Unit 3: KA1 - Scientific principles and process

Question 1

Explain the scientific cycle.

Answer 1

Observation; Construction of a testable hypothesis; Experimental design; Gathering, Recording and analysis of data; Evaluation of results and conclusions; Formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary

Question 2

What is ‘scientific knowledge’ classed as?

Answer 2

The current best explanation.

Question 3

What is constantly happening to scientific ideas?

Answer 3

being refined and updated

Question 4

When may theories and ideas be updated?

Answer 4

After evaluation of further experimental evidence.

Question 5

Define the term ‘null hypothesis’

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How is a null hypothesis rejected?

Answer 6

If there is evidence of an effect, unlikely due to chance

Question 7

How can conflicting data/conclusions be resolved?

Answer 7

• carefully evaluating the experiment

- further, more creative experimental design.

Question 8

How can scientific ideas be accepted?

Answer 8

Once they have been checked independently.

Question 9

How must one-off results be treated?

Answer 9

With caution, as effects must be reproducible

Question 10

What is the importance of publication of methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports?

Answer 10

So that others are able to repeat an experiment.

Question 11

What are common methods of sharing original scientific findings?

Answer 11

• Publishing in academic journals
• Seminars
• Talks

Question 12

Describe peer review.

Answer 12

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

Describe review articles

Answer 13

They summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.

Question 14

Describe the media’s role in scientific coverage.

Answer 14

• Increasing public understanding of science

- misinterprets scientific findings

Question 15

What two values should scientists show when producing work, and how can they do this?

Answer 15

• Honesty and integrity

- Present results in an unbiased way; avoid plagiarism; provide citations and references to others’ work.

Question 16

What can the replication of experiments by others reduce?

Answer 16

The opportunity for dishonesty or the deliberate misuse of science

Question 17

What concepts are used to minimise the harm on animals?

Answer 17

• reduction: Experimental design uses as few animals as possible to obtain valid conclusion
• refinement: Use of techniques to minimise harm on animals during experiments
• replacement: Using alternatives to animal testing

Question 18

Describe ‘informed consent’.

Answer 18

• All participants must give informed consent

- Only given once the subject understands the facts, consequences and implications of an experiment.

Question 19

Describe the ‘right to withdraw’.

Answer 19

This allows subjects to walk away from the trial at any stage, and their data/results will not be used.

Question 20

Describe ‘confidentiality’ in studies.

Answer 20

It should not be possible to determine the identity of a person who has contributed to a scientific study.

Question 21

What must be carried out before any experimentation?

Answer 21

Risk Assessment

Question 22

State 4 things the safety of is considered, when producing a risk assessment.

Answer 22

• Subject species
• Investigators
• Individuals
• The environment

Question 23

What is the result of risks in areas of scientific research?

Answer 23

These areas are highly regulated and licensed by governments