Scientific Principles and Processes Flashcards
What are the 4 parts of the scientific cycle?
- Hypothesising, questioning and debating a particular idea or area of science
- Investigating through observing, researching or experimenting;
- Analysis of data and results from experiments through comparing, interpreting or applying statistics; look for patterns or trends
- Evaluation of results and conclusions are formed.
What is a sound hypothesis?
A sound hypothesis:
- Must be based on established data
- Can be tested
- Can be proven false
Following analysis and evaluations, what can be formed?
a new or refined hypothesis and so the cycle continues.
When may a negative result be considered a valid finding?
if the experiment is well designed
What is a null hypothesis?
a hypothesis which the researcher tries to disprove, reject or nullify.
What does an experiment conclusion always refer to?
the null, rejecting or accepting the null hypothesis rather than the alternative hypothesis
Why is the null hypothesis an important starting point in the scientific cycle?
it proposes that there is no link between the independent and dependent variable.
When do scientific ideas become accepted?
once they have been verified independently.
What are one-off results treated with? And what does this mean?
caution, which is why it is essential to do complete independent repeats of an experiment.
How should you go about repeating an experiment?
Repetition should be done at a different time with a completely new set of ingredients, organisms and chemicals
Where may scientists from a range of fields share their findings?
conferences and seminars via lectures, talks and poster displays. Also, in scientific journals
When may scientific findings be published in scientific journals?
if they have been verified and subjected to peer review
Give 4 examples of scientific journals
- Nature
- The Lancet
- Nature Reviews Medicine
- Immunity.
What is crucial in the world of scientific research?
Peer review and critical evaluation of research
How does peer review work?
specialists with an expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript prior to publication, assessing the reliability of the research
What may the peer reviewers’ advise? Give 5 examples
These specialists may advise the writer to make changes to enhance the scientific rigour of the piece before it can be published.
e. g.
- alterations to experimental design, e.g. better control of confounding variables;
- increased number of replicates;
- additional experiments;
- different /more suitable data analysis;
- inclusion of missing key background information.
Where the use of animals is unavoidable, what are the 3Rs that are recommended?
- Replacement
- Reduction
- Refinement
What is meant by replacement?
can the animal be replaced with another? Who decides which animals are acceptable for use and which are not though?
What is meant by reduction?
can fewer animals be used?
What is meant by refinement?
can the procedure be refined to reduce human error?
What may scientists use instead of animals?
models or other alternatives
What is important to remember about any experiments involving animals?
They are strictly controlled, requiring licensed premises and licenses to carry out each piece of research.
If researchers intend to use animals what must they provide?
full justification of which animals are to be used and why. They must also state the expected positive impact on humans and society that using these animals will bring.
In any studies involving humans, what should always be sought?
informed consent
If the study involves participants under 16, what must also be sought?
a parent or carer must also provide informed consent.
During the investigation, what must participants be aware of?
Participants must be aware of the right to withdraw data at any time .
What must be maintained before, during and after the investigation?
participant confidentiality
Through providing informed consent, what will participants be able to assess?
if their participation may contribute to findings that could impact on society or the environment.
What must all scientific investigations be?
justifiable, thus clearly have benefits to society or the environment, or merely the pursuit of scientific knowledge
What are scientific investigations are influenced by?
- risk assessments that must take account of that safety of humans or animals involved and any impact on the environment;
- regulation, policy and licensing by governments which aim to limit the potential for the misuse of studies and data;
- funding which can influence the direction and pace of scientific progress.
What are the 5 things the pace and direction of scientific progress is controlled by?
- Legalisation – what is allowable in law
- Regulation – a framework to operate within the law
- Policy – political emphasis on particular areas
- Funding – financial incentives
- Approval – from an independent ethics commitee
