General Skills (chapter 1)

Question 1

controlled experiment

Answer 1

an investigation into the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable, while keeping all other factors constant

Question 2

reliable

Answer 2

describes an experiment, tool, or measurement that produces similar results when repeated and reproduced

Question 3

error 

Answer 3

differences between observed values and the true value

Question 4

dependent variable (DV)

Answer 4

the factor/s measured in the experiment that are changed when the IV is manipulated

Question 5

independent variable (IV) 

Answer 5

the factor/s that is/are manipulated in an experiment

Question 6

controlled variable

Answer 6

a factor that is kept constant throughout the experiment. Also known as a constant variable

Question 7

uncontrolled variable

Answer 7

a factor that is not kept constant or accounted for throughout the experiment. Also known as an extraneous variable

Question 8

methodology

Answer 8

the strategy or overarching framework followed in a scientific investigation

Question 9

method

Answer 9

the steps followed in a scientific investigation

Question 10

valid 

Answer 10

a measurement or experiment that actually tests what it claims to be testing

Question 11

experimental group

Answer 11

a group of individuals/samples in which the independent variable is manipulated. Also known as the treatment group

Question 12

control group

Answer 12

a group of individuals/samples that are not exposed to the independent variable. Also known as an experimental control, control treatment, or the control

Question 13

precise

Answer 13

two or more measurements that closely align with each other

Question 14

accurate

Answer 14

how close a measurement is to the true value

Question 15

random error

Answer 15

variation in results caused by uncontrollable conditions between replicates, resulting in a less precise spread of readings. Can be reduced using more replicates or refining the measurement process

Question 16

personal error

Answer 16

mistakes or miscalculations due to human fault. Can be eliminated by performing the experiment again correctly

Question 17

systematic error

Answer 17

errors which cause results to differ by a consistent amount each time, typically due to faulty equipment or calibration, resulting in a less accurate result. Can be reduced by calibrating and maintaining instruments

Question 18

ethics

Answer 18

a field of knowledge that
helps individuals exercise moral
judgment and determine what is
right and wrong

Question 19

primary data

Answer 19

results collected
from experiments, interviews,
or surveys undertaken by the
researcher

Question 20

raw data

Answer 20

results that have not
been processed, manipulated, or
formatted for use

Question 21

transformed data 

Answer 21

results that
have been converted from their
raw format into a more visually
comprehensible format that is
easier to analyse

Question 22

secondary data

Answer 22

results from
sources other than the researcher’s
own investigations

Question 23

consequences–based approach 

Answer 23

an approach to bioethics that
aims to maximise positive
outcomes while minimising
negative outcomes

Question 24

duty– and/or
rule–based approach 

Answer 24

an approach to bioethics that
promotes the responsibility of
the agent above all else,
and places importance on the duty
of each individual

Question 25

virtues–based approach 

Answer 25

an approach to bioethics that emphasises the individual goodness of the agent, and promotes acting in accordance with the values of a ‘moral’ person, such as honesty and compassion

Question 26

integrity

Answer 26

an ethical concept that encourages a full commitment to knowledge and understanding as well as the honest reporting of all sources of information and results

Question 27

justice

Answer 27

an ethical concept that encourages fair consideration of competing claims, and ensures that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action

Question 28

beneficence

Answer 28

 an ethical concept that seeks to maximise benefits when taking a particular position or course of action

Question 29

non–maleficence

Answer 29

an ethical concept that discourages causing harm – or when harm is unavoidable, ensuring that the harm is not disproportionate to the benefits from any position or course of action

Question 30

respect 

Answer 30

 an ethical concept that encourages the acknowledgment of the intrinsic value of living things, and considers the welfare, beliefs, customs, and cultural heritage of both the individual and the collective