Ch 7 Scientific Method

what is the scientific method?

A systematic process for conducting research that avoids anecdotal conclusions.

What is a hypothesis?

An unproven statement that tentatively explains the relationship between variables.

What is a theory

A tentative explanation that integrates diverse findings to deepen understanding of a topic

Steps to scientific method?

Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Results → Theory → New Questions.

What is an independent variable ?

The variable that the researcher controls (e.g., amount of chocolate)

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that is measured or observed (e.g., pimple development

Purpose of a control group?

To compare against the experimental group; receives a placebo

What is randomization?

An unbiased method of assigning participants to groups to ensure valid results.

What does “n = 240” mean in research?

The sample size is 240 participants.

What is a blind experiment?

Participants don’t know which group they’re in.

What is a double-blind experiment?

Neither participants nor researchers know who receives the treatment

What are epidemiological studies?

Studies that examine disease patterns in populations

Name three types of epidemiological studies.

Cross-sectional - various populations 

case-control - compare people who do/dont have disease

cohort - data collected from a cohort over time 

What are experimental studies?

Studies that test cause and effect between variables.

What are examples of experimental studies?

Animal studies, in vitro, and human clinical trials.

What is a strength of epidemiological studies?

They help narrow down possible causes

raise new questions.

What is a weakness of epidemiological studies?

They cannot prove cause and effect.

Cannot control variables

What is a strength of experimental studies?

They can control conditions and determine effects of variables.

ReWhat is a weakness of experimental studies?

Results may not apply to all humans or be ethically feasible.

Replication

Repeating studies to confirm or disprove findings.

What is a meta-analysis?

A quantitative summary of all evidence on a topic.