3.1 Scientific principles and process

Question 1

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 1

This is the idea of what you expect to happen in a set of circumstances, every hypothesis must be testable using the scientific cycle

Question 2

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 2

The null hypothesis proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experimental treatment

Question 3

What is a review article?

Answer 3

This summerises current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field

Question 4

What is a primary paper?
(similar to project)

Answer 4

A report of an experiment by the person or a group who preformed it

Question 5

What is peer review?

Answer 5

This is when an article is assessed by scientists in a relevant field, they assess the scientific quality of a submitted paper for publication. This must be done before a paper is published in a scientific journal

Question 6

Why is it important to peer review articles before publishing?

Answer 6

It allows the scientific community a degree of self regulation, so the publication of unsound results, poor methodology and/or possible damaging conclusions can be avoided

Question 7

What are the 3 R’s in animal studies?

Answer 7

Reduction: Reduce the number of animals in a study
Replacement: Avoid using animals when an alternative cellular or model system exists
Refinement: Techniques should be adjusted to minmised harm to animals

Question 8

What are the criteria in human studies to prevent harm

Answer 8

-Confidentiality
-The right to withdraw data
-Informed decision