In this experiment, the independent variable would be the inflammation inducing agent, lipopolysaccharide, because the dose given to the experiment subjects can be adjusted to yield different results. The dependent variable in the experiment would be the inflammatory protein, Inflammotin, as this is what is being measured throughout the research, and is dependent upon the amount of the inflammation inducing agent.
Experimental Design
Groups
For this experiment, ten groups of elderly subjects will be formed to test different dosages of the inflammation inducing agent. This is so that with each group, the dosage of the agent can be reduced by one milligram, so that the lowest possible dosage that will induce inflammation can be more closely determined. Groups will start at zero milligrams of dosage, this being the control group, and go upwards to nine milligrams from there.
Age
The age range for the test subjects would be between sixty to seventy years old, insuring that they are elderly, but not too far in age or health.
Number of subjects per group
Ten subjects per group would allow for more data to be yielded from each group; allowing for better experimental accuracy.
Subject Selection
Inclusion/Exclusions
Test subjects need to be moderately healthy, within the normal weight range for their age and height. They should have no pre-existing health conditions that can induce inflammation such as severe arthritis, or no health conditions that could endanger their health when given the inflammation inducing agent.
Randomization
Once the bulk group of one hundred test subjects are selected, their names will be taken and assigned to a group number by a lottery system, to insure randomization between dosage groups.
Control Group
One group will be given a placebo dosage to monitor the presence of the inflammatory protein without the inflammation inducing agent.
Sources of Error and Bias
Possible Sources of Error
1. The elderly included in the test groups may have conditions that have gone un-diagnosed and could affect results of the experiment.
2. The subjects may not properly administer dosage of the inducing agent on their own volition in the proper routine required.
3. Other factors such as diet or lifestyle are not being monitored during the experiment.
Possible Controls for Error
1. Extensive pre-health screenings could be given to each subjects to insure they are passable for the experiment.
2. The drug should be administered in a controlled and monitored environment.
3. Subjects should be placed on the same diet and activity levels for the duration of the study.
BME 100 Spring 2016
