Research Methods Flashcards
The systematic process by which scientists ask questions, develop
testable hypotheses, gather data, conduct experiments, and then analyze, interpret, publish,
and verify the results of those investigations.
Scientific Method
A testable hypothesis is one for which an experiment can be used to verify
a clear yes or no answer.
Testable Hypothesis:
Good science must be something other investigators can replicate and thereby verify.
Verification:
The process by which research submitted for publication is first reviewed and
critiqued by one’s colleagues prior to publication.
Peer Review
Laboratory research conducted in a highly controlled
environment; NOT on human subjects. This type of research allows investigators to
have the strictest level of control over all possible variables
Experimental or “Basic Science” Research:
Research conducted outside the laboratory, often on human subjects.
Human Subjects Research:
There are two kinds of Human Subjects Research:
experimental and observational
Experimental =
Research involves a specific intervention controlled by the investigator.
Subjects are separated into control and treatment groups. (e.g., to test the efficacy of a new
drug, patients with allergies are separated into groups randomly and given either the drug
or placebo).
Experimental =
Investigator observes data without direct control over the variables, or
implementation of interventions. (e.g., an investigator reviews case studies from COPD
[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] patients and examines demographic information
and lifestyle choices in an attempt to identify risk factors associated with COPD).
Observational=
do good to the patients, patients are most imp here
Beneficence
Doctors and researchers have an obligation to not harm their patients or
study participants.
Nonmaleficence
Autonomy
patients have a right to know exactly whats going on and make the decision whether or not they want to participate
Physicians and researchers have
an obligation to inform patients or study participants and allow them to make decisions
about their own health and treatment.
Justice
Equal treatment of all people = equality
cohort study
looking at health outcomes over a period of time.
cross sectional study
Takes data from a single point in time
case control study
Comparing people who have the disease vs who doesn’t
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE =
The variable MANIPULATED or directly changed by the
investigator. Also called the “predictor variable.” It can be thought of as the “cause” and
always goes on the x-axis.
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
The Variable MEASURED as a response to changes in the
independent variable. Also called the “outcome variable.” It can be thought of as the “effect”
and always goes on the y-axis.
Control Group
A group or trial in which all conditions and environmental factors are
IDENTICAL to the treatment group, EXCEPT for the treatment.
Negative control group
they are given a treatment and it is expected that no results should come from it. Nothing should happen
Positive control group
they are given treatment and something is suppose to happen .
Selection Bias:
Selection of participants are specific and not random.
Specific real area bias:
When you study a specific area that does not include the population as a whole
Ex: A study of U.S.eating habits conducted at the gym that leaves out all those who do not attend the gym is an example of ( citation - wiki)
Self selection bias:
the people participating in the study has the ability to chose whether or not they want to even participate. They could choose not to.
Pre- Screening or Advertising Bias:
Occurs when the screening or advertising process itself results in an unrepresentative sample
Exclusion Bias:
This bias excludes an entire group from the population
Healthy User Bias :
The people included in the study are healthier than the the other participants
Berkson’s Fallacy:
Involves a selection of applicants from the hospitals that are less healthy than the general population.
less healthy
Overmatching :
Negative outcome resulting from what is normally a good practice
Observer bias:
This is when you know the goals of the study and let that influence how the study will go
Demand Characteristics:
Participants form and interpretation of the experiment’s purpose and unconsciously change their behavior to fit that interpretation
Information Bias:
When the data that is recorded in wrong or inaccurate.
Confounding Variables:
A confounding variable is an “extra” variable that you didn’t account for. They can ruin an experiment and give you useless results.
Placebo Effect:
a beneficial effect, produced by a placebo drug or treatment, that cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient’s belief in that treatment.
Detection Bias:
Systematic differences between groups caused by inconsistency in the method of detection or diagnosis
Performance Bias :
Each group receives a difference in treatment.
Experimenter Bias :
Errors introduced into a study due to the expectations of the investigator.
Confirmation Bias
when someone favors info that confirms what they themselves believe.
Reporting Bias:
resulting from some findings being reported and other findings not being reported.
