3.1 Scientific Principles and Process

Question 1

What are the 6 components of the scientific cycle?

Answer 1

1. observation
2. construction of a testable hypothesis
3. experimental design
4. gathering, recording and analysis of data
5. evaluation of results and conclusions
6. construction of a revised hypothesis (when necessary)

Question 2

Scientific knowledge can be thought of as…

Answer 2

the best current explanation

Question 3

What does the null hypothesis propose?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

When are negative results valid?

Answer 4

when the experiment is well designed

Question 5

When would you reject the null hypothesis?

Answer 5

if there is evidence for an effect that is unlikely due to chance alone

Question 6

Results must be reliable. What does this mean?

Answer 6

they are consistent throughout independent replicates and repeat experiments

Question 7

Name four things that should be published in reports to allow readers to repeat the experiment?

Answer 7

Methods, results, analysis and conclusions

Question 8

What is peer review?

Answer 8

the critical evaluation of a scientific paper by scientists with expertise in the relevant field

Question 9

The replication of experiments by others reduces the opportunity for ___ and the deliberate ___ of science.

Answer 9

dishonesty, misuse

Question 10

What are the 3 Rs regarding ethics in animal studies?

Answer 10

replace
>could we use an animal deemed less valuable? :(
refine
>can the experiment be refined to reduce error / harm to animals?
reduce
>could we run tests on fewer animals and still get reliable results?

Question 11

What are the 3 considerations regarding ethics in human studies?

Answer 11

informed consent
right to withdraw
confidentiality

Question 12

Experiments must have an aim, and should be able to benefit the ___ ___.

Answer 12

human race