Scientific Method and Data Analysis Flashcards

Flashcards about the scientific method and data analysis. These flashcards are in question and answer format to help review lecture notes and prepare for an upcoming exam.

What is the purpose of the scientific method?

To develop and test hypotheses, separating science from other disciplines.

In the pooping position experiment, what are some potential independent variables?

Specific position, efficiency, and comfort level.

In the pooping position experiment, what are some potential dependent variables?

Efficiency and comfort level.

What is a null hypothesis in the context of the pooping position experiment?

Pooping position has no effect on efficiency and comfort of bowel movement.

What comes after formulating a hypothesis, according to the lecture notes?

Prediction

What are the basic steps of a scientific study?

Observations, Question, Hypothesis, Predictions, Hypothesis Testing

What were the key findings of Dr. Sikirov's study on pooping positions?

Squatting reduces both the time needed for sensation of satisfactory bowel emptying and the degree of subjectively assessed straining compared with sitting.

What are some characteristics of a good scientific study?

Healthy sample size, repeated samples, consistency across data collection, no confounding variables.

How many participants were there in Dr. Sikirov's study?

28 volunteers

How many times were the samples repeated per person in the study?

6 times per person

What did the volunteers use to measure the time spent?

Digital timer

What is a confounding variable?

A hidden variable that influences both the independent and dependent variables.

What type of graph is suitable when the independent variable is categorical and the dependent variable is numerical?

Graph A

In Dr. Sikirov's experiment, what was the independent variable?

Pooping Position

In Dr. Sikirov's experiment, what was the dependent variable?

Time pooping

According to the lecture notes, what do all scientific studies begin with?

Observations of natural phenomenon.

What is the definition of a controlled experiment?

When an investigator manipulates independent variable and conditions of experiment

What is the definition of Controlled Experiment?

Investigator manipulates independent variable and conditions of experiment

What is the definition of a comparative study?

Investigator studies naturally occurring variation in the independent variable.

What are Models defined as?

Abstract, simplified representations of real systems used to predict responses using a set of assumptions