Week One: Introduction to the Scientific Method

Question 1

Testable

Answer 1

Describes a hypothesis that can be supported or rejected by carefully designed experiments or observational studies

Question 2

Falsifiable

Answer 2

Describes a hypothesis that can be ruled out by data that show the hypothesis does not explain the observation.

Question 3

Placebo

Answer 3

A fake treatment given to control groups to mimic the experience of the experimental groups

Question 4

Independent Variable

Answer 4

The variable, or factor, being deliberately changed in the experimental group relative to the control group

Question 5

Dependent Variable

Answer 5

The measured result of an experiment, analyzed in both the experimental and control groups

Question 6

Statistical Significance

Answer 6

A measure of confidence that the results obtained are “real” and not due to chance

Question 7

Randomized Clinical Trial

Answer 7

A controlled medical experiment in which subjects are randomly chosen to receive either an experimental treatment or a standard treatment (or a placebo)

Question 8

Case-Control Study

Answer 8

A study that compares two groups of people: those with the disease or condition under study (cases) and a very similar group of people who do not have the disease or condition (controls).