Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
RESEARCH AND DESIGN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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RESEARCH AND DESIGN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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Subject: Biomedical Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Grade code: 2.4.1.LI.2
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.4.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.4.1.LI.2
Theme: BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION
Subtheme: RESEARCH AND DESIGN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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This lesson introduces the fundamental statistical tools used to analyse data from biomedical research. In Ghana, from testing the effectiveness of a new malaria drug developed at the Noguchi Memorial Institute to understanding the impact of diet on hypertension in our communities, biomedical science relies on data. Simply collecting data is not enough; we must be able to analyse it correctly to draw meaningful conclusions. This lesson empowers learners to move beyond just looking at numbers and equips them to interpret experimental results, question claims they see in the media, and understand the evidence behind modern and traditional medical practices.
A. The Foundation of a Biomedical Study: Variables
In any experiment, we are trying to see if changing one thing causes a change in another. These "things" are called variables. Independent Variable (IV): This is the variable that the researcher intentionally changes or manipulates. It is the presumed "cause." Think of it as the treatment or intervention being tested. Dependent Variable (DV): This is the variable that is measured to see if the change in the independent variable had any effect. It is the presumed "effect" or outcome. Its value *depends* on the independent variable.
Ghanaian Context Example: Imagine a study conducted in Kintampo to test a new herbal treatment for reducing high blood pressure. Research Question: Does the daily intake of 'Herb X' reduce systolic blood pressure in adults? The Groups: Group A receives a pill containing 'Herb X'. Group B receives a placebo (a pill with no active ingredient). Analysis: Independent Variable (IV): The treatment given (Herb X pill vs. Placebo pill). The researcher controls who gets which pill. Dependent Variable (DV): The systolic blood pressure of the participants, measured after a period of time. This is the outcome we are measuring.
B. Sample Size: Why More is Often Better