answer 12

patient administered low activity, short-lasting radioactive label to compounds

Question 13

How does an EEG work?

Answer 13

measures electrical activity of brain using a cap of electrodes fitted to head

Question 14

What does in vitro mean?

Answer 14

outside living organism

Question 15

What does in vivo mean?

Answer 15

inside a living organism

Question 16

In rats, what are tests for motor coordination?

Answer 16

rotarod

Question 17

In rats, what are tests for sensory function?

Answer 17

bilateral asymmetry test, visual cliff assay, startle response

Question 18

In rats, what are tests for nociception?

Answer 18

von frey assay

Question 19

In rats, what are tests for spatial learning and memory?

Answer 19

morris water maze, barnes maze, radial arm maze

Question 20

In rats, what are tests for non-spatial learning and memory?

Answer 20

novel object recognition

Question 21

In rats, what are tests for anxiety?

Answer 21

open field test, elevate plus maze

Question 22

In rats, what are tests for depression?

Answer 22

forced swim test

Question 23

What are three antibody techniques and how do they work?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What are four types of genetic manipulation?

Answer 24

gene delivery
gene silencing (siRNA)
gene knockout (transgenic organisms)
]gene expression (PCR)