Scientific Principles and Process 3.1

Question 1

what does the scientific cycle involve?

Answer 1

• observation
• construction of a testable hypothesis
• experimental design
• gathering, recording and analysis of data
• evaluation of results and conclusions
• formation of revised hypothesis where necessary

Question 2

what is the characteristic of the scientific process?

Answer 2

In science, refinement of ideas is the norm, and scientific knowledge can be thought of as the current best explanation, which may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evidence

Question 3

what does the null hypothesis propose?

Answer 3

that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of experiment treatment

Question 4

when can a failure to find an effect (a negative result) be a valid finding?

Answer 4

when an experiment is well designed

Question 5

how can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved?

Answer 5

through careful evaluation or can lead to further experimentation

Question 6

what happens if there is evidence for an effect?

Answer 6

null hypothesis is rejected

Question 7

when do scientific ideas become accepted?

Answer 7

once they have been checked independently

Question 8

the effects must be what?

Answer 8

reproducible

Question 9

what type of results are treated with caution?

Answer 9

one-off results

Question 10

why is the publication of methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports important?

Answer 10

so that others are able to repeat an experiment

Question 11

what are common methods of sharing original scientific findings?

Answer 11

• seminars
• talks
• posters at conferences
• publishing in academic journals

Question 12

what is peer review?

Answer 12

the review of scientific publications and critical evaluations by specialists with expertise in the relevant field are essential to the scientific process

Question 13

what do most scientific publications use?

Answer 13

peer review

Question 14

what are review articles and why are they essential to scientists undertaking new research in that field?

Answer 14

they summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field

Question 15

what does science coverage in the wider media require before it should be accepted?

Answer 15

critical evaluation

Question 16

what has there been increases of?

Answer 16

• public understanding of science
• the issue of misrepresentation of science

Question 17

what are important in scientific reports?

Answer 17

• unbiased presentation of results citing and providing references
• avoiding plagiarism

Question 18

while judgements and interpretations of scientific evidence may be disputed, what are of key importance in science?

Answer 18

integrity and honesty

Question 19

what does the replication of experiments by others reduce?

Answer 19

the opportunity for dishonesty or the deliberate misuse of science

Question 20

what concepts are used to avoid, reduce or minimise harms to animals?

Answer 20

• replacement
• reduction
• refinement

Question 21

what are key factors in human studies?

Answer 21

• informed consent
• right to withdraw
• confidentiality

Question 22

the value of quality of science investigations must be justifiable in terms of that?

Answer 22

the benefits of its outcome, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge

Question 23

what is the result of many risks being involved in scientific investigations?

Answer 23

many areas. of scientific research are highly regulated and licensed by governments

Question 24

what must be taken into account when it comes to risk and safety?

Answer 24

• subject species
• individuals
• investigators
  -environment

Question 25

what can influence scientific research?

Answer 25

• legislation
• regulations
• policy
• funding

Question 26

what does legislation limit?

Answer 26

the potential for the misuse of studies and data