Reliability
Refers to the consistency of the information obtained in a study.
(Ex: thermometer-test the same person's temperature every few
minutes).
Validity
Refers to the soundness (accuracy) of the study's evidence. (Ex:
did the survey really measure what it was supposed to measure
(anxiety, or did it actually measure depression))?
Population
The entire aggregation of cases in which a researcher is
interested. (Ex: all golden retrievers in the U.S.).
Sample
A subset of the population. (Ex: all golden retrievers in the
U.P.).
Be able to identify the elements of a PICO question.
P (population/problem), I (intervention), C (Comparison), O
(Outcome). (Ex: In teenage laboring patients (P) does epidural
anesthesia (I) reduce labor complications (O), versus other
anesthesia methods (C)?)
What is SPSS and what is it used for?
, Statistical package for the social sciences. It is a software
program used by researchers in various disciplines for
quantitative analysis of complex data.
What is informed consent?
Participants have adequate information regarding the nature of
the research, they can comprehend the information, and have the
power of free choice. The researchers should also include the
potential risks versus benefits that might occur in response to the
study.
What does IRB stand for and what is it used for?
Institutional review board. It is a formal committee that reviews
research plans. Must contain a minimum of 5 members (one
outside of the facility).
What are IRB conditions?
Minimal risks and maximized benefits to subjects (beneficence),
equal selection of participants (justice), appropriate
documentation of informed consent, appropriate monitoring of
data (anonymity/confidentiality).
What is a power analysis?
Formula/equation to figure out how big of a group difference
you would need for significance. The bigger the sample, the
more power you have!
What is a research design?
The strategy that researchers use to answer their research
questions and hypotheses.