The Null Hypothesis
Glos.sa.ry /ˈɡläsərē,ˈɡlôsərē/ (noun)
: Figure out what is going on in alphabetical order
Anthropology
Anthropology
Noun
Literally, the study of humans. Practically, a very diverse/broad field that researches primate/human evolution, behaviour, culture, society, language, health, physiology, and biology throughout time.
Bioarchaeology
Bioarchaeology
Noun
A subfield of anthropology that looks specifically at old biological material (e.g. bones) to get us information about past people.
Bioarchaeology, Biology, Medicine
Bones
Noun (plural)
A really inaccurate TV show that aired from 2005-2017. Or, the hard white things that support your body.
Anthropology, Archaeology
Embodiment
Noun/Adverb
Did you smash your face on the concrete doing a sweet kick flip and break your nose? Congrats the pavement and the skateboard has changed your biology. Culture is embodied!
Bioarchaeology
Health
Noun
The undefinable state that we all continually bicker over defining that is ~broadly ~when body and mind are feeling okay. Sometimes the body does a little more, a little less. Maybe your body does its own thing, or is a trendsetter, and you're rocking it. Maybe every cell in your body is pleading for you to just eat an orange or step out into that sweet summer sun, but you still have pep in your step.
Sometimes your body is chugging along like the little engine that could, but your mind is like Kate Capshaw in Temple of Doom, or Dakota Fanning in War of the Worlds. That is not health.
Stats
Hypothesis
Noun
Just your best guess really.
Bioarchaeology
Micro-CT
Noun
Stands for micro-computed tomography. A technique for generating 3D models of something, but it allows you to see inside of the object too. The machine shoots x-rays at the object, capturing individual views (called slices) of that object that can then be digitally built up into the final model. “Micro” means that even really small details are visible. Your relatives will be so impressed and maybe finally feel that all those years you’ve spent in school was worth it when you show them the pretty pictures.
Stats
Null Hypothesis
Noun
Math term for when you think the things you’re comparing are the same. The basis of so much of statistics, and therefore the bringer of so much pain.
Stats
P-value
Noun
The number that draws the line between reason and absolute chaos. But really, it's not a line, and more of a wibbly wobbly bit of nonsense. It's okay, we all believe lies sometimes.
Stats
Statistically Significant
Adjective
Whatever happened, happened for a reason. Like fate in a Rom Com, it’s not all up to chance.
Bioarchaeology
The Osteological Paradox
Noun
Pathology and Mortality: Relationship status - "It's Complicated"
Bioarchaeology
X-rays
Noun
A type of radiation/energy that can pass through objects, allowing us to capture images that can show the inside of a solid object. Don’t get in the x-ray machine unprotected though, even if you think it sounds fun. That is Very Bad (™).
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