Scientific skills & ethics

Question 1

Describe the differences between quantitative and qualitative data

Answer 1

Qualitative data is descriptions e.g. colour and is represented with a bar graph as the data is discontinuous.
Quantitative data is numerical data e.g. 10 seconds and is represented as a line graph or histogram as it is continuous data.

Question 2

Define independent variable

Answer 2

The independent variable is a factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment to determine it’s effect on the dependent variable.

Question 3

Define dependent variable

Answer 3

The dependent variable is measured to determine if the change or manipulation of the independent variable had any effect.

Question 4

Define controlled variable

Answer 4

A controlled variable is one that is kept constant throughout the experiment.

Question 5

Define reproducibility

Answer 5

Reproducibility is the closeness of results between a different experiment testing the same thing carried out by a different experimenter.

Question 6

Define accuracy and state how you would improve the accuracy of an experiment.

Answer 6

The accuracy of a measurement relates to how close it is to the ‘true’ value of the quantity being measured.
Improve the measuring tool that is used to measure the dependent variable or collecting quantitative data instead of qualitative data.

Question 7

Define repeatability

Answer 7

Repeatability is the closeness of results between the same experiment carried out by the same experimenter.

Question 8

Define control group

Answer 8

Factor affecting change has been removed, to provide a baseline of a comparison to the experimental group.

Question 9

State an alternative type of experiment if a scientist cannot do a controlled experiment themselves

Answer 9

Literature review
Correlational studies
Classification and identification
Case study
Fieldwork
Modelling (this could also be running a simulation)

Question 10

State why a controlled experiment is not always possible

Answer 10

It may cause harm and breach the bioethical concept of non-malificence /breach the bioethical conseuqences based approach of .

Question 11

Define a placebo group/treatment

Answer 11

Fake or inactive treatment/substance

Question 12

Describe a correlational study

Answer 12

Planned observation and recording of events and behaviours (that have not been manipulated or controlled) to understand the relationships/associations that exist between variables.

Question 13

Describe a case study

Answer 13

An investigation of a particular activity, behaviour, event or problem that contains a real or hypothetical situation and includes the complexities that would be encountered in the real world.

Question 14

Describe fieldwork

Answer 14

Fieldwork is practical work, including experiential learning and research, conducted in the natural environment rather than in formal teaching environment or laboratories.

Question 15

Define the viewpoint of a consequences based approach to bioethics.

Answer 15

Maximise the positive outcomes and minimise the negative effects.

Question 16

Describe the viewpoint of a duty based approach.

Answer 16

People have a duty to act in a particular way (e.g. duty of care) regardless of the consequences that may be produced.

Question 17

Describe the viewpoint of a virtues based approach.

Answer 17

Consideration is given to the virtue or moral character of the person carrying out the action. This approach believes that the person will chose to do the right thing based off their good caring character.

Question 18

Describe the ethical concept of integrity.

Answer 18

Honest reporting of all sources of information and communication of results, whether favourable or unfavourable.

Question 19

Describe the ethical concept of justice

Answer 19

fair consideration of competing claims and that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action
fair distribution and access to the benefits of an action.

Question 20

Describe the ethical concept of beneficence.

Answer 20

the commitment to maximising benefits and minimising the risks and harms involved in taking a particular position or course of action.

Question 21

Describe the ethical concepts of non-maleficence

Answer 21

involves avoiding the causations of harm.
harm resulting from any position or course of action should not be disproportionate to the benefits from any position or course of action.

Question 22

Describe the ethical concept of respect

Answer 22

Consideration of the intrinsic value of all living things
Capacity of living things to make their own decisions and give informed consent.