Scientific Method and Evidence-Based Medicine

These flashcards cover foundational concepts from the scientific method and its application in studies, particularly in the context of medical treatment and research.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to inquiry that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

Hypothesis

A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

Law of Nature

Predictable patterns in nature based on repeated observations and experiments.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that incorporates facts, laws, and tested hypotheses.

Random Clinical Trial (RCT)

A study design that randomly assigns participants into different groups to test the effectiveness of a treatment.

Empiricism

The theory that knowledge is primarily based on observed evidence and experiences.

Statistical Significance

A measure that indicates whether the results of a study are likely due to chance or if they reflect a true effect.

Abduction

The process of generating hypotheses or educated guesses based on observations.

Placebo Effect

A phenomenon where patients experience improvement in their condition simply because they believe they are receiving treatment.

Natural Experiment

An observational study where the researcher does not control the assignment to treatment, but observes the effects of a naturally occurring event.

Biological Plausibility

The likelihood that a treatment is effective based on known biological mechanisms.

Peer Review

The process of evaluating scientific work by experts in the field before publication.

Pseudoscience

Claims or beliefs that are presented as scientific but lack empirical support and cannot be reliably tested.

Correlation vs Causation

Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables, while causation establishes that one variable directly affects the other.

Occam's Razor

A problem-solving principle that suggests the simplest explanation is usually the best one.

Dose-Response Relationship

The relationship between the amount of a substance and the severity of its effect.

Environmental Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that can cause adverse effects.

Kinetic-Molecular Theory

A theory that explains the behavior of gases based on the motion and interactions of molecules.

Social Desirability Effect

The tendency of survey respondents to answer questions in a manner that they believe will be viewed favorably by others.

Standard Deviation

A statistic that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of data values.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process in which multiple premises, all believed true, are combined to obtain a specific conclusion.