Unit 3 - section 1

Question 1

Describe the cycle of scientific method

Answer 1

An observation is made or research is done
A hypothesis is the formed
Experiments are then carried out
Data and results are analysed
Results are evaluated and conclusions made
This then leads to more hypothesises and possibly more research

Question 2

What is meant by the current theory is only ‘the current best explanation’?

Answer 2

As experimental evidence is gained and evaluated ideas are refined and updated. This can cause current theories to change

Question 3

What is a negative result?

Answer 3

When you fail to find an effect from the experiment

Question 4

What determines if negative results are a valid finding?

Answer 4

They are valid as long as the experiment was well designed

Question 5

How can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved?

Answer 5

With careful evaluation, which can lead to further or more creative study

Question 6

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 6

Statement that 2 variables are unrelated. Opposite of hypothesis

Question 7

What is the purpose of a null hypothesis?

Answer 7

To be able to reject it

Question 8

How are one off results considered and dealt with?

Answer 8

With caution

Question 9

What are the requirements for scientific findings to be accepted?

Answer 9

Independent verification

Question 10

What are 3 methods of sharing original scientific findings?

Answer 10

Seminars
Conference talks and posters
Publishing an academic/scientific journal

Question 11

What is a peer review and why is it important?

Answer 11

When a specialist in the same field of science carries out a critical review/evaluation of research. They will determine if it is suitable to be published preventing unsuitable research from being published

Question 12

What is critical evaluation in terms of scientific finding and ideas?

Answer 12

To asses the quality, reliability and validity of a paper

Question 13

What role does the media have in critical evaluation?

Answer 13

To introduce the findings to a wider audience

Question 14

What are review articles?

Answer 14

When a lot of work has been carried out in the same field by many different scientists an author may pull together all the ideas and findings into one article

Question 15

What are the concerns regarding how science is sometimes represented in the media?

Answer 15

Often reporters writing about the research are not scientists so may misinterpret the research

Question 16

What are 2 factors that are of key importance in scientific judgements and interpretation if scientific evidence sometimes being disputed?

Answer 16

Honestly

Integrity

Question 17

Why is replication of experiments by others important?

Answer 17

Minimises the chance that the data is dishonest or has been deliberately misused

Question 18

What is a citation and where would they be found in a scientific paper?

Answer 18

Quotation or explicit reference to a source for substantiation and is required in background research

Question 19

What are the 2 different ways to correctly cite within a scientific paper?

Answer 19

Harvard system

Vancouver system

Question 20

What is a reference and where would it be found in a scientific paper?

Answer 20

List of sources of information used to write the paper
Used so anyone reading the paper can see the sources used to write it and plagiarism can be avoided
They are at the end of the report

Question 21

What are 3 considerations when using human subjects?

Answer 21

Seeking informed consent
Subjects have the right to withdraw data
Confidentiality of data

Question 22

What are 3 considerations when carrying out animal studies?

Answer 22

Reduce - number of animals used
Replace - animals with something else
Refine - procedures designed so that minimal harm is caused to the animals

Question 23

What is an acceptable justified reason for carrying out a scientific study?

Answer 23

For the pursuit of scientific knowledge

Question 24

What is the purpose of carrying out a risk assessment before carrying out any experiment/study?

Answer 24

Ensure the safety of animals, the investigator and the environment have been considered

Question 25

What are 4 factors that can influence scientific research?

Answer 25

Legislation
Regulation
Policy
Funding