Scientific principles and process Flashcards
What can scientific knowledge be thought of?
The current best explanation, which may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evidence.
What is the scientific cycle?
Observation; construction of a testable hypothesis; experimental design; gathering, recording, and analysis of data; evaluation of results and conclusions; the formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary.
What does the null hypothesis propose?
That there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experimental treatment.
Is failure to find an effect (a negative result) a valid finding?
Yes, aslong as an experiment is well designed.
How can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved?
Through careful evaluation or can lead to further experimentation.
When is the null hypothesis rejected?
If there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance.
When can scientific ideas become accepted?
Once they have been checked independently.
What must effects be?
Reproducible.
How are one off results treated?
With caution.
Why is it important to publish methods, data, analysis, and conclusions in scientific reports?
So that others can repeat an experiment.
What are some common methods of sharing original scientific findings?
Seminars, talks, and posters at conferences, and publishing in academic journals.
What is the importance of peer review and critical evaluation by specialists with expertise in the relevant field? / what is peer review?
Most scientific publications use peer review. Specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication.
What do review articles do?
Summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.
Science and the media?
The misinterpretation of science in the media is common, so we must try to increase the populations scientific evaluation skills.
Integrity and honesty in science- examples?
- Unbiased presentation of results
- Citing and providing references
- Avoiding plagiarism
What is of key importance in science?
While judgements and interpretations of scientific evidence may be disputed. Integrity and honesty are of key importance in science.
What are the 3R’s used for?
The concepts of Replacement, Reductuon and Refinement are used to avoid, reduce or minimise harm to animals.
Ethical guidelines for HUMAN studies? (Informed consent)
Participants are given details of study and have the opportunity to decline to take part.
Ethical guidelines for HUMAN studies? (The right to withdraw)
Participants should have the opportunity to withdraw their consent to participate right up to the publication of the data.
Ethical guidelines for HUMAN studies? (Confidentiality in human studies)
Any data gathered should be anonymous in order to protect the rights of participants.
The value or quality of science investigations must be justifiable in terms of… including…
the benefits of its outcome, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
As a result of the risks involved, many areas of scientific research are…
Highly regulated and licensed by governments.
What must be taken into account in experiments?
The risk to and safety of subject species, individuals, investigators and the environment.
