SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS
What is the difference between reliability and validity?
What is a model in science?
A simplified representation of an object, system or process used to explain, understand or predict scientific phenomena.
What is pseudoscience?
Claims or practices presented as scientific but which lack adequate scientific evidence, testing or methodology.
What is a code of conduct?
A set of ethical principles and guidelines that establish appropriate standards for behaviour and practice.
What is "State the relevant information. "
Identify
Identify the independent variable and dependent variable in an investigation testing how temperature affects enzyme activity.
Name one way technology has changed the way scientists collect data.
Various: Technology allows scientists to collect data more rapidly, accurately and continuously, often using sensors, automated equipment and digital instruments.
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency to favour, interpret or remember information that supports existing beliefs while overlooking contradictory evidence.
Why are ethical guidelines important?
They help protect people, animals and the environment, promote responsible research and maintain public trust in science.
What is "Give characteristics/features. "
Describe
Explain why repeated trials improve the reliability of an investigation.
Repeated trials allow scientists to identify variation and anomalies and calculate an average, making the results more consistent and reliable.
What is the difference between accuracy and precision?
Accurate measurements are those which are closest to what they should be.
Precise measurements are those which have been repeated and are similar.
Give TWO characteristics of a scientifically reliable source.
Possible answers:
What are Two ways society influences scientific research.
What is "Give reasons or cause-and-effect relationships. "
Explain
A student obtains results of 21, 22, 21, 22 and 48. What type of data point is 48 and how should it be treated?
48 is an outlier/anomaly. It should be investigated to determine whether an error occurred. It should not automatically be removed without justification.
What is bioharvesting?
the process of collecting biological materials, such as cells or biochemicals, from living organisms or nature for industrial, medical, or agricultural use
A social media post claims, "Scientists have discovered that drinking this drink prevents cancer." What evidence would you need before accepting the claim?
Look for:
Why is international cooperation important?
International cooperation allows countries to share knowledge and data, establish consistent standards and address global issues such as pandemics, climate change and scientific research ethics.
What is "Identify components and explain relationships between them. "
Analyse
Evaluate: An investigation has a large sample size but poor control of variables. Can the results still be considered valid? Explain.
Not necessarily. A large sample can improve reliability, but if important variables are not controlled, the investigation may not validly measure the effect of the independent variable. Therefore, sample size alone does not ensure validity.
Analyse: How can advances in technology both improve scientific knowledge and create limitations in scientific investigations?
Technology can improve accuracy, precision, speed and the amount of data collected. However, it can also introduce instrumental error, software limitations, assumptions in models and dependence on technology. Scientists must therefore evaluate the technology and its limitations.
Evaluate: "If a scientific claim has been published, it must be true."
False. Publication does not guarantee that a claim is correct. Scientific research can contain errors or limitations. Peer review, replication, methodology, evidence and subsequent research help determine the reliability of scientific claims.
How can scientific advances create benefits AND ethical challenges?
Scientific advances can improve health, technology, food production and quality of life. However, they may also create ethical issues involving privacy, environmental impacts, genetic modification, animal research, inequality or potential misuse of technology. Regulation and ethical frameworks can help manage these risks.
What is "Make a judgement based on evidence and criteria. "