1 - scientific principles and processes

Question 1

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 ________ evidence.

Answer 1

experimental

Question 2

Describe the scientific cycle

Answer 2

• observation and construction of testable hypothesis
• experimental design
• gathering, recording and analysis of data
• evaluation of results and conclusion
• formation of revised hypothesis where necessary
• back to the top

Question 3

Describe the term null hypothesis

Answer 3

The null hypothesis is when there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment.

Question 4

Describe the importance of a negative result.

Answer 4

Negative results are valid findings, as long as an experiment is well designed. They help researchers modify their experiment.

Question 5

Describe the circumstances under which a null hypothesis can be rejected.

Answer 5

If there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to change, then the null hypothesis is rejected.

Question 6

Scientific ideas only become accepted once they have been checked _______; effects must be reproducible; one-off results are treated with caution.

Answer 6

independently

Question 7

Common methods of sharing original ____ _____ include seminars, talks and posters at conferences and publishing in academic journals.

Answer 7

scientific findings

Question 8

Describe the importance of peer review and critical evaluation by specialists with expertise in the relevant field.

Answer 8

Peer view is when evaluation is done by experts which means the information is more likely to be up to date and correct.

Question 9

Describe the role of review articles.

Answer 9

Review articles summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.

Question 10

Describe the importance of increasing the public understanding of science, and the issue of misrepresentation of science.

Answer 10

It is important to increase the public’s understanding of science so that results of experiments are not taken out of context and wrongly interpreted. Advances can affect the public’s lives so they should be informed.

Question 11

Describe the importance of integrity and honesty.

Answer 11

Integrity and honesty are important in science to reduce the opportunity for dishonesty and deliberate misuse of science.

Question 12

Explain how harm can be minimised in animal studies

Answer 12

Replacement - using alternatives to animals when possible.
Reduction - use as the least amount as possible.
Refinement - for the animals being used, the negative impact on them should be minimised.

Question 13

Describe the roles of informed consent, the right to withdraw data and confidentiality in human studies.

Answer 13

• Informed consent - participants should be given details of the study and the opportunity to decline to take part.
• Right to withdraw data - participants should have the option to withdraw their consent to participate right up until publication of data.
• Confidentiality - any data gathered should be anonymous in order to protect the rights of participants

Question 14

Describe the justification for scientific research and the assessment of any risks.

Answer 14

Many areas of scientific research are highly regulated and licensed by the government.

Question 15

The _____ to and _____ of subject species, individuals, investigators and the environment must be taken into account.

Answer 15

risk , safety

Question 16

L____, r____, p______and f_____ can all influence scientific research.

Answer 16

Legislation, regulation, publicity and funding