exam 1 scientific process

What does "a priori" mean in the scientific process?

Ideas and predictions generated before conducting the study; the preferred, more rigorous approach for hypothesis testing.

What is "post hoc" analysis?

Evaluation of patterns in data after it has been collected, not planned beforehand; less reliable and potentially biased.

Compare and contrast a priori and post hoc analyses. Which is preferable and why?

A priori: Predictions made before data collection; more rigorous and reliable.

Post hoc: Analyses after data collection; risks "data dredging" or false positives.

Preferable: a priori, because it avoids bias and supports stronger hypotheses testing.

What is the first step in conducting a research project?

Identify the overarching topic or question.

What should you do after identifying the research question?

Think and read broadly about the topic and across disciplines.

Why is identifying information gaps important in research?

To know what needs to be studied and why, guiding research objectives.

What comes after identifying information gaps?

Create a priori research objectives to fill those gaps.

How do you develop and refine research objectives?

Move from broad to narrow through deduction, including theory, conceptual framework, hypotheses, and predictions.

What is step 6 in the scientific method?A: Study design and methods.

What is the 7th step in the scientific method?

Collect data.

What do you do after collecting data?

Analyze the data

What is the 9th step in conducting research?

Interpret results and draw conclusions, including broad implications.

What is the final step in the scientific method?

Determine next steps for future research.

Describe the "hourglass" approach to setting up research questions and objectives.

Start broad with the topic and theory, narrow down to specific hypotheses and methods, then broaden out to results, conclusions, and implications.

Why is the a priori approach considered the most rigorous?

Because it requires careful thought before data collection, reducing bias and increasing hypothesis validity.

What caution is necessary when conducting post hoc analyses?

Be transparent and cautious to avoid misleading conclusions due to data dredging.

Give an example of applying the 10 steps of the scientific method to a research topic.

Effects of fire on wildlife:

Question about fire impact on wildlife

Review literature on fire ecology

Identify gaps about fire frequency effects

Formulate hypotheses on wildlife population changes

Design study to monitor affected areas

Collect data on wildlife counts pre- and post-fire

Analyze population trends

Interpret results for ecological impact

Conclude implications for wildlife management

Suggest future research on fire intervals and species resilience.

10 Steps For Completing the Scientific Method

1. What is the overarching topic or question?

2. Think and read broadly about the topic and across disciplines

3. Identify important information gaps - what needs to be studied and why

4. Create a priori research objectives to fill information gaps

5. Develop and refine your research objectives (Broad to Narrow - deduction)• Theory, conceptual framework, a priori hypotheses and predictions

6. Study Design and Methods

7. Collect Data

8. Analyze Data

9. What are the results and conclusions of your research? Broad implications?

10. Next steps for future research