BIOL 3327 Experimental Methods Lecture 3 Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the BIOL 3327 Experimental Methods lecture focused on statistical methods, data analysis, and ethical considerations in research.

Who is RA Fisher and what are some of his contributions?

RA Fisher was a statistician and geneticist known for his work in statistics in the early 20th century.

What does the phrase 'there is no view from nowhere' imply in scientific research?

It suggests that scientific research is influenced by the scientist's perspective and biases.

What is the ultimate goal of the BIOL 3327 course?

To make students comfortable with the idea of designing experiments, including developing statistical literacy.

What is the difference between a parameter and an estimate?

A parameter refers to a value describing an entire population, while an estimate describes a value from a sample.

What does summary statistics help us do?

They summarize a larger set of data, such as calculating the average height from a dataset.

What is the mean in the context of statistical analysis?

The mean is the average calculated by adding all observations and dividing by the number of observations.

Why do we have to quantify variability in a dataset?

To understand how often we are close to the mean and to assess the distribution of the data.

What does the range of a dataset tell us?

The range shows the difference between the highest and lowest values in a dataset.

What is variance and why is it important in statistics?

Variance measures the spread of data points around the mean and is crucial for understanding variability.

What is the significance of degrees of freedom in variance calculations?

Degrees of freedom is n-1 because it accounts for the number of independent values that can vary.

What is a sum of squares?

A sum of squares is the total of the squared deviations from the mean, forming the basis of variance.

Why do we describe a population using both mean and standard deviation?

Using both statistics provides a fuller picture of the data by informing us about central tendency and variability.

What basic formula specifies how to calculate the variance?

Variance is calculated as the mean of the total squared variations divided by degrees of freedom.

How is standard deviation related to variance?

Standard deviation is the square root of variance, representing the average distance from the mean.

What does the notation 'x̄' represent in statistics?

The notation 'x̄' represents the sample mean.

What does a normal distribution visualized as a bell curve represent in terms of standard deviations?

In a normal distribution, approximately 68.3% of data falls within one standard deviation, 95.5% within two, and 99.7% within three.

Why are deviations squared in the calculation of variance?

Deviations are squared to ensure all values are positive, thus preserving the mathematical properties needed for variance.

What is the estimated mean for Drosophila simulans given the data provided?

The mean for Drosophila simulans is estimated at 205.

What should be considered when planning an experiment?

Research design, statistical methods, ethical considerations, and practical implications.