Unit A - Studying People Scientifically (Vocab)

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

A possible explanation for observations, facts, or events, that may be tested, verified, or answered by further investigation.

Question 2

Scientific method

Answer 2

A set of processes used when conducting investigations. These generally involve making conclusions, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions, especially when testing scientific hypothesis.

1. State the problem or question.
2. Propose an explanation, also known as the hypothesis.
3. Collect evidence. (Conduct an experiment)
4. Analyze data.
5. Draw conclusions, and, if necessary, revise and repeat the experiment.

Question 3

Ethics

Answer 3

A system of principles that can guide decisions in practice in terms of whether something is morally right or just.

Question 4

Evidence

Answer 4

Something that is helpful in forming a conclusion and is supported by data.

Question 5

Inference

Answer 5

A conclusion, or the process of developing a conclusion based on evidence.

Question 6

Observation

Answer 6

Any description or measurement gathered by the senses or instruments.

Question 7

Trade-off

Answer 7

Potential outcome of any type of decision or action that involves some form of compromise, especially when each of the possible choices involves both advantages and disadvantages. When one option is chosen over another option during a decision-making process, any desired outcome that must be given up is called a trade-off.

Question 8

Simulate

Answer 8

To create a likeness, or model of a situation, system, or the like.

Question 9

Simulation

Answer 9

Is an experience that is meant to mimic, or to be like, another experience.

Question 10

Stimulate; simulation

Answer 10

To temporarily increase the activity of an organism or body part by exciting a nerve or organ.

Question 11

Clinical trial

Answer 11

The scientific investigation of a new treatment that has shown some benefit in animal or laboratory studies, but that has not yet been proven effective in humans.

Question 12

Control

Answer 12

A standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of an experiment. In the parallel experiment a single variable is changed. The results are compared to the control in order to see if the variable had any effect.

Question 13

Placebo effect

Answer 13

Even though, in a clinical trial, a placebo should not directly produce any medical benefits, sometimes patients will report feeling better after taking it. This is referred to as the placebo effect.

Question 14

Sample size

Answer 14

The number of observation in a sample.

Question 15

Informed consent

Answer 15

Permission that is given by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved.

Question 16

Reproducible

Answer 16

Capable of being recreated and repeated.

Question 17

Sensitivity

Answer 17

The degree of response of an organism or body part to stimulation.

Question 18

Variable

Answer 18

The only factor in a scientific experiment that is different from the control group.

Question 19

Interneuron

Answer 19

Neurons in the brain and spinal cord of vertebrates that process signals arriving from sensory neurons and relay signals to motor neurons.

Question 20

Motor neuron

Answer 20

Nerve cells connected to a muscle or gland that receives signals from Interneurons and transfer signals to effector cells to produce a response in the muscle or gland.

Question 21

Nerves

Answer 21

Bundles of fibers containing neurons that carry signals to and from the central nervous systems.

Question 22

Nervous system

Answer 22

The body organ system in animals that coordinates and controls the actions of internal organs and body systems by receiving and processing sensory information from the external environment, and coordinating short-term reactions to these stimuli.

Question 23

Neuron

Answer 23

A nerve cell that transmits messages.

Question 24

Sensory neuron

Answer 24

Neurons that carry signals from receptors and transmit information about the environment to processing centers in the brain and spinal cord.

Question 25

Touch receptors

Answer 25

Areas of the skin that contain collections of nerve endings that respond to the pressure of touch by sending nerve impulses to other parts of the nervous system.

Question 26

Qualitative

Answer 26

Information that is concerned qualities, not numbers or quantities. (hence QUALITative)

Question 27

Quantitative

Answer 27

Information that is based on numerical measurements. (hence QUANTITative)

Question 28

Range

Answer 28

The limits between which variation is possible.

Question 29

Placebo

Answer 29

An inactive substance given to a patient in order to compare its effects with those of a potential drug. In the clinical trial the placebo is acting as a control.