Biology Unit 3 Flashcards
What is the null hypothesis?
the null hypothesis proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment
Is failing to find an effect(a negative result) valid?
Yes, as long as an experiment is well designed.
How can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved?
through careful evaluation or can lead to further experimentation
When is the null hypothesis rejected?
when there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance
Scientific ideas only become accepted once….
they have been checked independently
Why are publications of methods, data, analysis, and conclusions in scientific reports important?
so that others are able to repeat the experiment
What are some common methods of sharing new scientific findings?
seminars, talks and posters at conferences, and publishing in academic journals
What is peer review?
Specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication
What are review articles?
Review articles summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field
Examples of integrity and honesty within science?
unbiased presentation of results, citing and providing references, avoiding plagiarism
What does reduce mean? (animal ethics)
When it is impossible to avoid using animals, use the least number possible without invalidating your results.
What does refine mean? (animal ethics)
trying to refine the procedure to reduce the risk of human error - and therefore reducing the risk of harming the animals
What does replace mean? (animal ethics)
can the animal be replaced with another non-animal alternative?
Name some human ethics principles
informed consent, right to withdraw, confidentiality
What can influence scientific research?
Legislation, regulation, policy and funding
What is validity?
Variables controlled so that any measured effect is likely to be due to the independent variable
What is reliability?
consistent values in repeats and independent replicates
What is accuracy?
data or means of data sets, are close to the true value
What is precision?
measured values are close to eachother
What is a pilot study used to help do?
plan procedures, assess validity, and check techniques
Pilot studies allow evaluation and….
modification of experimental design
The use of a pilot study can ensure an appropriate….
range of values for the independent variable
Pilot studies allow the investigator to establish…
the number of repeat measurements required to give a representative value for each independent datum point
Independent and dependent variables can be…..
continuous or discrete
What is the independent variable?
The variable that is changed in a scientific experiment
What is the dependent variable?
The variable being measured in a scientific experiment