UNIT 3 - KA1

Question 1

What are the stages of the scientific cycle

Answer 1

Scientific cycle — observation; construction of a testable hypothesis; experimental design; gathering, recording, and analysis of data; evaluation of results and conclusions; the formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary

Question 2

What can be thought of as the current best explanation in science

Answer 2

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 3

What is the null hypothesis

Answer 3

The null hypothesis proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment.

Question 4

Explain when the null hypothesis is rejected

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Convert to null hypothesis - tomato plants exhibit a higher growth rate when planted in compost rather than soil

Answer 5

Null hypothesis - tomato plants do not exhibit a higher rate of growth when planted in compost rather than soil

Question 6

What is a failure to find an effect

Answer 6

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

Question 7

How can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved

Answer 7

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

Question 8

When should scientific ideas become accepted

Answer 8

Scientific ideas only become accepted once they have been checked independently

Question 9

Why is it that effects should be reproducible

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What are publication of scientific reports important

Answer 10

The importance of publication of methods, data, analysis, and conclusions in scientific reports so that others are able to repeat an experimen

Question 11

What are common methods in which original scientific findings can be shared

Answer 11

Common methods of sharing original scientific findings include seminars, talks and posters at conferences, and publishing in academic journals.

Question 12

What is peer review

Answer 12

Most scientific publications use peer review. Specialists with expertise in the relevant field assess the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and make recommendations regarding its suitability for publication.

Question 13

What are review articles

Answer 13

The use of review articles, which summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field

Question 14

What is the risk of wider media as a method of communication

Answer 14

Increasing the public understanding of science as the issue of misrepresentation of the significance and to overhyping scientific discoveries

Question 15

What does integrity and honesty rely on

Answer 15

Importance of integrity and honesty — unbiased presentation of results citing and providing references and avoiding plagiarism

Question 16

What does the replication of experiments by others reduce

Answer 16

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

Question 17

In animal studies what concepts are used to minimise harm to animals

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Replacement

Answer 18

Use alternatives to animal experimentation when an alternative cellular or model system exists

Question 19

Reduction

Answer 19

Use the minimum number of animals in a study (without compromising the validity or reliability)

Question 20

Refinement

Answer 20

Techniques should be adjusted to minimise negative impact of animals

Question 21

Informed consent

Answer 21

Participants should be given details of the study and the opportunity to decline to take part

Question 22

Right to withdraw

Answer 22

Participants should have the option to withdraw their consent to participate right up until publication of the data

Question 23

Confidentiality

Answer 23

Any data gathered should be anonymous in order to protect the rights of participants