Unit 3: KA1 - Scientific principles and process Flashcards
Explain the scientific cycle.
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
What is ‘scientific knowledge’ classed as?
The current best explanation.
What is constantly happening to scientific ideas?
being refined and updated
When may theories and ideas be updated?
After evaluation of further experimental evidence.
Define the term ‘null hypothesis’
The null hypothesis proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experimental treatment.
How is a null hypothesis rejected?
If there is evidence of an effect, unlikely due to chance
How can conflicting data/conclusions be resolved?
- carefully evaluating the experiment
- further, more creative experimental design.
How can scientific ideas be accepted?
Once they have been checked independently.
How must one-off results be treated?
With caution, as effects must be reproducible
What is the importance of publication of methods, data, analysis and conclusions in scientific reports?
So that others are able to repeat an experiment.
What are common methods of sharing original scientific findings?
- Publishing in academic journals
- Seminars
- Talks
Describe 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.
Describe review articles
They summarise current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.
Describe the media’s role in scientific coverage.
- Increasing public understanding of science
- misinterprets scientific findings
What two values should scientists show when producing work, and how can they do this?
- Honesty and integrity
- Present results in an unbiased way; avoid plagiarism; provide citations and references to others’ work.
What can the replication of experiments by others reduce?
The opportunity for dishonesty or the deliberate misuse of science
What concepts are used to minimise the harm on animals?
- 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
Describe ‘informed consent’.
- All participants must give informed consent
- Only given once the subject understands the facts, consequences and implications of an experiment.
Describe the ‘right to withdraw’.
This allows subjects to walk away from the trial at any stage, and their data/results will not be used.
Describe ‘confidentiality’ in studies.
It should not be possible to determine the identity of a person who has contributed to a scientific study.
What must be carried out before any experimentation?
Risk Assessment
State 4 things the safety of is considered, when producing a risk assessment.
- Subject species
- Investigators
- Individuals
- The environment
What is the result of risks in areas of scientific research?
These areas are highly regulated and licensed by governments
