1-Describe a biofeedback program for “stress management.” Include details such as the physiological variable(s) you would measure, the transducers needed, and your criterion for a successful training program. You may find the videos on biofeedback helpful in answering this question.
2- Please be sure to indicate how you performed your experiment and what your experimental results looked like. You want to make sure that your description provides all of the important details that would allow a classmate to repeat it exactly as you did
3- This week, I would like you to think about your own vital signs at rest. If you know your vital signs, do you think that they fall into normal ranges? If not, are there any strategies that you might consider to bring them into a normal range?
4-This week we are examining the ECG and you have been provided several examples of normal ECG recordings. Please look up an abnormal recording and, in your own words, explain what is happening.
5-One of the more common reasons that I hear for people opting out of vaccines is that it makes them sick. While I don’t doubt that a vaccine can make us uncomfortable, getting the influenza vaccine does not cause someone to acquire that strain of influenza. For the discussion this week, I would like you to develop a blog that should be 2 or more paragraphs in length. Please base any information off of actual science and not questionable sources such as Dr. Oz or Gweneth Paltrow’s health forum. I would like you to explain, in your own words, the following:
1) Why do new strains of the flu emerge every year? In other words, why is it necessary to get a new flu vaccine every year?
2) Why do some people feel sick after receiving a vaccine? From a human biology point of view, what is causing this?
6- For discussion this week, please explain how you would use an EMG in your own words. In other words, you might want to discuss how you would use it to assist with physical therapy or a medical diagnoses or strength training.
BIOL 104 : The Scientific Method
What is science? Science is a systemized way to study the world around us.
We use the scientific method to formulate a hypothesis based on observations that we
can then test and draw conclusions. The Scientific Method consists of the following
steps:
Step 1. Ask a Question
Based on an observation, the researcher
formulates a question.
Step 2. Do background research
The researcher looks for current research that
may answer their question. If no answer is
found, they move on to Step 3.
Step 3. Construct a hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed or possible
explanation for the observed phenomena.
Step 4. Test your hypothesis by
conducting an experiment.
Experiments should include dependent
variables, independent variables, and a control
group.
Step 5. Analyze data and draw a
conclusion
Do the results of your experiment support your
hypothesis? Were there possible sources of
error? How confident are you in the results
(based on statistical analysis)?
Step 6. Report results.
Dissemination of information is a crucial part of
science!
Step 7. Keep going!
Based on the results of your experiment, should
you test another hypothesis? Could you
conduct follow-up experiments to expand
knowledge of the phenomena?
Step 8. Repeat.
Science is an ongoing process! We can build
on previous experiments, or come up with new
hypotheses based on new observations.
There are several criteria that must be met for an area of study to constitute
science. These criteria include Consistency, Observability, Natural, Predictability,
Testability, and Tentativeness. Without these characteristics, it is not considered
science! Science is also repeatable or reproducible, meaning when conducting the
same experiment numerous times, even in different labs or field sites, we would expect
to find a consistent, predictable outcome.
Scientific Method
When testing a null hypothesis (e.g., medicine A does not reduce headaches or it
doesn’t work!), scientists attempt to disprove null hypothesis (i.e., show that it is not
true) by conducting one or more experiments. If an experimental test of a hypothesis
supports the null hypothesis, then the scientist accepts the null hypothesis (medicine A
does NOT reduce headaches!). However, if a null hypothesis can be disproven in an
experiment, then the scientist can reject the null hypothesis and accept an alternative
hypothesis (medicine A does reduce headaches, it works!). When these results can be
repeated in repeated experiments and by other scientists, this builds confidence in the
results.
Scientific error can affect the way that results are interpreted, which means that
scientists have to be very careful about how they develop the methods for testing their
hypotheses. There are many ways that scientific errors can occur if a scientific
experiment is carefully planned; for example it is possible that the null hypothesis is not
rejected (false negative) meaning that you confirming that a condition does not hold. On
the other hand, the null hypothesis can be incorrectly rejected (false positive) indicating
a condition that does not exist. Most scientists use statistical analysis of the results to
determine if either of these errors have occurred.
