ch 1 sac revision (1A All, 1B) Flashcards

Question

discussion

Answer 1

* whether the results support the hypothesis (or disprove the null hypothesis), including any information about the statistical significance of the results and the confidence you have that the hypothesis is supported. * whether your results are similar, or different, to those obtained by other students or classes, or to similar research performed by others. * explanations of the results, based on biological theories or models. If the hypothesis was not supported, an assessment on whether this was due to flaws in the experiment or whether it indicates that the model on which you based your hypothesis is flawed. * any factors which may be weaknesses, such as:– any systematic or random errors you noticed.– the precision of the data (or lack thereof)– limitations of the study – including the range of data, and whether it is reasonable to assume that a trend will continue outside the range measured. * modifications that could be made to the method to refine the research if it were to be repeated.

Answer 2

The conclusion is very similar to the abstract, but a little longer and in more detail. It is still short, however, and the main focus of the conclusion is: * to restate the hypothesis you were testing. * to state whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted, and how confident you are. * to reiterate the importance or meaning of the results if the hypothesis was supported. * if the hypothesis was not supported, restate whether the causes is likely to be a flawed experimental design, or whether your model needs to be revised. * the impact of the findings on scientific knowledge or application to society

Answer 3

Opinions are views or judgements formed about something, not necessarily based on fact. Anecdotes are brief revealing stories about incidents or people. Neither opinions nor anecdotes make for good science

Answer 4

1) Assuming that correlation means causation Just because two things happen together does not mean that one causes the other. This is why a controlled experiment, in which all extraneous variables are meticulously controlled, is so important (and that can be hard to do!). 2) Assuming that a trend continues outside the range measured This is why identifying limitations of your research is so important

Answer 5

Accuracy refers to how close the results are to the truth.

Answer 6

Precision refers to how similar the results are to each other.

Answer 7

Reliability is very closely related to precision. In fact, the two terms are often used interchangeably, but reliability also includes the idea of the significance of the results. That is, the confidence that the results are not due to chance.

Answer 8

Random errors are caused by uncontrolled extraneous variables.

Answer 9

Systematic errors are caused by faulty equipment.

Answer 10

Limitations may include such things as: * a lack of time. * too small a sample size. * the use of equipment that was not ideal. * acknowledged bias in the researcher. * a narrow scope of application

Answer 11

If you perform an experiment and record results which you then use to answer your research question, then you are using primary data. If you obtain data from someone else (another student, an online case study, etc.) and use it to answer your research question, then you are using secondary data

Answer 12

Quantitativedata is data represented by numbers. Qualitativedata is data that cannot be represented by numbers. When possible, quantitative data is much preferred over qualitative data. This is harder to achieve in some types of experiments, but if you think hard enough, you should be able to quantify your data

Answer 13

The type of graph you use will depend on the type of data you have collected. Numerical data is typically graphed using a scatter plot or line graph. Categorical data is usually graphed using a bar or column graph (or sometimes a pie chart).

Answer 14

Examples of possible risks in a school laboratory experiment * Sharp objects * Flammable materials – especially if you are using an ignition source such as a Bunsen burner * Hazardous chemicals * Open flames or hot surfaces * Potentially pathogenic organisms * Allergens The risk posed by these hazards may be accentuated by contextual factors, such as: * the number of students in the room / crowding. * the behaviour of the class. * the experience of the staff and students.

Answer 15

Some suggestions include such things as: * wearing personal protective equipment such as a lab coat, glasses, gloves, and enclosed shoes. * using a fume hood. * tying back long hair. * paying attention to cleanliness – such as handwashing. * wiping down benches before and after use with disinfectant. * avoiding overcrowding of the space. Image byAnna Shvets/ Pexels.com license * removing clutter from benchtops

Answer 16

Here are the main methodologies: * Classification and identification * Controlled experiment more but these are most relevant

Answer 17

Take a large number of samples. * Decide where samples will be taken before arriving on site. * Use a random number generator to choose sampling sites. * Decide the rules for counting before starting. For example, will you count species that are partially inside the quadrat, or only include individuals that are more than 50% inside the quadrat. * Use the same sampling technique consistently for all samples. * Make sure that any equipment used is calibrated before use

Answer 18

A control provides a basis for comparison, demonstrating the effect of the IV on the DV.

Answer 19

An experiment must always be repeated. The more times it is repeated, the more reliable the results are. If an experiment is only conducted once (or even a few times), no conclusion can be drawn from the results.