3.1 Scientific principles and process

Question 1

The scientific cycle includes…

Answer 1

Construction of testable hypothesis, experimental design, gathering, recording, analysis of data, then evaluation of results and conclusion.

Question 2

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 2

Proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of experimental treatment.

Question 3

What is essential to the scientific process?

Answer 3

Peer review of scientific publications and critical evaluation by specialists with expertise in the relevant field.

Question 4

What’s essential to scientists undertaking new research in a field?

Answer 4

Review articles which summarise current knowledge and recent findings.

Question 4

Term for copying the work of others without acknowledgement.

Answer 4

Plagiarism.

Question 5

What reduces the opportunity of dishonesty or deliberate misuse of science?

Answer 5

Replication of experiments by others.

Question 6

What three R’s are used to avoid, reduce or minimise harm to animals?

Answer 6

Replacement, reduction, refinement.

Question 7

What are the key factors in human studies?

Answer 7

Informed consent, right to withdraw and confidentiality.

Question 8

Explain the 3 R’s in animal studies.

Answer 8

replacement - using alternatives such as cell or tissue samples instead of whole organisms.
refinement - consideration of how experiments are carried out to ensure minimal pain or harm, also improvement in animal welfare such as accommodation, food, vet access.
Reduction - changing experimental design or statistical methods to lower number of individual animals required.