Scientists understand that with new information can come new conclusions.
However, there are key terms that are used to indicate extremely high confidence and
consensus among the scientific community regarding observations and evidence.
A scientific law refers to a phenomenon that is known to exist through repeated
experimental evidence but does not provide any evidence as to why it exists. Examples
include Newton’s Law of Gravity and the Laws of Thermodynamics. In contrast, a
scientific theory provides an in-depth explanation of a phenomenon with vast scientific
evidence and substantiated data to support that explanation. Examples of scientific
theories include Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and the Theory of Evolution. While
theories do not technically “prove” a hypothesis is true, they provide enormous amount
of evidence that becomes generally accepted as truth (unless of course, contradictory
evidence is discovered that disproves that theory).
Certain areas of study are sometimes mistaken for science, but do not include
the proper criteria. Protoscience would be considered an emerging science that does
not yet meet the all criteria of science, including consistent observations or predictions.
Non-science would be an area of study that meets very few if any of the scientific
criteria. Examples would include a belief system, philosophy or ethics. While these
fields may be perfectly logical and reasonable, they simply do not fit the criteria to be
considered science.
Finally, and perhaps most alarmingly, are those areas of study that masquerade
as science but do not fit the criteria. Pseudoscience, like astrology or creation science,
will sometimes be advertised as legitimate science but do not meet the criteria. For
instance, “creation science” lacks consistency, predictability, and in most cases,
observability and testability. Likewise, Astrology lacks virtually all scientific criteria.
2
Scientific Method
That is not to say believing it is either “right” or “wrong,” only that these fields do not
constitute science.
Today, and through much of this course, you and your group members will be
conducting science using the scientific method. Complete the experiment on the
following pages, being sure to clearly describe each step in the “Methods” section.
Share the results with your instructor who will calculate basic class statistics in an Excel
spreadsheet.
3
Scientific Method
To caffeinate or not?
Observation: Some people feel more energetic following their daily coffee.
Question: Do caffeinated beverages increase your resting heart rate?
Hypothesis: Come up with a testable hypothesis.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Methods: It is important to take note of the methodology of your experiment. Record each step
of your experiment as we go along (don’t forget to include the data analysis!). Identify some
people who are willing to share their caffeine status and heart rate values to test your
hypothesis. Think about how many trials and participants you should have – 2? 5? 10? Be sure
include your independent and dependent variables, as well as the sample size (n) and number
of trials.
1.
2.
3.
4
Scientific Method
Methods (cont’d): Complete and number each step, as needed in the space below.
5
Scientific Method
Results: Include a data table that identifies your results clearly. For example, using a table
similar to the example below you may want to present your data based on how heart rate is
affected by the amount of caffeine your ‘test’ subjects consumed:
Resting Heart
Rate
No caffeine
40 mg caffeine
(avg. soda)
95 mg caffeine
(avg. coffee)
250 mg
caffeine (avg.
pre-workout)
1
2
3
4
5
Discussion: After reviewing your results, answer the following questions.
a) What conclusions can you draw from your results?
b) Do the results support your hypothesis?
c) What are some possible sources of error in our experiment?
d) Why is it important to identify sources of experimental errors or uncontrolled conditions?
6
BIOL 104 : The Scientific Method
What is science? Science is a systemized way to study the world around us.
We use the scientific method to formulate a hypothesis based on observations that we
can then test and draw conclusions. The Scientific Method consists of the following
steps:
Step 1. Ask a Question
Based on an observation, the researcher
formulates a question.
Step 2. Do background research
The researcher looks for current research that
may answer their question. If no answer is
found, they move on to Step 3.
Step 3. Construct a hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed or possible
explanation for the observed phenomena.
Step 4. Test your hypothesis by
conducting an experiment.
Experiments should include dependent
variables, independent variables, and a control
group.
