Untitled Deck Flashcards
What is the scientific cycle model?
- Observation, 2. Construction of a testable hypothesis, 3. Experimental design
List the stages of the scientific cycle (6) part 1 (only 3).
- Observation, 2. Construction of a testable hypothesis, 3. Experimental design
List the stages of the scientific cycle (6) part 2 (only 3).
- Gathering, recording, and analysis of data, 5. Evaluation of results and conclusions, 6. The formation of a revised hypothesis where necessary
What is a negative result?
Failure to find an effect.
When is a negative result valid?
As long as the experiment is well designed.
How would you resolve conflicting data or conclusions?
Through careful evaluation or can lead to further experimentation.
What is the null hypothesis?
The null hypothesis proposes that there will be no statistically significant effect as a result of the experiment treatment.
What happens if there is evidence for an effect, unlikely due to chance?
The null hypothesis is rejected and the alternate hypothesis is accepted.
What is the null hypothesis for the aim ‘to investigate the effect of green tea on enzyme activity’?
Green tea has no effect on enzyme activity.
When are scientific ideas accepted?
Once they have been checked independently.
What must be reproducible and why?
Effects of scientific ideas must be reproducible; one-off results are treated with caution.
When sharing scientific findings, what is important to publish?
Method, data, analysis, conclusions.
Why is it important to publish these things along with the scientific findings?
So that others are able to repeat an experiment.
What are common methods of sharing scientific practice?
Publication in journals, seminars, talks, posters at conferences.
When are scientific reports usually accepted?
Only once they have been checked independently and must be reproducible.
What do most scientific publications use?
Peer review.
What does peer review involve?
Specialists with expertise in the relevant field assessing the scientific quality of a submitted manuscript and making recommendations regarding its sustainability for publication.
Why is peer review/critical evaluation of a manuscript an important process?
It increases the public understanding of science and helps to minimise the issue of misrepresentation of science in the media.
What are review articles?
Summarises current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.
What are the key importance in science?
Integrity and honesty.
What reduces the opportunity for dishonesty or the deliberate misuse of science?
The replication of experiments by others.
What should scientific findings always include?
Presentation of unbiased results, use of citations and references, avoiding plagiarism.
What must the value or quality of science investigation be justifiable in terms of?
The benefits of its outcomes, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
Why are many areas of scientific research highly regulated and licensed by governments?
As a result of the risk involved in scientific experiments.
