Unit 1 Flashcards
(42 cards)
Q: What is research?
A: Systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. It involves obtaining information we don’t have or want a better understanding of and uncovering the truth.
Q: What is clinical research?
A: A comprehensive study of the safety and effectiveness of advances in patient care. It focuses on clinical conditions, improving practice methods through knowledge translation—making research useful and accessible to the population.
Q: What is statistics?
A: A mathematical tool used to answer questions objectively, providing definitive answers based on numbers. It is applied in research to analyze data.
Q: What are the three components of the Research Trinity?
Design – Ensures research integrity (quality), establishes validity (internal & external), and provides a plan.
Measurement – Gathers new information, defines constructs, determines reliability, and collects data.
Analysis – Establishes conclusion validity and evaluates research and statistical hypotheses.
Q: What is a Likert scale?
A: A scale from 1 to 5 (or similar range) used to assess attitudes or beliefs, quantifying opinions numerically for reliable information.
Q: What is a sample size (n) in research?
A: The total amount of data collected in a study.
Q: What is the mean in data analysis?
A: The average of a data set.
Q: What is the median in data analysis?
A: The most common result in a data set. If it differs significantly from the mean, it indicates data spread.
Q: What is standard deviation?
A: A measure of how much scores vary in a data set.
Q: What are error bars on a graph?
A: Indicators of standard deviation, showing variability in data.
Q: What are the sources of knowledge?
Tradition, authority, trial and error, deductive and inductive reasoning, scientific research
Tradition
Tradition – Knowledge passed down over time.
Authority
Authority – Specialists in a given field.
Trial and Error
Trial and Error – Experimenting with new methods.
Deductive & Inductive Reasoning
Deductive & Inductive Reasoning – Using logic to form conclusions.
Scientific Research
Scientific Research – Systematic, controlled investigation.
Q: What is the Law of Small Numbers?
A: The mistaken belief that outcomes in small samples represent overall trends, leading to overvaluation of personal experiences.
Q: What is an outlier in data analysis?
A: A data point significantly different from the majority of a data set.
Q: What is tradition as a source of knowledge?
A: Information passed down over time, providing an advanced starting point but not always based on evidence.
Q: What is authority as a source of knowledge?
A: Relying on experts for information, which is beneficial if they are well-informed but can be limited by outdated knowledge or accessibility.
Q: What is trial and error?
A: Altering practice by trying new methods, evaluating outcomes, and modifying or eliminating ineffective approaches. It lacks systematic consistency.
Q: What is deductive reasoning?
A: Using general observations to form specific conclusions. Example: “Older people have dementia, so my grandpa has dementia.”
Q: What is inductive reasoning?
A: Using specific observations to form general conclusions. Example: “My grandpa has dementia, so all older people have dementia.”
Q: What is the scientific method?
A: A systematic, controlled process incorporating inductive and deductive reasoning to obtain quality information through direct observation and controlled experiments.
