Addressing a Challenging Question

应对挑战性提问

During the Q&A session, an audience member poses a difficult or critical technical question that requires a well-considered and precise answer.

在问答环节，一位听众提出了一个需要深思熟虑且精确回答的、具有挑战性或批判性的技术问题。

对话

聆听并跟进对话

John (Male)

Thank you for that insightful presentation, Dr. Lee. I have a question regarding the statistical significance of your findings, specifically concerning the control group's baseline variability.

感谢李博士的精彩演讲。我有一个问题，是关于您研究结果的统计显著性，特别是关于对照组基线变异性方面。

Emily (Female)

Thank you, John, that's an excellent question. We did observe some baseline variability, which is common in biological systems. To address this, we employed a mixed-effects model, which inherently accounts for within-subject and inter-subject variability.

谢谢你，约翰，这是一个很好的问题。我们确实观察到了一些基线变异性，这在生物系统中很常见。为了解决这个问题，我们采用了混合效应模型，它本身就能解释受试者内部和受试者之间的变异性。

John (Male)

While a mixed-effects model is appropriate, I'm curious if you considered a subgroup analysis or performed any sensitivity analyses to ensure that the observed treatment effect wasn't unduly influenced by outliers within that baseline variability.

虽然混合效应模型是合适的，但我很好奇您是否考虑了亚组分析，或者进行了任何敏感性分析，以确保观察到的治疗效果没有受到基线变异性中异常值的过度影响。

Emily (Female)

That's a very fair point. We did indeed conduct sensitivity analyses. Specifically, we re-ran the primary analysis after excluding the top and bottom 5% of participants based on their baseline values. The results remained consistent, indicating the robustness of our findings.

这是一个非常中肯的观点。我们确实进行了敏感性分析。具体来说，我们排除了基线值最高和最低的5%的参与者后，重新进行了主要分析。结果保持一致，这表明了我们研究结果的稳健性。

John (Male)

That's good to hear. And was the standard deviation for the control group's baseline significantly larger than that of the experimental group to begin with?

听到这个消息真好。那么，对照组基线的标准差一开始就比实验组的显著大吗？

Emily (Female)

Not significantly so. The standard deviations were comparable, and our pre-analysis power calculation took into account the expected variability across both groups. We're confident that our sample size was sufficient to detect a meaningful effect even with that inherent variability.

并非显著如此。标准差是可比的，我们的预分析功效计算考虑了两组的预期变异性。我们确信我们的样本量足以检测到有意义的效果，即使存在固有的变异性。

John (Male)

Thank you, Dr. Lee. Your clarification on the sensitivity analysis and power calculations addresses my concerns thoroughly. Good work.

谢谢您，李博士。您对敏感性分析和功效计算的澄清彻底解答了我的疑虑。干得好。

Emily (Female)

You're most welcome, John. I appreciate you raising these important methodological considerations.

不客气，约翰。感谢您提出了这些重要的方法论考量。

词汇

对话中的必备词汇和短语

insightful

An adjective meaning providing deep understanding or useful information; use it to compliment someone's presentation or idea politely.

一个形容词，意为提供深刻的理解或有用的信息；用它来礼貌地赞美某人的演示或想法。

statistical significance

A term in research meaning the results are unlikely due to chance; important in scientific discussions to show reliable findings.

研究中的一个术语，意指结果不太可能是由于偶然；科学讨论中用于展示可靠发现的重要概念。

baseline

The starting point or initial level in an experiment; often used in studies to compare changes over time.

实验的起点或初始水平；常用于研究中比较随时间的变化。

variability

The degree of variation or differences in data; common in biology to describe how much results can differ.

数据中变异或差异的程度；生物学中常用以描述结果可能差异的程度。

mixed-effects model

A statistical method that handles both fixed and random factors in data analysis; useful for complex studies like biology.

一种在数据分析中处理固定和随机因素的统计方法；适用于生物学等复杂研究。

sensitivity analysis

A technique to test how changes in data affect results; helps check if findings are reliable by removing outliers.

一种测试数据变化如何影响结果的技术；通过移除异常值来帮助检查发现是否可靠。

robustness

The strength or reliability of results under different conditions; use to describe solid research conclusions.

在不同条件下结果的强度或可靠性；用于描述坚实的研究结论。

standard deviation

A measure of how spread out data is from the average; key in statistics to show data variability.

衡量数据从平均值散布程度的度量；在统计中用于显示数据变异性的关键。

power calculation

A pre-study estimate to determine sample size needed for detecting effects; ensures studies are not underpowered.

用于确定检测效果所需样本大小的预研究估计；确保研究不欠功效。

关键句型

需要记住和练习的重要短语

Thank you for that insightful presentation.

A polite way to start a question in academic settings; 'insightful' compliments the speaker, building rapport; useful for Q&A sessions.

在学术场合开始提问的礼貌方式；'insightful' 赞美演讲者，建立 rapport；适用于问答环节。

That's an excellent question.

Responds positively to a tough question, showing respect; use it to acknowledge the asker's point before answering; common in professional discussions.

对棘手问题给出积极回应，显示尊重；使用它来在回答前承认提问者的观点；在专业讨论中常见。

We did observe some baseline variability, which is common in biological systems.

Explains an issue honestly and normalizes it; relative clause 'which is common...' adds context; helpful for defending research methods.

诚实地解释了一个问题并将其正常化；关系从句 'which is common...' 添加了上下文；有助于为研究方法辩护。

To address this, we employed a mixed-effects model.

Describes a solution using 'to address this' for purpose; 'employed' means 'used'; pattern for explaining techniques in presentations.

描述了一个使用 'to address this' 表示目的的解决方案；'employed' 意思是 'used'；用于演示中解释技术的模式。

We did indeed conduct sensitivity analyses.

Confirms an action with 'did indeed' for emphasis; useful to reassure questioners; shows thoroughness in research.

使用 'did indeed' 确认行动以强调；有助于安抚提问者；显示研究彻底性。

The results remained consistent, indicating the robustness of our findings.

Uses present participle 'indicating' to explain implications; 'remained consistent' shows reliability; key for concluding analyses.

使用现在分词 'indicating' 来解释含义；'remained consistent' 显示可靠性；对结束分析至关重要。

Your clarification on the sensitivity analysis and power calculations addresses my concerns thoroughly.

Thanks and closes the discussion; 'addresses...thoroughly' means fully resolves; polite way to end Q&A in academics.

谢谢并结束讨论；“addresses...thoroughly”意为完全解决；学术Q&A的礼貌结束方式。

I appreciate you raising these important methodological considerations.

Shows gratitude for feedback; 'raising...considerations' is formal for pointing out issues; builds positive interaction in professional talks.

表达对反馈的感激；'raising...considerations' 是正式指出问题的说法；有助于在专业讨论中建立积极互动。