Scientific Experiments Lecture

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture notes on scientific experiments, experimental design, and relevant statistics in the context of biology.

What are the elements most common to experiments?

Treatment, experimental group, control group, variables.

What is a treatment group in an experiment?

A group of individuals who are exposed to a particular treatment.

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To provide a comparison against the experimental group, as they are treated identically except they are not exposed to the treatment.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

Independent variables change in an experiment, while dependent variables are observed and measured.

What is a blind experimental design?

An experimental design where the subjects do not know which treatment they are receiving.

What is a double-blind experimental design?

An experimental design where neither the subjects nor the experimenters know which treatment is being given.

What is a confounding variable?

An underlying variable that influences the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Why is sample size important in statistics?

Sample size matters because it affects the reliability and validity of the results.

What does correlation imply?

Correlation does NOT imply causation.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion.

What is the dependent variable in the PCB study discussed?

Relative number of females and males at birth.

What flaw characterizes Brad's investigation regarding the supplement?

Lack of replication and lack of an appropriate endpoint/outcome to measure.