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Geography

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Feb 20, 2024

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Uploaded by SuperJellyfishPerson631

2-1 Discussion: Controls, Variables, Confounding Results Part 1: I chose scenario #1 for my first discussion: The study uses a comparative observational design to analyze the differences in tree size and types between valleys and higher elevations. The location, specifically valleys and higher elevations, serves as the independent variable in this study. It categorizes the areas where tree measurements are taken. The dependent variables are the size of trees (measured by diameter at breast height) and the types of trees (categorized by species). These variables depend on the location (valleys or higher elevations). There are two treatment groups: trees in valleys and trees at higher elevations. In each location (valleys and higher elevations), specific tree species could be chosen as positive controls to ensure that the measurements are accurate and consistent. An area without trees (bare ground) within each location could serve as a negative control to confirm that the measurements are indeed related to the presence of trees. Positive and negative controls are crucial to validate the study's accuracy. Positive controls ensure measurements are reliable, while negative controls verify that factors other than the presence of trees are not influencing the results. Extraneous Factors would include how differences in soil composition can influence tree growth, how variances in sunlight exposure can affect tree growth and species diversity, the variations in rainfall between valleys and higher elevations and how they may impact tree size and species, and lastly how human interference, like logging or construction, can influence tree presence and size. These variables need to be controlled or accounted for because they can influence the dependent variables. By considering factors like soil type, light exposure, precipitation, and human activity, the study can better isolate the impact of location on tree characteristics. Part 2: Controlling confounding variables is a challenging task in research studies involving human subjects, especially in field studies where various factors can influence outcomes. While researchers can use randomization, matching, or statistical techniques like multivariate analysis to control for confounding variables among treatment groups, it's impossible to account for all potential variables fully. Human behaviors, genetics, environmental exposures, and socio- economic factors are complex and interconnected, making it difficult to isolate specific variables completely. In field studies with wild animals or plants, similar challenges exist. Environmental factors, predation, genetic variations, and ecological interactions can all confound the results. While researchers can design experiments to minimize confounding, the complexity of natural systems often introduces variables that are challenging to control. In the paper on parental smoking it was stated that children of parents who smoke are at a higher risk for lifestyle diseases (Burke, 1998). This study seems to be skewed in a way to persuade readers to think one way. The measure of certain variables like protein intake seems unrelated to parental smoking and it's affects on children. In another study, pediatricians were more likely to assess environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for patients with asthma or LRTI (Collins, 2007). This information shows that without a preexisting condition, doctors were not routinely questioning parents regarding child exposure to ETS. A more thorough use of variables that track all around health would have brought forward more reliable data. There was also a lack of data

from other age ranges making the results somewhat inconclusive. A wider age range would have resulted in more thorough data. Burke, V., Gracey, M. P., Milligan, R. A. K., Thompson, C., Taggart, A. C., & Beilin, L. J. (1998, August 1). Parental smoking and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in 10- to 12-year- old children. Journal of Pediatrics, 133(2), 206. Buncher, R. C, Morrison, J. A., Those confounding variables! The Journal of Pediatrics Volume 133, Issue 2, 1998, Pages 174-175. Collins, B. N., Pediatricians’ Practices and Attitudes about Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Parental Smoking, The Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 150, Issue 5. 2007. Pages 547-552

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