Kaplan class Flashcards
Independent Variable
Manipulated by experimenter. It is the If part of if-then statement
Dependent Variable
Y axis. It is monitored for change by the experimenter
The Scientific Method
Generate a testable question. Gather data and resources. Form a hypothesis. Collect new data. Analyze the data. Interpret the data and existing hypothesis. Publish. Verify Results.
Is glutamate an excitatory or inhibitory neurotransmitter ?
It is excitatory
Mean
Equals the sum of the values in a set divided by the number of values
Whenever you have an equally spaced set (jumping by 1x at every data point)
The average is the middle number and the median is the middle number
Standard deviation
Larger standard deviation means values are more spread out
Standard deviation
Larger standard deviation means values are more spread out. Standard deviation
Type I Error
We reject the null when we should not have
Type II Error
We did not reject when we should have rejected.
Random Error
This is statistical fluctuations in measured data due to the precision limitations of the measurement device. Can be in either direction, skews both ways and affects variance. Can be overcome by increasing the number of data points- for example getting a different result when performing the same task over several trials
Systematic Error
Data Skewed in one direction, a consistent inaccuracy in measured data, it defects the mean and shifts it in only 1 direction
Equipoise (Beneficence)
Start with the assumption that both groups are getting the same exact treatment- placebo vs actual drug. If it becomes totally clear that one treatment is better, we cannot going on pretending both treatments are the same.
Morally Relevant Differences (MRDs)
Not allowed to consider race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or financial status. You are allowed to consider age, population size and religion.
Beneficence/ Nonmaleficence
Actions taken by experimenters must be taken with positive, helpful and achievable goals. In most studies, no harm can be inflicted on participants. In rare cases, minimal harm may be inflicted if the potiantial good far outweighs the harm, and if participants are duly informed and give consent. A study cannot be conducted if the experimenters know one treatment is better than another (or the control) this principle is called equipose.
