General Skills (chapter 1) Flashcards
controlled experiment
an investigation into the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable, while keeping all other factors constant
reliable
describes an experiment, tool, or measurement that produces similar results when repeated and reproduced
error
differences between observed values and the true value
dependent variable (DV)
the factor/s measured in the experiment that are changed when the IV is manipulated
independent variable (IV)
the factor/s that is/are manipulated in an experiment
controlled variable
a factor that is kept constant throughout the experiment. Also known as a constant variable
uncontrolled variable
a factor that is not kept constant or accounted for throughout the experiment. Also known as an extraneous variable
methodology
the strategy or overarching framework followed in a scientific investigation
method
the steps followed in a scientific investigation
valid
a measurement or experiment that actually tests what it claims to be testing
experimental group
a group of individuals/samples in which the independent variable is manipulated. Also known as the treatment group
control group
a group of individuals/samples that are not exposed to the independent variable. Also known as an experimental control, control treatment, or the control
precise
two or more measurements that closely align with each other
accurate
how close a measurement is to the true value
random error
variation in results caused by uncontrollable conditions between replicates, resulting in a less precise spread of readings. Can be reduced using more replicates or refining the measurement process
personal error
mistakes or miscalculations due to human fault. Can be eliminated by performing the experiment again correctly
systematic error
errors which cause results to differ by a consistent amount each time, typically due to faulty equipment or calibration, resulting in a less accurate result. Can be reduced by calibrating and maintaining instruments
ethics
a field of knowledge that
helps individuals exercise moral
judgment and determine what is
right and wrong
primary data
results collected
from experiments, interviews,
or surveys undertaken by the
researcher
raw data
results that have not
been processed, manipulated, or
formatted for use
transformed data
results that
have been converted from their
raw format into a more visually
comprehensible format that is
easier to analyse
secondary data
results from
sources other than the researcher’s
own investigations
consequences–based approach
an approach to bioethics that
aims to maximise positive
outcomes while minimising
negative outcomes
duty– and/or
rule–based approach
an approach to bioethics that
promotes the responsibility of
the agent above all else,
and places importance on the duty
of each individual
virtues–based approach
an approach to bioethics that
emphasises the individual
goodness of the agent, and
promotes acting in accordance
with the values of a ‘moral’ person,
such as honesty and compassion
integrity
an ethical concept that
encourages a full commitment to
knowledge and understanding as
well as the honest reporting of all
sources of information and results
justice
an ethical concept that
encourages fair consideration of
competing claims, and ensures
that there is no unfair burden on a
particular group from an action
beneficence
an ethical concept
that seeks to maximise benefits
when taking a particular position
or course of action
non–maleficence
an ethical
concept that discourages
causing harm – or when harm is
unavoidable, ensuring that the
harm is not disproportionate to
the benefits from any position or
course of action
respect
an ethical concept that
encourages the acknowledgment
of the intrinsic value of living
things, and considers the welfare,
beliefs, customs, and cultural
heritage of both the individual and
the collective
