The Science Behind Better Healthcare

Question 1

What is evidence-based practice (EBP)?

Answer 1

A healthcare approach that ensures decisions are grounded in the best available scientific evidence.

Question 2

Define the scientific method.

Answer 2

A systematic process for solving problems and answering questions, including steps like observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, and conclusion.

Question 3

Logical fallacies weaken arguments in health claims.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Anecdotal evidence is reliable for making healthcare decisions.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

The process of ______ ensures a study is evaluated by experts before publication.

Answer 5

Peer review

Question 6

The claim ‘Green tea drinkers are healthier, so green tea cures diseases’ is an example of ______.

Answer 6

Correlation vs. causation fallacy

Question 7

Which of the following is a reliable source for health information? (a) Blogs, (b) Testimonials, (c) Peer-reviewed journals, (d) Social media

Answer 7

Peer-reviewed journals

Question 8

What type of bias occurs when only positive study results are published? (a) Confirmation bias, (b) Publication bias, (c) Selection bias, (d) Framing bias

Answer 8

Publication bias

Question 9

Why is reproducibility important in scientific research?

Answer 9

It ensures findings can be consistently repeated, strengthening the reliability of results.

Question 10

How can funding bias affect research outcomes?

Answer 10

Funding sources may influence results to favor their interests, compromising the study’s objectivity.

Question 11

A hospital observes a rise in hand infections. What steps of the scientific method would you use to address this issue?

Answer 11

Observe the problem, hypothesize about potential solutions (e.g., a new sanitizer), conduct experiments to test the sanitizer, analyze the results, and conclude whether it reduces infections.

Question 12

You find a claim stating, ‘Eating carrots prevents cancer.’ What steps should you take to evaluate this claim?

Answer 12

Check the source, look for peer-reviewed evidence, evaluate the study design, and investigate potential biases.

Question 13

Classify the following as logical fallacies or biases: ‘Essential oils cure anxiety,’ ‘Only young, healthy participants were studied.’

Answer 13

Logical fallacy, Bias

Question 14

Place the steps of the scientific method in the correct order: Analysis, Experiment, Conclusion, Observation, Hypothesis.

Answer 14

Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion

Question 15

What is the difference between randomized controlled trials and anecdotal evidence?

Answer 15

Randomized controlled trials are systematic and scientifically rigorous, while anecdotal evidence is based on personal stories and lacks reliability.

Question 16

A study claims, ‘New vaccine reduces hospitalizations by 50%,’ but doesn’t mention side effects. What is the flaw?

Answer 16

Framing bias, as it ignores potential negatives.

Question 17

Label the following as ‘Reliable’ or ‘Unreliable’ sources: JAMA, a celebrity blog, WHO, a supplement company’s website.

Answer 17

JAMA (Reliable), Celebrity blog (Unreliable), WHO (Reliable), Supplement company’s website (Unreliable)

Question 18

What organization is responsible for public health guidance in the US, and is considered a credible source?

Answer 18

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Question 19

Why should nursing students learn to evaluate health claims critically?

Answer 19

To make informed decisions, avoid misinformation, and provide evidence-based care.

Question 20

A ______ argument simplifies opposing views and misrepresents them to make them easier to refute.

Answer 20

Strawman

Question 21

What does ‘correlation does not equal causation’ mean?

Answer 21

Just because two variables are related doesn’t mean one causes the other.

Question 22

A ______ bias occurs when researchers only select studies that support their belief.

Answer 22

Confirmation

Question 23

What tool can you use to find peer-reviewed health studies?

Answer 23

PubMed

Question 24

Why is cherry-picking data harmful in scientific research?

Answer 24

It presents a biased view and ignores conflicting evidence.

Question 25

Discuss why viral health claims might not be accurate.

Answer 25

Popularity doesn’t guarantee scientific validity; always check for credible sources.

Question 26

How does EBP benefit patients in healthcare?

Answer 26

Ensures care is grounded in the best scientific evidence, improving outcomes.

Question 27

How can exaggerated language in health claims mislead consumers?

Answer 27

It creates unrealistic expectations and may lead to ineffective or harmful choices.