Lecture 4 - Quantitative Scientific Method

Question 1

What are the 2 types of data when conducting research?

Answer 1

Qualitative

Quantitative

Question 2

What is Quantitative data?

Answer 2

Numerical data

Stated hypothesis

Question 3

What is Qualitative data?

Answer 3

Narrative, in-depth data

Hypothesis-generating

Question 4

What is causation?

Answer 4

When one thing causes another thing to happen

Question 5

What is correlation?

Answer 5

When 2 or more things appear to be related

Question 6

Does correlations = causation?

Answer 6

No, a correlation doesn’t always mean that one thing causes another

Question 7

How strong is individual opinions and anecdotes?

Answer 7

A single persons experience or opinion does not provide an objective picture

Question 8

How strong is observational research?

Answer 8

Scientists use these studies to identify correlations and develop hypotheses for further testing

Question 9

How strong are RCT (randomised controlled trials)?

Answer 9

Studies can prove causation but keep in mind not to generalize too readily

Question 10

How strong are systematic reviews and meta-alaysis?

Answer 10

It is the strongest

Question 11

What are observational/epidemiological studies?

Answer 11

Examine groups of people for exposures

-possibility of hidden bias (could produce a false result)

Question 12

What are Randomized trials?

Answer 12

Group of people further divided into a group that is getting treated/testing something to a control group
-Randomized control trials

Question 13

What are other things you have to consider when conducting research?

Answer 13

Controls (randomizations)
Sample size
Placebos (blinding)
Double blinding 
Feeding vs. adding to a petri dish
Difference between species