chapter 1+2 - investigating scientifically

Question 1

what is validity

Answer 1

• the extent to which an experiment tests what it is supposed to test
  experimental error:
• human error: simply a mistake
• random error: unpredictable error (repetition reduces random error by averaging)
• systematic error: occurs because of the design of the experiment

Question 2

what is reliability

Answer 2

• the extent to which the experiment gives the same result each time
• explain ways to make results more accurate

Question 3

what is objectivity

Answer 3

• not allowing your thoughts or feelings to influence how you record or interpret validation
• e.g a ‘double blind’ experiment: neither the scientists nor the subjects know wether they are taking the placebo (eliminates bias results regarding the placebo effect)

Question 4

what is a placebo

Answer 4

• an inactive substance that looks like real medication, used in a medical experiment

Question 5

what is a peer review

Answer 5

• a peer review is a process where scientists evaluate the quality of other scientists’ work. - by doings this, they aim to ensure the work is rigorous, coherent, uses past research and adds to what we already knew and isn’t repeating past findings.

Question 6

what is a hypothesis

Answer 6

• a definite statement (not question)
• short, succinct and simple
• links two variables

Question 7

what is a fair test

Answer 7

• an experiment involving an experimental group and an appropriate control group

Question 8

what is human biological science

Answer 8

• the scientific study of humans, both as individuals and populations
• the study of interaction between human and their environment

Question 9

what is a variable

Answer 9

• any factor that may change during an experiment
• independent: factor that is changed
• dependent: factor that is measured
• controlled: kept the same
• uncontrolled: overlooked / impossible to control