3. scientific principles and process

Question 1

what are the steps involved in the scientific cycle?

Answer 1

1. observation
2. construction of testable hypothesis
3. experimental design
4. gathering data
5. evaluation and forming conclusions
6. new hypothesis formulated

Question 2

what does a null hypothesis propose?

Answer 2

that there will be no statistically significant result

Question 3

when can a null hypothesis be rejected?

Answer 3

if there if evidence of an effect which is not due to chance

Question 4

when do scientific ideas only become accepted?

Answer 4

if they are verified (or alternatives have been falsified) independently

Question 5

why is it important for scientists to publish their methods and results in a scientific report?

Answer 5

to allow other scientists to repeat the experiment either for verification or further studies

Question 6

what is a peer review?

Answer 6

when specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted journal

Question 7

what does peer review allow?

Answer 7

specialists to make recommendations regarding the suitability of the article for publication

Question 8

what are review articles?

Answer 8

articles in scientific journals which sum up knowledge and recent findings within a particular field

Question 9

what does critical evaluation involve?

Answer 9

insuring that all work carried out is reliable, valid, and has been checked by a 3rd party

Question 10

why is critical evaluation important?

Answer 10

there is a major issue with the misinterpretation of science by the media/public, so it is vital that the public’s understanding of science is increased to avoid problems

Question 11

what comes under the importance of high integrity and honesty?

Answer 11

unbiased presentation of results, providing citations and references to avoid plagiarism

Question 12

in animal studies, which concepts are used to minimise/avoid the harm done to animals?

Answer 12

replacement of animals with use of alternatives
reduction in number of animals used
refinement - negative impact of animals used minimised

Question 13

what are the ethical guidelines for human studies?

Answer 13

informed consent - participant given details of study and an opportunity to decline to take part
right to withdraw data - option to withdraw consent right up until publication
confidentiality - any data gathered should be anonymous to protect rights