Skip to main content
Indietro

Scientific Method and Research Designs in General Biology

I pulsanti di controllo sono stati cambiati in modalità "navigazione".
1/27

Termini in questo insieme (27)

  • Primary goal of science

    The primary goal of science is to help us understand reality.

  • Objective means of gathering information

    The objective (unbiased) means of gathering information is termed the scientific method.

  • Four basic steps of the scientific method

    1. Observe 2. Question 3. Explain 4. Test

  • Most reliable research design

    The most reliable research design to obtain objective and truthful information is the experimental design.

  • Purpose of experimental design

    To establish cause and effect by controlling variables except the one being studied.

  • Independent variable

    The variable that the scientist studies; it is the variable of cause.

  • Dependent variable

    The variable used to measure the effect of the independent variable; the variable of effect.

  • Extraneous variables

    Other factors that may impact results but are not controlled; ideally should be minimized or controlled.

  • Experimental and control groups

    Two groups compared: one exposed to the independent variable (experimental group) and one not exposed (control group).

  • Interpreting experimental results

    If results differ significantly and extraneous variables are controlled, differences can be attributed to the independent variable.

  • Example: Creatine supplementation study - independent variable

    Creatine supplementation is the independent variable.

  • Example: Creatine supplementation study - dependent variable

    1RM bench press test is the dependent variable measuring strength.

  • Example: Creatine supplementation study - extraneous variables

    Nutrition, motivation, fitness level, sleep, age, etc. are extraneous variables.

  • Correlational studies

    Studies that establish a level of association or correlation between two variables without controlling variables or proving cause and effect.

  • Correlation coefficient interpretation

    r = 1.0 is perfect correlation; r = 0.95 strong; r = 0.45 weak association.

  • Use of correlation studies

    Used as a screen to determine if a scientific experiment is warranted to test cause and effect.

  • Basic types of research

    Basic research aims for theoretical knowledge; applied research aims to solve practical problems.

  • Definition of a theory

    A theory explains why an effect occurs and predicts outcomes in untested situations.

  • Difference between theories and laws

    Theories are explanations tested and revised; laws are consistent results observed repeatedly.

  • Descriptive research

    Research that describes situations without explaining or predicting, often used to measure behaviors or patterns.

  • Survey research considerations

    Surveys require brevity, clarity, anonymity, voluntary participation, and clear purpose for effective data collection.

  • Developmental research designs

    Cross-sectional studies multiple ages simultaneously; longitudinal studies the same group over time.

  • Blind and double-blind studies

    Blind: subjects unaware of group; Double-blind: both subjects and researchers unaware, reducing bias.

  • Randomization in research

    Randomizing subjects helps prevent selection bias and ensures sample represents the population.

  • Peer review and meta-analysis

    Peer review involves expert evaluation before publication; meta-analysis statistically combines results from multiple studies.

  • Publication bias

    Journals tend to publish positive results more than negative, potentially suppressing contradictory findings.

  • Scientific misconduct example

    Dr. Wakefield's fraudulent study linking vaccines to autism caused public harm and was retracted; his license was revoked.