Skill 3

Question 1

What is the order or the scientific method?

Answer 1

1. Generate a testable question
2. Gather data and resources
3. Form a hypothesis
4. Collect new data
5. Analyze the data
6. Interpret the data and existing hypothesis
7. Publish
8. Verify results

Question 2

A variable that is manipulated or changed.

Answer 2

Independent Variable

Question 3

A variable that is measured or observed.

Answer 3

Dependent Variable

Question 4

Controls that ensure a change is the dependent variable when it is expected.

Answer 4

Positive Controls

Question 5

Controls that ensure that the dependent variable does not change when no change is expected.

Answer 5

Negative Controls

Question 6

An if-then relationship and often is the hypothesis being tested (ex. if a change in the independent variable always causes a change in the dependent variable, and the change in the dependent variable does not change in the independent variable, then a relationship is said to be this).

Answer 6

Casuality (Casual)

Question 7

The ability of an instrument to measure a true value.

Answer 7

Accuracy (Validity)

Question 8

The ability of an instrument to read consistently or within a narrow range.

Answer 8

Precision (Reliability)

Question 9

What are two fundamental concepts of experimental studies in human subject research?

Answer 9

1. Randomization

2. Blinding

Question 10

The method used to control for differences between subject groups in biomedical research.

Answer 10

Randomization

Question 11

Used to remove bias; subjects and investigators do not have information about which group a subject is in.

Answer 11

Blinding

Question 12

Variables that are not controlled or measured and may affect an experiement’s outcome because of the incorrect relationship; usually a data analysis error.

Answer 12

Confounding Variables

Question 13

Observational studies in medicine fall into what three categories?

Answer 13

1. Cohort Studies
2. Cross-Sectional Studies
3. Case-Control Studies

Question 14

What two types of studies are used in human research?

Answer 14

1. Experimental Approach

2. Observational Approach

Question 15

Subjects are followed and then assessed at various times to determine how many subjects in each group had a certain outcome.

Answer 15

Cohort Studies

Question 16

Typically involves categorizing patients into different groups at a single point in time to assess for prevalence.

Answer 16

Cross-Sectional Studies

Question 17

Where subjects with a certain outcome (absent or present) are assessed for previous risk factors.

Answer 17

Case-Control Studies

Question 18

What qualifies as Hill’s Criteria?

Answer 18

“Sandy Couldn’t Care for PETS in DC”

S: Strength
C: Consistency
C: Consideration of Alternate Explanations
P: Plausibility
E: Experiment
T: Temporality
S: Specificity
D: Dose-Response Relationship
C: Coherance

Question 19

Exposure (independent variable) must occur before the outcome (dependent variable).

Answer 19

Temporality

Question 20

Greater changes in the independent variable will cause a similar change in the dependent variable if the relationship is casual.

Answer 20

Strength

Question 21

As the independent variable increases, there is a proportional increase in the response (dependent variable).

Answer 21

Dose-Response Relationship

Question 22

The relationship is found in multiple settings.

Answer 22

Consistency

Question 23

The presence of a reasonable mechanism for the relationship between the variables is supported by existing literature.

Answer 23

Plausibility

Question 24

If all other plausible explanations have been eliminated, the remaining explanation is more likely.

Answer 24

Consideration of Alternate Explanations

Question 25

An experiment can confirm casuality.

Answer 25

Experiment

Question 26

Change in the outcome (dependent) variable is produced only by an associated change in the independent variable.

Answer 26

Specificity

Question 27

New data and hypotheses are consistent with the current state of scientific knowledge.

Answer 27

Coherence

Question 28

What are three types of bias that result in the data collection phase of an experiment?

Answer 28

1. Selection Bias 2. Detection Bias 3. Observation Bias

Question 29

Occurs when subjects used for a study are not representative of the target population.

Answer 29

Selection Bias

Question 30

Results from educated professionals applying knowledge in an inconsistent manner.

Answer 30

Detection Bias

Question 31

Occurs when the behavior of study participants is altered when the participants are aware that they are being studied; occurs prior to data analysis.

Answer 31

Observation Bias (AKA Hawthorne Effect)

Question 32

The three necessary pillars of research include?

Answer 32

1. Respect for Persons 2. Justice 3. Beneficence