One-factor-at-a-time method
The One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) method is an experimental design approach used primarily in scientific research and engineering to study the effects of individual variables on a particular outcome or response. In this method, one factor (or variable) is varied systematically while keeping all other factors constant. This is done to observe how changes in that one variable influence the outcome, which helps in identifying relationships between factors and the response variable.
Open-label trial
An open-label trial is a type of clinical study in which both the researchers and participants are aware of the treatment being administered. Unlike blinded trials, where participants or researchers may not know which treatment is being given (to minimize bias), open-label trials provide full transparency. Open-label trials can be useful in various contexts, such as: 1. **Real-world settings:** They often reflect scenarios where patients receive treatment in standard practice rather than within the controlled environment of a double-blind trial.
Orthogonal array
An orthogonal array is a mathematical structure used in statistics and experimental design, particularly in the context of conducting experiments and analyzing data. It is a multidimensional array that provides a systematic way to arrange treatment combinations and their conditions, and it ensures that the levels of the factors being studied are balanced and replicated across different experimental runs.
Orthogonal array testing
Orthogonal array testing is a statistical method used in software testing to systematically evaluate the interactions of multiple variables or factors with minimal test cases. This technique is particularly useful in situations where there are numerous combinations of input variables, making exhaustive testing impractical. ### Key Concepts: 1. **Orthogonal Arrays**: An orthogonal array is a structured way of arranging combinations of factors (variables) such that every pair of levels of each factor appears an equal number of times across all combinations.
Paradigm (experimental)
"Paradigm (experimental)" typically refers to a specific experimental framework or model in the field of research and development that serves as a prototype or test case to explore new ideas, concepts, or methods. It is often used in various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, behavioral sciences, and more, where researchers investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, or evaluate new approaches within a structured setting.
Phases of clinical research
Clinical research is often organized into several phases, primarily when it comes to the development of new drugs or therapies. These phases are designed to ensure the safety and efficacy of a treatment before it becomes widely available. Here's an overview of the main phases of clinical research: ### Phase 0: Preclinical - **Objective**: Preliminary data on how a drug works in humans. - **Participants**: Very few (typically 10-15).
Placebo-controlled study
A placebo-controlled study is a type of clinical trial in which a group of participants receives a treatment or intervention being tested, while another group receives a placebo, which is an inactive substance designed to resemble the treatment. The purpose of using a placebo is to provide a comparison that helps researchers determine the effectiveness of the treatment. In this kind of study: 1. **Treatment Group**: Participants receive the actual treatment or drug being investigated.
Plackett–Burman design
The Plackett–Burman design is a type of experimental design used in statistics and industrial experimentation for screening purposes. It is particularly useful for identifying the most influential factors among a large number of variables with a limited number of experimental runs. This design is named after the statisticians Robert L. Plackett and John P. Burman, who introduced it in 1946.
Pocock boundary
The Pocock boundary is a specific concept from graph theory and computational geometry that refers to the boundary formed by certain conditions in geometric configurations. Specifically, it often relates to the convex hull of a set of points and the conditions under which certain points can be considered as part of that boundary.
Protocol (science)
In scientific research, a "protocol" refers to a detailed plan or set of procedures that outlines how a particular study or experiment will be conducted. It is an essential component of the scientific method and ensures that research is carried out systematically and consistently. A protocol typically includes the following elements: 1. **Objective**: The purpose of the study, including the hypothesis being tested or the question being addressed.
Provocation test
A provocation test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess an individual's sensitivity or reaction to specific substances or stimuli. This type of test is commonly used in various medical fields, including allergy testing, asthma assessment, and evaluation of other hypersensitivity conditions. In the context of allergy testing, a provocation test might involve exposing a patient to a suspected allergen to observe whether they exhibit an allergic reaction, such as respiratory symptoms or skin reactions.
Pseudoreplication
Pseudoreplication refers to an experimental design flaw where multiple measurements or observations are treated as independent when they are not. This often occurs when the same experimental unit is sampled multiple times without accounting for the lack of independence between measurements. As a result, statistical analyses can yield misleading conclusions because the variability and correlation among non-independent samples are not properly considered.
Quasi-experiment
A quasi-experiment is a research design that seeks to evaluate the effects of an intervention or treatment but lacks random assignment of participants to treatment and control groups. Unlike true experiments, where participants are randomly assigned, quasi-experiments often rely on pre-existing groups or conditions which can introduce potential biases. In a quasi-experiment, researchers might compare outcomes in a group that received the intervention to a group that did not, or they may examine changes over time with a single group before and after the intervention.
Random assignment
Random assignment is a key methodological technique used in experimental research to ensure that participants are evenly and randomly allocated to different groups or conditions within a study. The primary purpose of random assignment is to control for confounding variables and minimize selection bias, allowing researchers to make more valid inferences about cause-and-effect relationships. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), for example, participants might be assigned to either an experimental group that receives the treatment being tested or a control group that does not receive the treatment.
Randomized controlled trial
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a scientific study design used to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention or treatment. In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group, which helps eliminate bias and ensures that any differences in outcomes can be attributed to the intervention being studied rather than other factors.
Randomized experiment
A randomized experiment, also known as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), is a type of scientific study designed to assess the effectiveness of an intervention or treatment by randomly assigning participants to different groups. The key elements of a randomized experiment include: 1. **Random Assignment:** Participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment group (which receives the intervention) or the control group (which does not receive the intervention or receives a placebo).
Repeated measures design
Repeated measures design is a research methodology used in experimental and statistical studies where the same subjects are exposed to multiple conditions or treatments. In this design, measurements are taken from the same group of participants at different times or under different circumstances. This approach allows researchers to observe changes within the same individuals, making it possible to control for individual differences that might confound results.
Replication (statistics)
Replication in statistics refers to the process of repeating an experiment or study under the same conditions to verify results, enhance the reliability of findings, and ensure that the results are not due to chance or specific circumstances associated with a single experiment. Replication can occur in various forms, including: 1. **Experimental Replication**: Conducting the same experiment again with the same methods and procedures to see if the same outcomes can be observed.
Resentful demoralization
Resentful demoralization is a psychological concept that refers to a state of disillusionment and frustration that arises when individuals feel that their efforts are undervalued or unappreciated, often in the context of their work or relationships. It can occur when people perceive that they are not receiving the recognition, respect, or rewards they believe they deserve, leading to a decline in motivation and morale.
Response surface methodology
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a statistical and mathematical technique used for modeling and analyzing problems where several variables influence a response or outcome of interest. The primary objective of RSM is to optimize this response, which can involve either maximizing or minimizing it, depending on the context of the study. ### Key Features of RSM: 1. **Design of Experiments (DOE)**: RSM employs a systematic approach to experimental design, allowing researchers to study the effects of multiple factors simultaneously.