Unit 3 - section 1 Flashcards
Describe the cycle of scientific method
An observation is made or research is done
A hypothesis is the formed
Experiments are then carried out
Data and results are analysed
Results are evaluated and conclusions made
This then leads to more hypothesises and possibly more research
What is meant by the current theory is only ‘the current best explanation’?
As experimental evidence is gained and evaluated ideas are refined and updated. This can cause current theories to change
What is a negative result?
When you fail to find an effect from the experiment
What determines if negative results are a valid finding?
They are valid as long as the experiment was well designed
How can conflicting data or conclusions be resolved?
With careful evaluation, which can lead to further or more creative study
What is a null hypothesis?
Statement that 2 variables are unrelated. Opposite of hypothesis
What is the purpose of a null hypothesis?
To be able to reject it
How are one off results considered and dealt with?
With caution
What are the requirements for scientific findings to be accepted?
Independent verification
What are 3 methods of sharing original scientific findings?
Seminars
Conference talks and posters
Publishing an academic/scientific journal
What is a peer review and why is it important?
When a specialist in the same field of science carries out a critical review/evaluation of research. They will determine if it is suitable to be published preventing unsuitable research from being published
What is critical evaluation in terms of scientific finding and ideas?
To asses the quality, reliability and validity of a paper
What role does the media have in critical evaluation?
To introduce the findings to a wider audience
What are review articles?
When a lot of work has been carried out in the same field by many different scientists an author may pull together all the ideas and findings into one article
What are the concerns regarding how science is sometimes represented in the media?
Often reporters writing about the research are not scientists so may misinterpret the research
What are 2 factors that are of key importance in scientific judgements and interpretation if scientific evidence sometimes being disputed?
Honestly
Integrity
Why is replication of experiments by others important?
Minimises the chance that the data is dishonest or has been deliberately misused
What is a citation and where would they be found in a scientific paper?
Quotation or explicit reference to a source for substantiation and is required in background research
What are the 2 different ways to correctly cite within a scientific paper?
Harvard system
Vancouver system
What is a reference and where would it be found in a scientific paper?
List of sources of information used to write the paper
Used so anyone reading the paper can see the sources used to write it and plagiarism can be avoided
They are at the end of the report
What are 3 considerations when using human subjects?
Seeking informed consent
Subjects have the right to withdraw data
Confidentiality of data
What are 3 considerations when carrying out animal studies?
Reduce - number of animals used
Replace - animals with something else
Refine - procedures designed so that minimal harm is caused to the animals
What is an acceptable justified reason for carrying out a scientific study?
For the pursuit of scientific knowledge
What is the purpose of carrying out a risk assessment before carrying out any experiment/study?
Ensure the safety of animals, the investigator and the environment have been considered
