Scientific Method Flashcards
1
Q
Observation
A
- The act of viewing the world around us
- Allow us to ask focused questions about nature
- The most important component of the scientific method
2
Q
Hypothesis
A
- Tentative explanations of observed phenomenon based on research or knowledge
- A statement of cause and effect
- There can be more than one hypothesis
3
Q
Predictions
A
- Your prediction lets you get specific; how will you demonstrate that your hypothesis is true?
- Predictions can be tested experimentally
4
Q
Experimental Design
A
- The choice of experiment in a study
- How an experiment is conducted
- Must consider variables being assessed, type of data being recorded, and the level of replication
5
Q
Theory
A
- General explanations of natural phenomena supported by many experiments and observations
- Theories are only as good as the amount of evidence that support them
- Better evidence = better theory
6
Q
Scientific Rigor
A
- Applying the scientific method in such a way that you try to minimize your mistakes and maximize the accuracy of your study
- The more rigorous a study is, the more accurate the results are
7
Q
Variable
A
- The term referring to something you are taking data on
- They VARY
8
Q
Response Variable
A
- Dependent variable
- Variable in which you are interested in why it changes
- Goes on y-axis of a graph
9
Q
Explanatory Variable
A
- Independent variable
- Variable in which you are interested in why it changes
- Goes on y-axis of a graph
10
Q
Replication
A
- Each individual observation of the same variable or repeated experiment
- To try to account for variation
- The more replication you have, the more accurate your results will be
11
Q
Data
A
- Recorded observations on variables through either experimentation or direct observation
12
Q
Continuous Data
A
- Quantitative data
- Data in the form of numbers
- Potentially continuous from zero to infinity (includes decimals)
- Anything that can be measured
13
Q
Discrete Data
A
- Qualitative data
- Data which is descriptive or categorical
- Discrete numbers (no decimals)
14
Q
Small Sample Size
A
- Main factor in studies which lead to poor scientific rigor
- Small group that you assume will represent the larger population
- The larger the sample group, the more accurate of a representation it is
15
Q
Experiment Not Properly Addressing The Hypothesis
A
- Main factor in studies which lead to poor scientific rigor
- You need to make sure the experiment properly addresses the hypothesis
16
Q
Confounding factors
A
- When there are two or more plausible explanations for a single result, those two explanations are called confounding factors
- Can reduce the impact of confounding factors by selecting sample group to exclude some of the factors
17
Q
Bias
A
- Occurs when the researcher or subject wants to see the study produce a specific result
18
Q
Unintentional Bias
A
- When we don’t intend to have a bias in our experiment
19
Q
Measurement Bias
A
- Occurs when the way you are measuring your data introduces bias to your study by either overestimating or underestimating the true data
20
Q
Selection Bias
A
- Occurs when the sample you choose to study is not a random representation of the population, but contains an overrepresentation of a specific element
- To try and reduce selection bias, many studies have an element of randomization used in their sample selection, or in assigning their treatments
21
Q
Confirmation Bias
A
- We are more likely to accept or look for information which already agrees with our personal beliefs
- Mainly occurs when we are interpreting the data we have collected in our study
22
Q
Intentional Fraud
A
- When we intentionally include bias in our experiment and yield incorrect results accordingly
23
Q
Double-Blind Study
A
- An experiment where a subject is assigned a treatment or protocol to follow, but neither the researcher or the research subject know which subject has received what treatment
- Often include a placebo treatment
24
Q
Placebo
A
- A treatment which has no measured effect, and is designed to replace a real treatment
25
Placebo-Effect
- When the brain convinces the body that a treatment is effective (when no treatment has been received)
26
Observational Study
- Researchers observe and gather data on a process which is already underway, they do not directly manipulate or change anything
27
Experimental Study
- Researchers directly intervene in a process
28
Meta-Analysis
- Multiple studies which have been conducted by different researchers are compared
29
Case Report
- A detailed study involving a very small sample group, the least rigorous form of study
30
Cross-sectional Survey
- Recording the information from a random sample population at a single point in time
- Can examine many different factors at once
- Prone to selection bias and confounding factors
31
Case-controlled Survey
- Designed to determine if exposure is related to an outcome
- Two different groups are compared, one with cases and one without cases
- Many health outcomes cannot be tested experimentally, so observational case-controlled studies are the only way to study these
- Can identify if two different things occur at the same time, but cannot determine if those things are linked
- Prone to selection biases
32
Cohort Study
- A survey which tracks the same group of people over an extended period of time
- Can be forward-looking (prospective)
- Can be backward-looking (retrospective)
33
Quasi-Experiment
- A type of unplanned or uncontrolled experiment where real world conditions allow us to mimic an experiment
- No control over experimental conditions or whether the experiment occurs at all
34
Randomized controlled trial
- An experiment which is designed and implemented by the researcher, where the researcher controls all aspects of the study
- Can control for many confounding factors
- Can investigate a direct cause and effect relationship
- Not always ethical
35
Animal Model
- An experiment where we use an animal as a replacement for a human
36
Primary Research
- Research that consists of experimental work done directly by the authors of the study
37
Secondary Research
- Some hypotheses can only be addressed by comparing multiple studies (primary research) conducted by different research groups
- Also called meta-analysis or review
38
Peer Review
- Before a scientific manuscript of a study is published, it must pass close inspection by a panel of anonymous experts in the field
39
Predatory Publishing/Journals
- Some journals will publish any study without peer review as long as the author pays them
