Scientific Principles and Processes

Question 1

What is an independent variable ?

Answer 1

The variable that is changed in the scientific experiment.

Question 2

What is a dependent variable ?

Answer 2

The variable being measured in a scientific experiment.

Question 3

What is a hypothesis ?

Answer 3

-A prediction on the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

-A hypothesis predicts that a relationship exists between two variables

Question 4

What is a confounding variable ?

Answer 4

-Due to the complexities of biological systems, other variables besides the independent variable may affect the dependent variable.
-These confounding variables must be held constant if possible, or at least monitored so that their effect on the results can be accounted for in the analysis.

Question 5

What is the Scientific Cycle Model (The Scientific Method)

Answer 5

In science, refinement of ideas is the norm, and scientific knowledge can be thought of as the current best explanation, which may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evidence.

Question 6

What are the stages in the scientific cycle ?

Answer 6

-Observation
-Construction of a testable hypothesis
-Experimental design
-Gathering, recording, and analysis of data
-Evaluation of results and drawing conclusions
-The formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary

Question 7

Describe making hypotheses

Answer 7

A hypothesis predicts that a relationship exists between two variables.

Question 8

Describe a negative result as a part of the scientific cycle

Answer 8

Failure to find an effect (a negative result) is a valid finding as long as an experiment is well designed.

Question 9

What does a “well designed” experiment mean ?

Answer 9

• The dependent variable can be measured.

-Confounding variables can be controlled.

-Sample size is suitable.

-A control is included (If appropriate)

Question 10

How would you resolve conflicting data?

Answer 10

Conflicting data or conclusions can be resolved through careful evaluation or can lead to further experimentation.

Question 11

What is required to mean that results are valid

Answer 11

Results must be reproducible, if they are one-off, they are usually treated with caution.

Question 12

What is a null hypothesis ? (HO)

Answer 12

Proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment - the variable that you are changing has no effect on the variable you are measuring.

Question 13

When is a null hypothesis accepted or rejected ?

Answer 13

If there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance, then the null hypothesis is rejected.

If there is not evidence of an effect, the null hypothesis can be accepted.

Question 14

When are scientific ideas accepted ?

Answer 14

Scientific ideas only become accepted once they have been checked independently.

Effects must be reproducible - one-off results are treated with caution.

Question 15

Why is it important to include what in scientific reports.

Answer 15

It is important to publish methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports so that others are able to repeat an experiment - to establish reproducible results.

Question 16

What are common methods of sharing original findings ?

Answer 16

-Seminars
-Talks and posters at conferences
-Publishing in academic journals

Question 17

What is peer review ?

Answer 17

-Most scientific publications use peer review.

-Critical evaluation by experts in the relevant field.

-This involves specialists with expertise in the relevant field assessing the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and making recommendations regarding its suitability for publication (reading and commenting on it)

Question 18

Why is critical evaluation of a manuscript an important process ?
(Wider media)

Answer 18

-Peer review increases the public understanding of science. This helps minimise the issue of misrepresentation of science in the media.

Question 19

What is a review article ?

Answer 19

Where a number of scientific findings have been made in a particular field, most scientific journals will publish a review article which summarises current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.

Question 20

What ways can scientists demonstrate integrity and honesty ?

Answer 20

-Use of citations/references.
-Avoiding plagiarism.
-Presentation of unbiased results.

Question 21

Describe integrity and honesty in science

Answer 21

-While judgements and interpretations of scientific evidence may be disputed, integrity and honesty are of key importance in science.

-The replication of experiments by others reduces the opportunity for dishonesty or the deliberate misuse of science.

Question 22

What are the three Rs?
(Animal Studies)

Answer 22

1) Replacement
- Can the animal be replaced with a suitable technique ?

2) Reduction
- Can a fewer number of animals be used ? and still maintain validity

3) Refinement
- Can the procedure be refined to reduce human error/animal suffering ?

Question 23

Why are the three Rs applied to animal studies ?

Answer 23

The concepts of replacement, reduction, and refinement are used to avoid, reduce or minimise the harm to animals, during animal studies.

Question 24

Why are many areas of scientific research highly regulated and licensed by governments ?

Answer 24

-The value or quality of science investigations must be justifiable in terms of the benefits of its outcome, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

-As a result of the risks involved, many areas of scientific research are highly regulated and licensed by governments.

Question 25

How can human studies be carried out ethically ?

Answer 25

-Use of informed consent.

-The right to withdraw (themselves and their data) is provided.

-Confidentiality is used.

Question 26

What must be considered for ethical research ?

Answer 26

• Justification for scientific research.
  -Assessment of any risks.
  -The risk to and safety of subject species, individuals, investigators and the environment.

All of the above must be taken into account when carrying out scientific research.

Question 27

What can influence scientific research?

Answer 27

Legislation, regulation, policy and funding.

Legislation limits the potential for the misuse of studies and data

Question 28

When assessing the risk associated with scientific research for justification, who and what is taken into consideration ?

Answer 28

Subject species, individuals, investigators and environment

Question 29

What is the norm in science ?

Answer 29

In science, refinement of ideas is the norm, and scientific knowledge can be thought of as the current best explanation, which may then be updated after evaluation of further experimental evdience,