How Science Works Flashcards
How is a correlation established?
Large amounts of data are needed to ensure statistical significance
List 3 different types of general risk factors
Genetics
Physical environment
Social environment
Lifestyle and behaviour choices
What is a null hypothesis?
The assumption that there is no difference between an experimental group and a control group. The aim is to disprove it.
Why do scientists try to disprove a null hypothesis rather than prove a hypothesis?
Often it takes less energy to disprove something than to prove it; in the scientific community until something is proved impossible, it’s still possible.
What are the features of a good study?
Controlling variables - Increasing validity
Clear Aim
Representative sample
Valid and reliable results
What is a cohort study?
Where a group of people are followed over time to see who develops the diesease
What is a case control study?
Where a group of people who have the disease are compared with a group who don’t have the disease
What is a risk?
The probability of an unwanted event or outcome
What is probability?
The likelihood of something happening. This has a precise mathematical meaning and is always associated with a time period/ condition
Why is the risk of anything never zero?
There is always the chance of something happening given different circumstances.
List 5 different reasons why people will overestimate risk?
When it is: Not under their control Not natural Unfamiliar Dreaded Unfair Very small
Why might a risk be underestimated?
When it has an effect in the long term future
What information do scientists need to draw a good conclusion after the experiment/investigation has taken place?
Indication of sample size
Data analysis
Indication of other variables
What is the importance of using a control?
Comparison
What always needs to be considered when questioning reliability?
Sample size
Time scale (Long or Short term?)
Variables
Error bars
