Chapter 1 - Investigation Human Biology Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is science?
A process of inquiry/a body of knowledge
What is Human Biology?
An area of science that studies humans and their interactions. It utilises a wide range of fields to develop an in-depth knowledge of humans.
What is a literature review?
Process of reviewing books, scientific journals, and the internet to see what info. has already been collected by others in order to build on past discoveries and not accidentally duplicate work done by others.
What is observation?
Information gathered by the senses or instruments that enhance the senses, e.g. a microscope/stethoscope
What is classification and its purpose?
Grouping things based on the similarity of their characteristics. It facilitates scientific study by highlighting the similarities and differences between groups and making communication easier.
What is the scientific method?
Preliminary work:
1. Literature review
2. Identify parameters of investigation (control variables, little details about the experiment e.g. do with shoes on, hands up etc.)
- Identify the problem/question
- Identify variables
- Develop hypothesis (supported or disproved)
- Prediction made off hypothesis
- Test hypothesis
- Presentation of data
- Interpreting the data
- Evaluate the experiment
What is the independent variable?
The factor being deliberately changed to determine its effect on the dependent variable.
What is the dependent variable?
The variable being measured.
What are control variables?
Factors kept same for the control and experimental groups.
What is a fair test?
An experiment where only the independent variable is changed, the controls are kept the same.
What is qualitative data?
Observations
Reliability of an experiment
- Repetition (consistency of data)
- Replication/duplication of another experiment (to see the difference between control and experimental group. Reduces the impact of biological variation and sources of error)
What is quantitative data?
Measurement
How was this experiment made valid in terms of fairness, preciseness and reliability?
Fairness - we kept variables x, y and z the same FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
Preciseness - we made it precise by weighing using the spring balance or counting the bubbles every second
Reliability - we made it reliable by increasing the sample size or repeating it 3 times
What does data analysis involve?
- Calculating total and average, eliminating outliers
- Graphical analysis - enables us to see patterns and trends in the data more easily
- Written analysis - overall statement, identify some trends using evidence from data.
What are the limitations of an experiment?
Outliers due to uncontrolled variables
What to involve in an evaluation?
Validity, reliability, limitations, improvements (e.g. extending the range), how you can go further with the same equipment e.g. experiment on older people.
Experimental error: human error
A mistake made by a human e.g. incorrectly reading the scale on an instrument. Can be avoided with sufficient care and checking.
Experimental error: random error
Unpredictable, can occur in all experiments. They occur because no measurement can be made with absolute precision. E.g. if using stopwatch to time how long it takes a person to do something, sometimes it will be stopped too early/too late. Impact of the error can be reduced by taking several measurements and averaging them
Experimental error: systematic error
Occur because of the way an experiment is designed or due to problems with equipment. In this case, a measurement is always too high or too low. Cannot be reduced by averaging, only solution is to change the experimental procedure or equipment.
What are ethics and ethical behaviour?
Ethics - a set of moral principles/values
Ethical behaviour - behaviour that conforms to these principles/values
List the ethical considerations present when conducting an experiment.
- Voluntary participation
- Informed consent
- Risk of harm
- Confidentiality
- Anonymity
What is a placebo and its aim?
A substance/item that looks exactly like what is being given to the experimental group but is fake. It aims to rid the placebo effect (when patients who are given a placebo show an improvement in their condition even though the placebo is inactive)
Why does the placebo effect occur?
Due to the patient’s belief that the placebo is real therapy that will bring about improvement.
