Unit 3

Question 1

scientific cycle

Answer 1

observation, construction of testable hypothesis, experimental design, gathering recording and analysis of data, evaluation of results and conclusion, formation of a revised hypothesis

Question 2

Null Hypothesis

Answer 2

There will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment.
If there is evidence for effect then the null hypothesis will be rejected.

Question 3

When do scientific ideas become accepted

Answer 3

Once they have been checked independently and effects must be reproducible, one off results and be treated with caution.

Question 4

Common methods of sharing original scientific findings

Answer 4

Seminars, talks and posters at conferences and publishing and academic journals

Question 5

Peer Review

Answer 5

specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication.

Question 6

Importance of integrity and Honesty

Answer 6

Unbiased presentation of results, citing and providing references, avoiding plagiarism

Question 7

What to do in animal studies

Answer 7

The concepts of replacement, reduction, refinement are used to avoid, reduce or minimize the harm to animals.

Question 8

What do humans have the right to do in studies

Answer 8

They have the right to withdraw at any point, informed consent and confidentiality.

Question 9

Validity

Answer 9

Variables controlled so that any measured affect is likely to be due to the independent variable.

Question 10

Reliability

Answer 10

Consistent values in repeats and independent replicates

Question 11

Accuracy

Answer 11

Data or means of data sets are close to the true value.

Question 12

Precision

Answer 12

Measured values are close to each other.

Question 13

Pilot Study

Answer 13

Integral of the development of an investigation a pilot study is used to help plan procedures, assess validity and check techniques
This allows evaluation and modification of experimental design.
The pilot study allows the investigator to establish the number of repeat experiments needed to give a representative value.

Question 14

Independent variable

Answer 14

The variable that is changed in a scientific experiment.

Question 15

Dependent variable

Answer 15

Is the variable being measured in a scientific experiment.

Question 16

What two groups do variables fall into

Answer 16

Discrete or continuous.

Question 17

Multi factorial experiment

Answer 17

Involves a combination of more than one independent variable or combination of treatments.

Question 18

Observational Studies

Answer 18

Good at detecting correlation but siNce they don’t directly test a hypothesis they are less useful for determining causation.
In observational studies the independent variable is not directly controlled by the investigator for ethical or logical reasons.

Question 19

Confounding variable

Answer 19

Is an environmental or outside factor that may affect results out with the independent/dependent variable.
These variables must be held constant if possible or at least monitored so their effect can be accounted for in the analysis.
In cases where confounding variables cannot easily be controlled a randomized block design could be used.

Question 20

Negative control

Answer 20

Provides results in the absence of a treatment.

Question 21

Positive control

Answer 21

A treatment that is included to check that the system can detect a positive result when it occurs.

Question 22

Placebo

Answer 22

Can be included without the presence of an independent variable being investigated. Placebo effect is a measurable change in the dependent variable as a result of a patients expectations.

Question 23

In vitro

Answer 23

Refers to technique of performing a procedure in a controlled environment outside of a living organism

Question 24

In vivo

Answer 24

Refers to experimentation using a whole living organism.

Question 25

Random sampling

Answer 25

Members of the population have an equal chance of being selected

Question 26

Systematic sampling

Answer 26

Members of a population are selected at regular intervals.

Question 27

Stratified sampling

Answer 27

The population is divided into categories that are then sampled proportionally.