NEUR 356 Final > Lesson 6: Research Methods in Neuroscience > Flashcards

Lesson 6: Research Methods in Neuroscience Flashcards

(62 cards)

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1
Q

Definition of the Scientific Method:

A

A structured approach to acquiring knowledge through empirical, testable, and replicable methods. Described as a circle or spiral of inquiry.

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2
Q

10 Key Characteristics

A
  1. Empiricle Evidence
  2. Systematic and Controlled
  3. Testability and Falsifiability
  4. Objectivity
  5. Predictibility and Reproductibility

6.Quantifiability

7.Self-Correction

8.Logical Reasoning

9.Peer Review

  1. Parsimony (Occam’s Razor)
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3
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking: Empirical Evidence

A

Based on observable and measurable data

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4
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking: Systematic & Controlled:

A

Uses structured methods and isolates variables.

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5
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking: Testability & Falsifiability

A

Hypotheses must be refutable (Karl Popper)

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6
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking: Objectivity

A

Reduces personal bias via standardization and peer review

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7
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking: Predictability & Reproducibility

A

Experiments must yield repeatable results

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8
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking: 6. Quantifiability

A

– Uses numerical data, operational definitions, and statistics

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9
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking:
8. Logical Reasoning

A

(1) Deductive reasoning (theory → prediction)

(2) Inductive Reasoning (data → theory)

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10
Q

Deductive Reasoning is bottom-up or top-down?

A

Top down
General premises to specific conclusions

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11
Q

Inductive reasoning is bottom up or top down?

A

Bottom up
From specific to general

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12
Q

Deductive

A

theory → prediction

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13
Q

inductive

A

data → theory

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14
Q

The Scientific Method: Core Features: peer review:

A

Promotes transparency and accountability

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15
Q

Key Characteristics of Scientific Thinking:10. Parsimony (Occam’s Razor)

A

Prefer simpler, well-supported explanations.

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16
Q

320 BC Aristotle

A

Categorized knowledge, laying early foundations

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17
Q

1015: Alhazen

A

Used experimental logic in optics

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18
Q

1590–1620: Francis Bacon

A

Emphasized induction and experimentation

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19
Q

1637: René Descartes

A

Proposed a formal method based on reason

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20
Q

1660-1675:Royal Society is founded

A

Established experimental evidence as the arbiter of truth, creation of scholarly journals with peer-reviewed process

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21
Q

1665: Boyle

A

Emphasized repeatability (replicability)

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22
Q

1687:Newton

A

Introduced hypotheses and prediction

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23
Q

1710:David Hume

A

Articulated the problem of induction

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24
Q

1753: James Lind:

A

Conducted first controlled experiment (scurvy)

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25
How did Karl Popper emphasize falsifiability
Popper’s focus on falsifiability made testing and potential refutation central to the scientific method, strengthening science as a critical, self-correcting process.
26
1926:Ronald Fisher
Introduced randomized design
27
1934:Karl Popper
Emphasized falsifiability
28
1950:Double-blind experiments
Controlled bias in trials
29
1962:Thomas Kuhn
Described paradigm shifts in science
30
4 subtypes of observational studies
a. Cross-Sectional Studies b. Cohort Studies c. Case-Control Studies d. Case Series & Case Reports
31
Observational Studies
No manipulation; variables observed as they occur naturally
32
Cross-Sectional Studies ( a type of observational study; describe 2 point):
* Single time-point snapshot * Used to assess prevalence or associations
33
cross sectional studies advantage/disadvantage:
*Advantage: Fast, inexpensive *Limitation: Cannot infer causality
34
Describe cohort studies (a type of observational):
Longitudinal: follows a group over time * Prospective or retrospective * Can assess incidence and relative risk
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cohort studies assess
incidence and relative risk
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prospective vs retrospective cohort studies
prospective: Follows a group of people over time starting now or in the future to observe outcomes. retrospective:Looks backward at existing data from a group to assess exposures and outcomes that have already occurred.
37
Framingham Heart Study is an example of:
cohort studies (a type of observational study)
38
Case-Control Studies: start with:
outcome → look backward for exposure
39
What type of study is efficient for rare diseases?
Case-Control Studies
40
Case-Control Studies: limitation:
: Recall bias, cannot infer causality
41
What type of study uses odds ratio:
Case-Control Studies.
42
Case Series & Case Reports (a type of observational study): case report vs case series:
* Case report: Single unique case * Case series: Several related cases
43
Case Series & Case Reports: limitation:
No control group, low generalizability
44
Experimental Studies:
Actively manipulate variables to test hypotheses and infer causality
45
3 subtypes of experimental studies:
a. uncontrolled trials b.randomized controlled trials c. non-randomized controlled trials
46
Experimental Studies: Uncontrolled Trials
* No control group * Used in early exploratory research
47
Experimental Studies: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
*Participants randomly assigned to groups *Gold standard for causality
48
Gold standard for causality
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
49
Non-Randomized Controlled Trials
*Has control group, but no randomization *Higher risk of selection bias
50
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analysess
Combine data from multiple studies
51
Pilot & Feasibility Studies
Test study design on small scale
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* Qualitative Studies
Explore themes, perspectives, experiences
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Internal Validity
Ability to infer causality by ruling out confounds
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External Validity
Generalizability to other contexts
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Ecological Validity
Realism of study conditions compared to real life
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Construct Validity
Measures the intended theoretical construct
57
Trade-off:
Increasing internal validity may reduce ecological or external validity
58
__ ensure causal inference
* Systematic control, repeatability, and transparency
59
Strength of the Scientific Approach: * Balance between __ is critical
* Balance between different types of validity is critical
60
Historical development of scientific method reflects
an evolving process shaped by logic, rigor, and methodology
61
Used to assess prevalence or associations
Cross-Sectional Studies
62
Can assess incidence and relative risk
Cohort Studies

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