Step 5. Analyze data and draw a
conclusion
Do the results of your experiment support your
hypothesis? Were there possible sources of
error? How confident are you in the results
(based on statistical analysis)?
Step 6. Report results.
Dissemination of information is a crucial part of
science!
Step 7. Keep going!
Based on the results of your experiment, should
you test another hypothesis? Could you
conduct follow-up experiments to expand
knowledge of the phenomena?
Step 8. Repeat.
Science is an ongoing process! We can build
on previous experiments, or come up with new
hypotheses based on new observations.
There are several criteria that must be met for an area of study to constitute
science. These criteria include Consistency, Observability, Natural, Predictability,
Testability, and Tentativeness. Without these characteristics, it is not considered
science! Science is also repeatable or reproducible, meaning when conducting the
Scientific Method
same experiment numerous times, even in different labs or field sites, we would expect
to find a consistent, predictable outcome.
When testing a null hypothesis (e.g., medicine A does not reduce headaches or it
doesn’t work!), scientists attempt to disprove null hypothesis (i.e., show that it is not
true) by conducting one or more experiments. If an experimental test of a hypothesis
supports the null hypothesis, then the scientist accepts the null hypothesis (medicine A
does NOT reduce headaches!). However, if a null hypothesis can be disproven in an
experiment, then the scientist can reject the null hypothesis and accept an alternative
hypothesis (medicine A does reduce headaches, it works!). When these results can be
repeated in repeated experiments and by other scientists, this builds confidence in the
results.
Scientific error can affect the way that results are interpreted, which means that
scientists have to be very careful about how they develop the methods for testing their
hypotheses. There are many ways that scientific errors can occur if a scientific
experiment is carefully planned; for example it is possible that the null hypothesis is not
rejected (false negative) meaning that you confirming that a condition does not hold. On
the other hand, the null hypothesis can be incorrectly rejected (false positive) indicating
a condition that does not exist. Most scientists use statistical analysis of the results to
determine if either of these errors have occurred.
Scientists understand that with new information can come new conclusions.
However, there are key terms that are used to indicate extremely high confidence and
consensus among the scientific community regarding observations and evidence.
A scientific law refers to a phenomenon that is known to exist through repeated
experimental evidence but does not provide any evidence as to why it exists. Examples
include Newton’s Law of Gravity and the Laws of Thermodynamics. In contrast, a
scientific theory provides an in-depth explanation of a phenomenon with vast scientific
evidence and substantiated data to support that explanation. Examples of scientific
theories include Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and the Theory of Evolution. While
theories do not technically “prove” a hypothesis is true, they provide enormous amount
of evidence that becomes generally accepted as truth (unless of course, contradictory
evidence is discovered that disproves that theory).
Certain areas of study are sometimes mistaken for science, but do not include
the proper criteria. Protoscience would be considered an emerging science that does
not yet meet the all criteria of science, including consistent observations or predictions.
Non-science would be an area of study that meets very few if any of the scientific
criteria. Examples would include a belief system, philosophy or ethics. While these
fields may be perfectly logical and reasonable, they simply do not fit the criteria to be
considered science.
Finally, and perhaps most alarmingly, are those areas of study that masquerade
as science but do not fit the criteria. Pseudoscience, like astrology or creation science,
will sometimes be advertised as legitimate science but do not meet the criteria. For
2
Scientific Method
instance, “creation science” lacks consistency, predictability, and in most cases,
observability and testability. Likewise, Astrology lacks virtually all scientific criteria.
That is not to say believing it is either “right” or “wrong,” only that these fields do not
constitute science.
Today, and through much of this course, you and your group members will be
conducting science using the scientific method. Complete the experiment on the
following pages, being sure to clearly describe each step in the “Methods” section.
Share the results with your instructor who will calculate basic class statistics in an Excel
spreadsheet.
3
Scientific Method
To caffeinate or not?
Observation: Some people feel more energetic following their daily coffee.
Question: Do caffeinated beverages increase your resting heart rate?
