Problem 2 Key Terms
Problem 2: Exploring Human Physiology – Key Terms
Term
Definition
Alternative Hypothesis
What the experimenter thinks may be true or wishes to be true before he or she begins an experiment. Also called the research hypothesis.
Causal Relationship
A relationship in which one factor can be said to be the cause of another. This relationship can be tested with controlled experiments.
Correlation
The degree of relationship between two variables.
Cross Sectional Study
A research study that involves a single observation (such as an interview or questionnaire), which may be useful to determine how variables affect each other at the same time and period.
Experimental Study
A type of study in which all variable measurements and manipulations are under research control. The goal of an experiment is to control the environment in such a way that manipulation of the independent variable yields a direct, corresponding change in the dependent variable.
Null Hypothesis
The starting point in scientific research where the experimenter assumes there is no effect of the treatment or no relationship between the two variables.
Observational Study
A type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured. No attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given). p Value
The probability of results of the experiment being attributed to chance.
Paired t-test
A test designed to determine the statistical difference between two groups’ means where the participants in each group are either the same or matched pairs.
Prospective Cohort Study
A research study that follows over time groups of individuals who are alike in many ways but differ by a certain characteristic (for example, female nurses who smoke and those who do not smoke) and compares them for a particular outcome (such as lung cancer).
Retrospective Cohort Study
A research study in which the medical records of groups of individuals who are alike in many ways but differ by a certain
Term
Definition
Alternative Hypothesis
What the experimenter thinks may be true or wishes to be true before he or she begins an experiment. Also called the research hypothesis.
Causal Relationship
A relationship in which one factor can be said to be the cause of another. This relationship can be tested with controlled experiments.
Correlation
The degree of relationship between two variables.
Cross Sectional Study
A research study that involves a single observation (such as an interview or questionnaire), which may be useful to determine how variables affect each other at the same time and period.
Experimental Study
A type of study in which all variable measurements and manipulations are under research control. The goal of an experiment is to control the environment in such a way that manipulation of the independent variable yields a direct, corresponding change in the dependent variable.
Null Hypothesis
The starting point in scientific research where the experimenter assumes there is no effect of the treatment or no relationship between the two variables.
Observational Study
A type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured. No attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given). p Value
The probability of results of the experiment being attributed to chance.
Paired t-test
A test designed to determine the statistical difference between two groups’ means where the participants in each group are either the same or matched pairs.
Prospective Cohort Study
A research study that follows over time groups of individuals who are alike in many ways but differ by a certain characteristic (for example, female nurses who smoke and those who do not smoke) and compares them for a particular outcome (such as lung cancer).
Retrospective Cohort Study
A research study in which the medical records of groups of individuals who are alike in many ways but differ by a certain