Scientific reasoning and hypothesis generation

Question 1

Scientific method

Answer 1

It is the sequence of steps pre-established by a discipline in order to achieve valid knowledge through reliable instruments.

Question 2

Steps in scientific method

Answer 2

Observation
Hypothesis
Experimentation
Data analysis
Conclusion

Question 3

Observation

Answer 3

The observation of a phenomenon generates doubts and leads us to ask a research question: Why does it happen? How does it happen? What factors affect it?

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

It is an idea which may explain the phenomenon that we don’t understand and that we have to check through experimentation.

Question 5

Importance of hypothesis

Answer 5

Hypotheses are powerful tools for the advancement of science, consistent with existing knowledge and conducive to further enquiry. A hypothesis is considered valuable even if proven false.

Question 6

How do we formulate a hypothesis

Answer 6

We need a preliminary review of the existing literature regarding the research topic. The rationale should show that the proposed research is the next logical step, addressing the limitations of previous works.

Question 7

Importance of the background knowledge

Answer 7

• Avoid unnecessary efforts to do something already done
• Prevents mistakes made in previous studies
• Advice on how the study should be conducted

Question 8

Construction of the observations leading to the formulation of hypothesis and objectives

Answer 8

Contextualization -> available evidence -> current best solution / approach -> gap of knowledge -> hypothesis

Question 9

Considerations to formulate a compelling hypothesis

Answer 9

• State the problem that you are trying to solve.

• Phrase a testable hypothesis that includes the specific group being studied.

• Identify the relevant variables; if applicable, define the variables since a hypothesis proposes and examines the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable.

• Phrase the predicted outcome of the work. In some cases, the hypothesis can be formulated as an “if-then-because” statement.

• In scientific research, hypotheses are commonly phrased in terms of correlations or effects, where the predicted relationship between variables can be directly stated.

Question 10

Tips for writing a good hypothesis

Answer 10

• Make a thorough bibliographic search.
• The question comes first.
• A hypothesis is a statement, not a question.
• Make it clear.
• Keep the variables in mind.
• Ensure your hypothesis is “testable”.
• Circumscribe your research field.

Question 11

Characteristics of strong hypotheses

Answer 11

• Are based on a well-founded rationale.
• Give clear insight in to the proposed research.
• Are developed directly from prior experience.
• Are simple and concise.
• Are measurable and testable.

Question 12

Experiment

Answer 12

To confirm the hypothesis, an experiment must be carried out. To do so, we have to choose very carefully our experimental design defining the type of experiment, settling very clearly the objectives of our study

Question 13

Characteristics of a well-worded objective

Answer 13

SMART

(specific, measurable, attainable, relevant/realistic, and time-bound)

Question 14

Types of objectives

Answer 14

General objectives
Specific objectives

Question 15

General objectives

Answer 15

Broad goals to be achieved stating the actions to be carried out to attain them. The general objective is met by accomplishing the specific objectives.

Question 16

Specific objectives

Answer 16

Narrower in focus and break into small logically connected parts. They are more in nº and systematically address the various aspects of the research topic. They specify what the researcher will do, where and for what purpose.

Question 17

The main and secondary objectives should be

Answer 17

Clear and concise

Question 18

Tips to consider when developing research objectives

Answer 18

1. They should be presented briefly, concisely and in a coherent way.
2. They should be presented in logical sequence.
3. They should be realistic.
4. They should be clearly phrased in operational terms.
5. They should use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated or measured.
6. They should be static once the study work begins.

Question 19

Obtaining data

Answer 19

• Methodical
• Avoiding bias
• Randomized
• Reproducible (follow laboratory protocols)

Question 20

Data analysis

Answer 20

• Statistical analysis
• Presentation of the results (tables and figures)
• Data discussion

Question 21

Conclusion

Answer 21

Through the analysis of the experimental evidence obtained, we will conclude answering the question posed.

Question 22

Characteristics scientific method

Answer 22

If it is not published it doesn’t exist”
Dynamic process -> our conclusion opens new questions.

Question 23

Limitations scientific method

Answer 23

• Dogmas do not exist
• It is fragmentary
• It is self-correcting. No explanation is the last

Question 24

Statistics

Answer 24

Methods and procedures for collecting, classifying, summarizing, finding regularities and analyzing DATA; and making inferences from them, in order to make PREDICTIONS

Question 25

Biostatistics

Answer 25

Statistical methods applied to problems raised in BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Question 26

Epidemiology

Answer 26

The science concerned with the study of factors determining and influencing the frequency and distribution of disease, injury, and other health-related events and their causes in a defined human population

The study of WHO has WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY

Question 27

Epidemiology allows to

Answer 27

Describe health phenomena
Raise study hypotheses
Design the most appropriate health studies
Critically appraise health results
Analyze the validity of medical procedures

Question 28

Public health (PH) actions include

Answer 28

Health protection (control of the environment and its biological, physical and chemical agents)

Disease prevention (individual / collective measures of 1º and 2º prevention).

Health restoration (treatment, rehabilitation, reinsertion)

Health promotion (education)

Question 29

Primary prevention

Answer 29

It seeks to avoid the appearance of diseases; for example, by vaccination

Question 30

Secondary prevention

Answer 30

Is aimed at detecting diseases as early as possible, when there are no symptoms yet, thus facilitating an intervention that delay or prevents the evolution of the disease.

Question 31

Steps in biomedical research (esquema)