1.5: Glossary

Key Term and Definitions

• Analysis - Interpreting data collected during a study. Researchers examine data to find patterns, relationships, and trends that can help them draw meaningful conclusions.
• Bias - A failure to maintain accuracy and objectivity in research methods. Common sources of bias include sampling errors, measurement inaccuracies, and researcher subjectivity.
• Control/control group - A standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of an experiment. Test subjects randomly assigned to not receive the experimental treatment.
• Control center - compares values to their normal range; deviations cause the activation of an effector
• Controlled experiment - An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group and an experimental group.
• Controlled variables – all those things that are kept the same.
• Conclusion – statement that sums up what you learn from an experiment. Determination of whether the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected.
• Data (singular: datum): Facts, numbers, or values obtained in an experiment
• Dependent variable – The variable that responds to the independent variable. The dependent variable is the one being measured in the experiment.
• Effector - organ that can cause a change in a value.
• Error - a measure of the difference between a measured or calculated value and a true value.
• Ethics - Principles that guide research conduct, emphasizing integrity, respect for participants, and minimizing harm.
• Experiment - the science activity that tests the hypothesis.
• Experimental Group - Test subjects randomly assigned to receive the experimental treatment.
• Hypothesis – educated guess or prediction of what you think the outcome will be. A prediction of whether the independent variable will have an effect on the dependent variable or a prediction of the nature of the effect.
• Independent variable – The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher. Changing the independent variable from one value to another (e.g., different drug doses, different amounts of time).
• Negative feedback - homeostatic mechanism that tends to stabilize an upset in the body’s physiological condition by preventing an excessive response to a stimulus, typically as the stimulus is removed.
• Normal range - range of values around the set point that do not cause a reaction by the control center.
• Observe - to gather information using the 6 senses (common sense, sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch).
• Positive feedback - mechanism that intensifies a change in the body’s physiological condition in response to a stimulus.
• Procedure – a list of steps telling what to do for the experiment.
• Problem – a question stating what the scientist is trying to find out.
• Quantitative observation (QN) - to gather information that uses numbers or measurement (23 centimeters, 60 to 100 beats per minute) (N for ‘number’)
• Qualitative observation (QL) - to gather information that does NOT use numbers or measurement (recording, interpreting, and analyzing of non-numeric data with an attempt to uncover the deeper meanings of human experiences and behaviors.)
• Range - the difference between the largest data value, and the smallest data value.
• Sensor - (also, receptor) reports a monitored physiological value to the control center.
• Set point - ideal value for a physiological parameter; the level or small range within which a physiological parameter such as blood pressure is stable and optimally healthful, that is, within its parameters of homeostasis.
• Trial - each test performed in an experiment.
• X-axis - horizontal axis (independent variable).
• Y-axis- - vertical axis (dependent variable).