The Design of Human and Animal Studies - Essay Example

The steps are important to avoid the various influences of biases and prejudices of the scientist. Observation is the first step of scientific studies. It involves the description of a phenomenon. Patterns develop during this stage that is noted and cause the scientist to try and find out the relationship between the aspect being studied and the study itself. After this, the scientist is required to draft a hypothesis, which is a statement of the assumption that the scientist would like to test. It is vital to find out the factors that could aid in the explanation of factors that affect the observations. Experimentation is the next step that is used in the testing of the hypothesis.

Research studies are set up to test the validity of one’s hypothesis. Experiments ideally attempt the control various factors whose influence has an impact on the results. Many experiments testing the stated hypothesis are thus important, and these hypotheses must be tested over time and knowledge expanded. After this, it is possible to either modify or reject a hypothesis. In the case where a hypothesis is supported consistently by the results of the experiment, then a theory can be developed. Theories are representative of hypotheses or related hypotheses, which experimentation has proven to be true. These theories can be described as principles that are generally strongly accepted. However, they can be challenged by further experiments and changes (Thompson & Melinda 32).

A clinical trial entails an experiment that is highly controlled and involves an intervention that determines the effect it has on a specific health condition (Thompson & Melinda 34). The experimental group is given the intervention under study while this is not the case with the control group. After experiments on both groups are done, their responses are compared. The quality of a clinical trial is vital and thus the scientist should assign control and experimental subjects randomly. This reduces the occurrence of bias and favoritism. Blinding of participants and researchers is also of great importance as concerns the treatment being given.

Single-blind studies involve the blinding of participants while double-blind involve the blinding of both participants and researchers. Epidemiological studies, on the other hand, involve observation (Thompson & Melinda 33). They are important in studying phenomena in large populations and the determination of the factors which may be of influence on the phenomena. They indicate the relationships inherent between these factors but do not give a suggestion for data linkage to cause and effect (Thompson & Melinda 33).

When conducting a clinical trial, the scientist needs to consider several things. He needs to set up both experimental and control groups, in which the experimental group is administered the intervention while the control group is not (Thompson & Melinda 34). After the experiment is complete, the two results are compared. In an ideal situation, the researcher should design an experiment where the participants in the study are assigned to either the control or experimental groups randomly. This randomization aids in avoiding the elimination of any errors that may result from participant favoritism and making sure that the two groups are similar in the characteristics and factors that are under study.

The researcher should also aim to perform blind experiments. These can be either single or double-blind (Thompson & Melinda 34). Single-blind tests involve blinding the participants to the treatment while double-blind tests involve blinding both the researcher and the participant. Double blinding aids the researcher to get the results that they want even when their occurrence is non-existent. If the experiment involves the testing of nutrition supplements or medications, then the control group is administered a placebo (Thompson & Melinda 34). A placebo in research is a treatment imitation that does not have any participant effect.

When reading of research in the media, consumers need to consider a few issues. They need to consider the researcher and the one who paid for the research (Thompson & Melinda 35). It is imperative to note whether the company that sponsored the study was in it for profit making or not. The consumer must also make sure to note whether the researchers were up for any benefits from the company. If the answers are affirmative, this could point to a conflict of interest, which may result in the ability of the researcher to beg biased and compromised. Another issue is whether the claims that the study may sound too good for them to be true (Thompson & Melinda 34). This includes a cure that purports to cure a wide range of conditions. It is also imperative that the consumer notes whether the study was based on testimonials and if the seems to be major conclusions from one study. Read More