The Scientific Method
The scientific method consists of five steps, which include making observations, formulation of a hypothesis, designing and performing the experiment, acceptance and modification of the hypothesis and development into either a theory or a law. The first step of a scientific method, observation is done either qualitatively or quantitatively. While qualitative observations do not rely on numbers, quantitative observations rely on numbers and units. Formulation of a hypothesis is a tentative explanation of the observations, which may be correct and in some instances not accurate. However, this steps helps the scientist understand the phenomenon being studied into an easily understandable form. Experiments are performed and conducted as the third step through measurement of variables under controlled conditions. They are conducted to test the validity of the hypothesis through measurements. Once the experiment has been conducted, the scientist determines the validity of the hypothesis and thereafter accepts or modifies it. In cases where the hypothesis is incorrect, further research is conducted for its modification. The final step, the formulation of a theory or a law when enough research is conducted, and the results are sufficiently dependable (Castillo, 2013).
Scientific Method in the Chosen Article
The chosen article summarizes the study conducted to establish the effects if higher doses of Vitamin D on bone density in premature babies (University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), 2017). The researchers in this study made a qualitative observation that infants whose birth weight is less than 1200 grams might significantly benefit from vitamin D supplementation (Anderson-Berry et al., 2017). The researchers did not, however, formulate a hypothesis for the study. The experiment was therefore performed based on the objective of the study, which was to evaluate the changes in serum concentration for two doses of Vitamin D 3 among premature infants. The experiment was performed by having 32 infants who had been born prematurely at 34 to 32 weeks receive Vitamin D 3 supplementation (400 or 800 IU per day). Although the results were collected indicating that infants born below 32 weeks of gestation should receive 800 IU of Vitamin D per day for sustained serum levels, thereby increasing bone density, and hence improved neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) outcomes. The results, however, indicate the need for further research, to establish a reasonable daily dose of Vitamin D for the infants, for improvement of bone density (Anderson-Berry et al., 2017). The study did not, therefore, formulate a theory or a law but rather added to the existing knowledge.
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The Control Group and the Treatment Group
There was no control group in the study; only the treatment group, which consisted of 32 infants (Anderson-Berry et al., 2017).
Independent and Dependent Variables
The study had one dependent variable; the Vitamin D 3 serum concentration. The independent variable was the doses of Vitamin D 3 administered (Anderson-Berry et al., 2017).
Critiques of the Research
The study consisted only of a treatment group, that was appropriate to answer the research question. The research question was whether different Vitamin D 3 doses could produce different serum concentration changes after four weeks in premature infants. To answer this question, the researchers administered two different doses of the vitamin, and since the study was based on a premature population, the infants used were appropriate (24-332 weeks of gestation). The experimental method used for the research was a double-blind study. The researchers therefore as well as the subjects had no idea which group the subjects belonged in. This was appropriate for the investigation since the aim was to find out the effects of Vitamin D doses through mitigation of the placebo effects. The sample size for the study was 32, which was suitable for the purpose of the study. The research did not have any potential bias because it was a double-blind study. The conclusions of the research study do not adequately summarize other studies that it agrees with hence leaving a question on whether the main facts highlighted are valid. Also, the study’s conclusion does not offer any recommendations based on the research but instead draws on recommendations from other studies. The research study has its value in the health care system especially because its focus is on a vulnerable population (premature infants), who have a high likelihood of having a compromised Vitamin D status at birth (Anderson-Berry et al., 2017).
The relevance of the Research
This study is relevant to the world because it demonstrates the importance of Vitamin D 3 supplementation for infants born prematurely. It also reflects the importance of supplementation with higher doses of the vitamin whereby there is a higher serum concentration even after eight weeks (Anderson-Berry et al., 2017). Such a study provides physicians and medical practitioners with relevant insights regarding the importance of Vitamin D in infants, for the prevention of bone hypo-mineralization, which can result in rickets among this population. The fact that there has been limited knowledge on the ideal supplementation and bone health for infants makes this study important for knowledge buildup concerning this topic. Moreover, the contemporary world is characterized by an increased number of preterm births and yet most of the information available targets term neonates. This research has therefore provided a new body on knowledge to the health arena.
Neonates in NICU are a vulnerable population that needs special care and considering the risk that hypo-mineralization has on their health, this study is of importance to me because it addresses an area the medical field where there is limited research. It, therefore, paves the way for further research to be conducted in the area, such that there is increased chances of positive outcomes for NICU patients.
References
Anderson-Berry, A., Thoene, M., Wagner, J., Lyden, E., Jones, G., Kaufmann, M., … Hanson, C. (2017). Randomized trial of two doses of vitamin D3 in preterm infants <32 weeks: Dose impact on achieving desired serum 25(OH)D3 in a NICU population. PLOS ONE , 12 (10), e0185950. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185950
Castillo, M. (2013). The Scientific Method: A Need for Something Better? American Journal of Neuroradiology , 34 (9), 1669-1671. doi:10.3174/ajnr.a3401
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). (2017, October 13). Higher dose of vitamin D increases bone density in premature babies, study finds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 25, 2019, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171013091814.htm
