3.1 scientific principles and process

Question 1

What is the scientific method?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What can scientific research be thought of as and what happens over time?

Answer 2

• refinement of ideas is the norm
• scientific knowledge can be thought of as the current best explanation
• this may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evidence

Question 3

What does a null hypothesis propose?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

what is failure to find an effect also known as and what is it?

Answer 4

• a negative result
• it is a valid finding, as long as the 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

When is a null hypothesis rejected?

Answer 6

if there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance

Question 7

When do scientific ideas become accepted?

Answer 7

once they have been checked independently
- they must be reproducible, one off results are treated with caution

Question 8

What is the importance of publication methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports?

Answer 8

so that others are able to repeat an experiment

Question 8

What is the importance of publication methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports?

Answer 8

so that others are able to repeat an experiment

Question 9

Name 4 common methods of sharing original scientific findings?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What do most scientific publications use?

Answer 10

peer review

Question 11

What is peer review?

Answer 11

specialists with expertise in the relevant field asses the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication

Question 12

What is the purpose of review articles?

Answer 12

they summarise the current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field

Question 13

What is a critical evaluation of scientific coverage in the media?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What is the importance of integrity and honestly - unbiased presentation of results, citing and providing references, avoiding plagiarism?

Answer 14

• while judgements and interpretations of scientific evidence may be disrupted, integrity and honesty are of key importance in science
• the replication of experiments by others reduced the opportunity for dishonesty or the deliberate misuse of science

Question 15

What are the 3 Rs in animal studies?

Answer 15

• replacement
• reduction
• refinement

Question 16

What is the use of the 3 Rs in animal studies?

Answer 16

avoid, reduce or minimise the harm to animals

Question 17

What 3 elements must be used in human studies?

Answer 17

• informed consent
• the right to withdraw
• confidentiality

Question 18

Define the 3 Rs in animal studies?

Answer 18

• Replacement
  
  • methods which avoid or replace the use of animals
• reduction
  
  • fewer animals being used
• refinement
  
  • minimise pain and distress and increase animal welfare

Question 19

How must scientific research be justified and risk assessed?

Answer 19

• value of scientific investigations must be justifiable in terms of the benefits of its outcome, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge
• as a result of risks involved, many areas of scientific research are highly regulated and licensed by governments

Question 20

What must be taken into account when conducting scientific research?

Answer 20

the risk to and safety of:
- subject species
- individuals
- investigators
- the environment

Question 21

What other factors can influence scientific research?

Answer 21

• legislation
• regulation
• policy
• funding

Question 22

What is the effect of legislation on scientific research?

Answer 22

it limits the potential for the misuse of studies and data