Hypothesis: Come up with a testable hypothesis.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Methods: It is important to take note of the methodology of your experiment. Record each step
of your experiment as we go along (don’t forget to include the data analysis!). Identify some
people who are willing to share their caffeine status and heart rate values to test your
hypothesis. Think about how many trials and participants you should have – 2? 5? 10? Be sure
include your independent and dependent variables, as well as the sample size (n) and number
of trials.
1.
2.
3.
4
Scientific Method
Methods (cont’d): Complete and number each step, as needed in the space below.
5
Scientific Method
Results: Include a data table that identifies your results clearly. For example, using a table
similar to the example below you may want to present your data based on how heart rate is
affected by the amount of caffeine your ‘test’ subjects consumed:
Resting Heart
Rate
No caffeine
40 mg caffeine
(avg. soda)
95 mg caffeine
(avg. coffee)
250 mg
caffeine (avg.
pre-workout)
1
2
3
4
5
Discussion: After reviewing your results, answer the following questions.
a) What conclusions can you draw from your results?
b) Do the results support your hypothesis?
c) What are some possible sources of error in our experiment?
d) Why is it important to identify sources of experimental errors or uncontrolled conditions?
6
BIOL 104: Vital Signs and Aerobic Activity
Instructions for Online Asynchronous Lab
For the vital signs lab, the objective is to learn about the relationship of key vital signs
and sitting or exercising and answer questions about the cardiovascular and respiratory
systems. The vital signs we will consider are heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure
and skin temperature.
If we were having in-person labs, you would come into the lab and all students would
measure vital signs 1. while sitting before exercise, then 2. immediately after 5 minutes
of mild to moderate exercise, and 3. after 5 minutes of recovery.
Since we are not during in-person labs, I am providing example data for you of
the vital signs for these three conditions. I would also encourage you to try the lab at
home/dorm/apartment (you can enter these results as subject 3). You can measure
your own pulse on your wrist or neck (see image below). Measure you pulse (hear rate)
for 30 seconds then multiply the number times 2 to get your beats per minute. You can
also count your breaths per minute (respiratory rate). If you have a blood pressure (BP)
cuff at home, you can use that to measure your BP. If you have a skin temperature
thermometer (e.g., forehead thermometer) then you can measure your skin
temperature.
https://theconversation.com/what-should-my-heart-rate-be-and-what-affects-it-98945
Once you have data, your own or the example data or both, then you can answer the
questions. You can enter these electronically into the worksheet (a Word document) or
you can print a copy of the worksheet, write your answers down and scan the document
into a PDF format. Once you have a completed document, you can upload it into the
appropriate Vital Signs Assignment Folder in D2L under Assessments – Assignments.
Introduction:
A functioning circulatory system is necessary for maintaining homeostasis. The heart
serves as the pump, generating pressure to drive blood flow through arteries and
arterioles in your body. All blood vessels serve as conduits that direct blood to tissue.
Blood flow is also controlled by the larger arterioles and venules, which increase or
decrease blood flow as needed. Without the heart and blood vessels, tissues would not
be able to acquire the oxygen and nutrients they require for metabolism. Also, waste
materials like carbon dioxide and urea would build up in the tissues.
Several noninvasive measurements can be performed to estimate how well your
cardiovascular system is functioning. Pulse is the result of a surge of blood against an
artery wall following heart ventricle contraction (systole) and can be taken in the wrist
(radial pulse) or along the side of the neck (carotid pulse). Pulse varies depending upon
age, physical condition, and activity but normal resting pulse in a young adult is 60-100
beats per minute.
Table 1: Values for adult blood pressure. https://www.health.harvard.edu/hearthealth/reading-the-new-blood-pressure-guidelines
Blood pressure is another noninvasive measurement that indicates how well the
cardiovascular system is functioning. Physicians use a sphygmomanometer to measure
the pressure of the blood against the wall of a vessel. The highest value recorded is the
systolic pressure, and this value reflects the pressure of blood as it is ejected from the
ventricles. The lowest pressure is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure of blood
against the vessel walls when the ventricles are relaxed. Similar to pulse, blood
pressure changes but the normal value for a healthy, young adult is 120/80 mmHg
(Table 1).
