The Science Behind Better Healthcare Flashcards
What is evidence-based practice (EBP)?
A healthcare approach that ensures decisions are grounded in the best available scientific evidence.
Define the scientific method.
A systematic process for solving problems and answering questions, including steps like observation, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, and conclusion.
Logical fallacies weaken arguments in health claims.
True
Anecdotal evidence is reliable for making healthcare decisions.
False
The process of ______ ensures a study is evaluated by experts before publication.
Peer review
The claim ‘Green tea drinkers are healthier, so green tea cures diseases’ is an example of ______.
Correlation vs. causation fallacy
Which of the following is a reliable source for health information? (a) Blogs, (b) Testimonials, (c) Peer-reviewed journals, (d) Social media
Peer-reviewed journals
What type of bias occurs when only positive study results are published? (a) Confirmation bias, (b) Publication bias, (c) Selection bias, (d) Framing bias
Publication bias
Why is reproducibility important in scientific research?
It ensures findings can be consistently repeated, strengthening the reliability of results.
How can funding bias affect research outcomes?
Funding sources may influence results to favor their interests, compromising the study’s objectivity.
A hospital observes a rise in hand infections. What steps of the scientific method would you use to address this issue?
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.
You find a claim stating, ‘Eating carrots prevents cancer.’ What steps should you take to evaluate this claim?
Check the source, look for peer-reviewed evidence, evaluate the study design, and investigate potential biases.
Classify the following as logical fallacies or biases: ‘Essential oils cure anxiety,’ ‘Only young, healthy participants were studied.’
Logical fallacy, Bias
Place the steps of the scientific method in the correct order: Analysis, Experiment, Conclusion, Observation, Hypothesis.
Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion
What is the difference between randomized controlled trials and anecdotal evidence?
Randomized controlled trials are systematic and scientifically rigorous, while anecdotal evidence is based on personal stories and lacks reliability.
A study claims, ‘New vaccine reduces hospitalizations by 50%,’ but doesn’t mention side effects. What is the flaw?
Framing bias, as it ignores potential negatives.
Label the following as ‘Reliable’ or ‘Unreliable’ sources: JAMA, a celebrity blog, WHO, a supplement company’s website.
JAMA (Reliable), Celebrity blog (Unreliable), WHO (Reliable), Supplement company’s website (Unreliable)
What organization is responsible for public health guidance in the US, and is considered a credible source?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Why should nursing students learn to evaluate health claims critically?
To make informed decisions, avoid misinformation, and provide evidence-based care.
A ______ argument simplifies opposing views and misrepresents them to make them easier to refute.
Strawman
What does ‘correlation does not equal causation’ mean?
Just because two variables are related doesn’t mean one causes the other.
A ______ bias occurs when researchers only select studies that support their belief.
Confirmation
What tool can you use to find peer-reviewed health studies?
PubMed
Why is cherry-picking data harmful in scientific research?
It presents a biased view and ignores conflicting evidence.
Discuss why viral health claims might not be accurate.
Popularity doesn’t guarantee scientific validity; always check for credible sources.
How does EBP benefit patients in healthcare?
Ensures care is grounded in the best scientific evidence, improving outcomes.
How can exaggerated language in health claims mislead consumers?
It creates unrealistic expectations and may lead to ineffective or harmful choices.
