ethics in science/scientific method Flashcards
(24 cards)
what is reliability?
an experiment is reliable if it gives the same/similar results each time.
what is validity?
a fair test
if the experiment tests what its supposed to test/if its controlled
how can reliability be improved?
repeating the experiment multiple times
increasing the sample size
how can validity be improved?
ensuring all variables are controlled
only testing one idea
which axis is the independent variable on
x- axis
horizontal
which axis is the dependent variable on
y-axis
vertical
when do you choose a line graph?
both variables are continuous numerical data with discrete readings
when do you choose a column graph
independent variable discontinuous data or non-numerical categories
interpolation
a prediction within a range of data.
extrapolation
a prediction made outside the range of data.
TACKLE
T- title
A- axis
C- correct graph
K- key
L- labelled axis
E- equal intervals
informed consent
patient are aware of all procedures/how data is used allowing them to make an informed decision.
minimise harm
they must not cause any harm, mental/physical
scientists must not be aware of any possible harm before conducting the experiment and must immediately terminate the experiment at any signs of it.
research is beneficial
they must not be random/unnecessary
outcome must increase knowledge in an area
privacy/confidentiality
information must be accessible to the patient, they must be able to keep it confidential and it cant be used against them
fairness and equality
individuals must receive fair treatment based on the outcome of their results.
all individuals are to be treated fairly.
conflict of interest
patients must act in their own interest rather than the requirements of research
others may not gain professional profit from an experiment (sponsors)
third parties dont influence results
what is the independent variable
the factor being deliberately changed
what is the dependent variable
the variable being measured
it changes in response to the deliberate changes of the independent variable
what is a controlled variable
the factors that are kept the same
what is a placebo
an inactive substance that seems like the real thing
when is a placebo used
research, e.g. a drug trial
if there is a clear difference between those who have the real drug and those who have the placebo, then the researcher can say with confidence that the difference was due to the effectiveness of the drug
what are placebos for
to test the effectiveness of medical treatments
what is a hypothesis
an educated guess
statement of the expected relationship between the variables being tested