Today’s lab will require several indirect measurements of metabolism. You will be
recording pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate and skin temperature. These
measurements need to be recorded before, during and after exercise.
Hypothesis/Prediction:
Before beginning the lab, please fill in the predictions that you have for these
measurements in Table 2. Indicate the follow changes in value: 0 = no change, + =
small increase, ++ = large increase, – = small decrease, — = large decrease.
Table 2. Predicted changes of vital signs during and after exercise when compared to resting vital signs.
Activity
Pulse Rate
Blood Pressure Skin
Temperature
Respiratory
Rate
During
exercise
After exercise
Methods:
A. Measuring Vital Signs:
Pulse
Step 1: Lightly place your index and middle finger on the wrist just below the
thumb. Never use your thumb to measure pulse as it has its own strong pulse.
Step 2: Using a stopwatch, count the pulse for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Multiply your result by 2 and record this number in Table 3 as Sitting
pulse.
Blood Pressure
Step 1: Place an uninflated pressure cuff on the subject’s upper arm above the
elbow.
Step 2: Place a stethoscope on the brachial artery. This artery is usually located
on the ‘inside’ of the elbow. You should not hear anything through the
stethoscope ear pieces at this point.
Step 3: Inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg. Do NOT leave the cuff inflated for an
extended period of time!
Step 4: Slowly release the cuff (about 4 mmHg per second) and listen for the
Korotkoff noises. These sounds (generally described as a thumping noise) are
made by turbulent blood flow once the cuff reaches systolic pressure. In a normal
individual at rest, this should be around 120 mmHg.
Step 5: Record in Table 3 as Sitting Blood Pressure. The first noise you hear as
the systolic pressure. Record the last noise you hear as the diastolic pressure.
Measuring Skin Temperature
Step 1: Turn the thermometer on.
Step 2: Immediately place the thermometer against the forehead.
Step 3: Wait for a beep and record the temperature in Table 3.
B. Does exercise affect vital signs?
Step 1: Take vital signs while subject is at rest and seated in a chair.
Step 2: Have subject exercise for 5 minutes. IMMEDIATELY after subject
exercises for 5 minutes, take vital signs and record results in Table 3.
Step 3: Have subject remain seated for 5 minutes. Take vital signs after subject
has recovered for 5 minutes and record results in Table 3.
Table 3: Vital Signs data.
Vital sign
Sitting
Immediately After
Exercise
Following 5-minute
Recovery
Subject 1
74
90
70
Subject 2
58
81
62
Subject 1
17
32
20
Subject 2
15
25
18
Subject 1
118/80
138/84
123/81
Subject 2
115/75
133/80
105/70
Pulse (beats/min)
Subject 3
Respiration (breath/min)
Subject 3
Blood Pressure (mm Hg)
Subject 3
Skin Temperature
Subject 1
98.8
99.4
97.8
Subject 2
97.9
98.9
98.6
Subject 3
Questions and Discussion:
1. How does pulse change during the activities that your subject performed?
Explain using your data.
2. Did these results support your hypothesis?
3. Respiration
a. How did respiration change over the course of your experiment?
b. Why should respiration increase during physical activity?
c. Did your results support your hypothesis?
4. Blood pressure:
a. Describe any changes observed in the systolic pressure.
b. Describe any changes in the diastolic pressure.
c. Why might diastolic pressure not change significantly?
d. Did your results support your hypothesis?
5. Why is skin temperature usually lower than core temperature (98.6 F)?
6. Skin temperature:
a. Describe what happened to your subject’s skin temperature?
b. Did these results support your hypothesis?
c. Why might skin temperature decrease during physical activity?
7. Describe possible sources of error in your experiment. Was there anything that
may have affected your results?
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