scientific skills

Question 1

accuracy

Answer 1

how close a measurement is to the true value

Question 2

control group

Answer 2

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 3

controlled variable

Answer 3

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

Question 4

dependent variable

Answer 4

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

Question 5

controlled experiment

Answer 5

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

Question 6

hypothesis

Answer 6

a testable statement that describes how
experimenters expect the dependent variable to change as the independent variable changes

Question 7

independent variable

Answer 7

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

Question 8

outliers

Answer 8

a reading that varies drastically from other results

Question 9

precision

Answer 9

two or more measurements that closely align with each other

Question 10

qualitative data

Answer 10

non-numerical data

Question 11

quantitative data

Answer 11

measures of values and counts expressed as numbers

Question 12

random error

Answer 12

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 13

reliability

Answer 13

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

Question 14

repeatability

Answer 14

same condition can obtain the same result multiple times

Question 15

reproducibility

Answer 15

Different conditions obtain the same results as another group’s experiment

Question 16

systematic error

Answer 16

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 17

validity

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Approaches

Answer 18

a decision–making framework that helps guide ethical behaviour

Question 19

Concepts

Answer 19

a specific perspective or lens used to consider multiple angles of an ethical dilemma

Question 20

Consequence based approach

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Duties based approach

Answer 21

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

Question 22

virtues based

Answer 22

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 23

integrity

Answer 23

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 24

justice

Answer 24

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 25

beneficence

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Non-maleficence

Answer 26

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 27

respect

Answer 27

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