3Is - part 1

Question 1

Explain what science is

Answer 1

Science is what scientists do. Science is information – collecting, interpreting, forming conclusions, not simply the collection of facts.

Science is a PATH to understanding. It relies on testing ideas with evidence gathered from repeated experiments or observations.

As new evidence is acquired and new perspectives emerge, these theories can change and be revised.

Question 2

Outline differences between the way in which scientists view the world and the way others do.

Answer 2

1) Scientists look at things in depth and focus on details while others look for a quick overview.
2) Scientists emphasize questions, not answers. New findings open the door to new research questions.
3) Scientists are rational. Non-scientists look for the emotional human element because it is more appealing to readers, viewers and listeners.
4) Scientists go from evidence to conclusion. Non-scientists report the conclusion first, then put as much detail as they have room for, sometimes leaving out crucial details.

Question 3

Describe the differences between descriptive and experimental research.

Answer 3

Descriptive Research:

1) Observations
2) “If, Then” hypothesis.
3) Does not explain causal mechanisms

Experimental Research:
1) Explain causal mechanisms

2) Hypothesis-driven experiment (2-step process: 1) If the idea is correct, what would we expect to see? 2) Does that expectation match what we actually observe?)
3) Random selection & assignment (sample size, values, mean calculation, descriptive & inferential statistics)
4) Null hypothesis significance testing (Bell curve testing)

Question 4

Explain the step-by-step procedure for testing an idea.

Answer 4

1) Define the question
2) Gather information and resources
3) Form hypothesis
4) Perform experiment and collect data
5) Analyze data
6) Interpret data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new hypotheses
7) Publish results

Question 5

Explain what makes a good or bad research journal paper

Answer 5

1) Good Content: New and not resembling something formerly known or used (can be novel but not important)
2) Good writing style
3) Publication in good journals: a) Impact Factor - average number of times published papers are cited up to two years after publication. b) Immediacy Index - average number of times published papers are cited during year of publication

Question 6

Outline the essential attributes of a research journal paper

Answer 6

1) Introduction: Background, Need for the article, Hypothesis
2) Materials and Methods: a) should be able to repeat the study, b) subjects (i.e. animal species, humans, ethical approval, informed consent), c) equipment, d) experimental methods/statistical tests
3) Results: a) methodical expression of data, b) prose should be able to stand alone, c) figures/tables should be able to stand alone, d) statistical analysis
4) Discussion: a) hypothesis restated, b) data discussed in context, c) significance, d) application, e) limitations, f) future/continued study
5) Conclusion: Implications for public policy, clinical standard, etc. If there are risk/benefit trade-offs involved, say so
6) List of References

Question 7

Describe the research journal paper peer review process

Answer 7

1) The researcher writes a paper and submits it to the editor or a journal
2) The editor determines whether the article is of sufficient quality and appropriate content. They will either reject or accept it. If accepted, the article is passed on to the reviewers.
3) The reviewers have specialized knowledge of the subject area and are oftentimes researchers themselves. They review the article for quality of research. Their goal is to find any gaps in reasoning and to ensure that nothing has been overlooked.
4) The article is returned to the editor along with a recommendation to either reject the article, revise it or to accept it.
5) The article is returned to the researcher along with the reviewer’s feedback and any requests for revision. They will have. to revise the article and resubmit it.
6) The editor receives the revised article and makes the final decision to publish or not, taking into consideration the reviewer’s feedback.
7) End Result: Publication

Question 8

List the main types of report to be produced, either as part of a team or individually, through the rest of the MSS

Answer 8

1) Meeting reports (i.e. minutes)
2) Team Assignment Reports: Assignments 2.1-2.4
3) Team Project Reports: Literature Review, Plan, Draft Final Report, Assessed Final Report, Executive Summary
4) Individual Project Reports: Plan Draft, Plan, Final Report
5) Internship Reports: Biweekly progress reports, Final Report

Question 9

List important features that readers look for in a report - and some things that are not so welcome

Answer 9

Readers want reports which:

1) Address the Problem
2) Are well-structured and clear
3) Say what it all means (i.e. interpret findings rather than just report them)
4) Provide recommendations and action points
5) Are concise and to the point
6) include well-presented graphics
7) Include a clear, concise abstract/executive summary

Readers DO NOT want reports which:

1) Contain poor grammar, punctuation and spelling
2) Contain spurious conclusions not supported by the data
3) Have too many quotes
4) Have too much jargon
5) Have too many tables
6) State the obvious

Question 10

List important characteristics of a well-written report

Answer 10

1) Preface Material: abstract or summary, title page, table of contents, lists of tables/figures, abbreviation list, notation list
2) Introduction: background, objectives, primary aims and any sub-objectives, methods.
3) Main Body of Report: the whole reason for the report. Ensure quality and consistency throughout
4) Conclusions & Recommendations: Draw together report findings, offer suggested solutions to specific problems. Include both facts and value judgments - should be clearly separated from each other
5) References: a) to acknowledge the original source and b) to allow the reader to find out more information at their discretion
6) Appendices: for data/info which is useful but not essential to the main findings or conclusions

Question 11

Put into practice the advice given for:

1) Coming up with an agreed report structure
2) Producing a good balance of text and graphics
3) Getting the report to read well
4) Including complete and consistent references

Answer 11

1) Tailor the report to the anticipated needs or readers. Plan the structure early on. Devise style, font, text, paper size, margins, etc.
2) Graphics can be used to break up monotony of text, but they MUST be pertinent to the information being presented, MUST be referenced in the text, and MUST be stated as to why they are important. Graphics must have proper legends and must be of high visual quality. Always number/title tables and diagrams. Keep it simple, otherwise it defeats the purpose
3) Use proper English spelling, punctuation and grammar. Use active voice (not passive) whilst writing. Assign a strong editor(s) for the project to help with clarity and consistency.
4) References must be clear and accurate. In-text citations must be properly referenced. Consistently keep a list of references throughout the project. DO NOT leave it for the end. Any information that does not have a reference should be excluded from the report.

Question 12

Explain what is meant by plagiarism and how to avoid it.

Answer 12

Plagiarism is to:
1) Steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one’s own

2) Use another’s production without crediting the source
3) Commit literary theft by presenting as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source

Avoid Plagiarism by:
1) Proper referencing and in-text citations

2) Using plagiarism checking software (e.g. Turnitin, Grammarly)
3) Understanding what plagiarism is before beginning a project or report