Bioethics Lesson 6 Elements of Research

Structures of Research  Types of Research  Systematic Observation  Controlled experiment  Field study  Models  Simulations

Systematic Observation  Descriptive  No Independent Variable at beginning of investigation  Purpose to identify possible IV/DV relationships for further testing

Controlled experiment  Question  Hypothesis ( Independent Variable/Dependent Variable)  Isolation of Independent Variable (IV)  Control other variables (CV)  Measurement of Dependent Variable (DV)  Reliability ( Can this experiment be reproduced?)  Validity ( Did the IV cause the change in the DV)  Control Group

Field Study  Similar to Controlled experiment  In real world – more variables can interfere  May change the IV, or look for differences in IV already present in the environment

Models  Use of models when the real thing is “not possible”  Expense  Ethical concerns  To many variables to control  Time  Magnitude (Global)  Problems with models  Different from reality ( not as complex)  Changes may not reflect reality

Simulations  Combination  Models  Controlled experiment

Analysis of an experiment  Read “Low glucose relates to greater aggression in married couples”  Identify in the text:  Investigative Question  Independent Variable  Dependent Variable  Controlled Variables  Method for measuring Dependent Variable  The authors’ conclusive statement  Evidence the authors used to justify their conclusion

Evaluate the model  Describe the model used to determine aggressive impulses  How is this model different from reality?  Why might data collected from this model not accurately reflect the authors’ conclusion?  Describe the model used to measure aggression  How is this model different from reality?  Why might data collected from this model not accurately reflect the authors’ conclusion?

Skill Check  Develop a plan to investigate the following question (Class participation)  Would starting school at 9 am increase student test scores?  Include :  Hypothesis ( Independent Variable/Dependent Variable)  Isolation of Independent Variable (IV)  Control other variables (CV)  Measurement of Dependent Variable (DV)  Reliability ( Can this experiment be reproduced?)  Validity ( Did the IV cause the change in the DV)