Investigative Biology Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary limitation of observational studies?

  • They cannot determine causation. (correct)
  • They require random assignment of subjects.
  • They are not useful for detecting correlation.
  • They can directly control all variables.
  • Investigators can tightly control the independent variable in observational studies.

    False (B)

    What must be monitored in experiments to account for confounding variables?

    Their effects on the results

    In a controlled laboratory experiment, __________ must be tightly controlled to minimize their influence.

    <p>confounding variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of study with its characteristics:

    <p>Observational Study = Independent variable not controlled, good for correlation Laboratory Experiment = Independent variable controlled, confounding variables managed Field Observational Study = Environmentally realistic, independent variable not controlled True Experiment = Designed to establish causation through randomization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the null hypothesis in an experiment?

    <p>To propose that there is no statistically significant effect (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Failure to find an effect in an experiment is considered a valid outcome.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must occur for scientific ideas to be accepted within the community?

    <p>They must be checked independently and reproducible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The process of evaluating scientific literature and findings before publication is called ______.

    <p>peer review</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common method for sharing original scientific findings?

    <p>Publishing in academic journals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their definitions:

    <p>Hypothesis = A testable prediction Falsifiability = The ability to be proven false Reproducibility = The capability to achieve consistent results Peer review = Evaluation by other experts in the field</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One-off results are considered reliable evidence in scientific research.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does scientific knowledge evolve from?

    <p>The refinement of ideas based on experimental evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized as a key value in the scientific field according to the content?

    <p>Integrity and honesty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The dispassionate approach in scientific evaluation allows for a bias-free presentation of results.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one author who discusses the balance between intuition and objectivity in science.

    <p>Frederick Grinnell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The replication of experiments by others reduces the opportunity for __________.

    <p>dishonesty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following books with their main themes:

    <p>The Everyday Practice of Science = Intuition and Passion in Science Bad Science = Misrepresentation of Science in Media</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of review articles in science?

    <p>To summarize current knowledge and findings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Avoiding plagiarism is a minor concern in scientific integrity.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Discuss the importance of critical evaluation in scientific research.

    <p>It ensures the quality and accuracy of scientific findings and helps prevent misrepresentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'in vivo' refer to in experimental studies?

    <p>Experimentation using whole, living organisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In stratified sampling, all members of a population have an equal chance of being selected.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for selecting a representative sample in a study?

    <p>To accurately reflect the characteristics of the population as a whole.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A larger sample size is required for populations with greater __________.

    <p>variability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sampling method selects members at regular intervals?

    <p>Systematic sampling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In random sampling, a representative sample shares the same mean as the population.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What two factors determine the appropriate sample size?

    <p>Natural variation within the population and the desired confidence level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the sampling methods with their definitions:

    <p>Random sampling = Equal chance of selection for all members Systematic sampling = Selection at regular intervals Stratified sampling = Sampling proportionally from categorized groups In vivo studies = Experiments using living organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key component that should be included in a scientific report's abstract?

    <p>A brief outline of aims and findings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The title of a scientific report should be vague and open to interpretation.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must an aim link in a scientific study?

    <p>independent and dependent variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Background information in a scientific report should be clear, _____, and relevant.

    <p>unambiguous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of a scientific report with their descriptions:

    <p>Abstract = Summary of aims and findings Introduction = Explains purpose and context Conclusion = Summarizes the key points and implications Methods = Describes the research procedures used</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is essential for supporting statements in a report?

    <p>Several sources with citations and references (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The introduction section of a scientific report does not need to place the study in the context of existing understanding.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be included in the decision-making regarding study methods in a scientific report?

    <p>basic selection of study methods and organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates that a difference in treatment and control means may be significant?

    <p>Error bars do not overlap (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A statistically significant result is one that is likely to be due to chance alone.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should conclusions in an experiment refer to?

    <p>the aim, the results, and the hypothesis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If the treatment mean differs from the control mean, it indicates that the results may be __________.

    <p>significant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the key area with its explanation:

    <p>Statistical significance = Unlikely to occur by chance alone Error bars = Indicate variability around a mean Evaluating results = Refers to the aim, results, and hypothesis Validity and reliability = Consideration of experimental design effectiveness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consideration when evaluating results?

    <p>Whether the results can be attributed to correlation or causation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Scientific writing should show an awareness of the contribution of research to societal aspects.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be taken into account regarding the experimental design?

    <p>validity and reliability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Observational study

    A study where the investigator does not directly control the independent variable. This occurs for ethical or practical reasons, such as studying the effects of gender on human health.

    Confounding Variables

    Variables that can influence the dependent variable, making it unclear whether the changes are due solely to the independent variable.

    True Experiment

    A study where the researcher directly manipulates the independent variable to test its effect on the dependent variable.

    Field Observational Study

    A type of observational study conducted in a natural setting, making it difficult to control all confounding variables.

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    Laboratory True Experiment

    A type of observational study conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, allowing for tight control over confounding variables.

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    Null Hypothesis

    A statement that proposes there will be no significant difference or effect observed between groups or conditions in an experiment.

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    Peer Review

    The process of independently verifying the validity of scientific findings by other researchers.

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    Scientific Method

    A systematic approach to investigating a phenomenon, involving observation, hypothesis testing, experimentation, data analysis, and conclusion drawing.

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    Scientific Cycle

    The ongoing process of refining scientific understanding through continuous testing and improvement.

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    Testable Hypothesis

    A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through experimentation.

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    Falsifiability

    The idea that scientific theories should be falsifiable, meaning they could be proven wrong with evidence. This is crucial for the advancement of scientific knowledge.

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    Scientific Publication

    A published report in a scientific journal where researchers share their methods, data, analysis, and conclusions, allowing others to repeat their work.

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    Scientific Communication

    The process of sharing and disseminating original scientific findings through seminars, talks, posters at conferences, and publications in academic journals.

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    Review Article

    A type of scientific paper that summarizes current knowledge and recent findings in a particular field.

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    The Everyday Practice of Science

    The book by Frederick Grinnell that describes the passionate and human side of scientific research, contrasting it with the formal, objective presentation in publications.

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    Critical Evaluation of Science Coverage

    The process of examining how science is portrayed in the media, identifying inaccuracies and biases.

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    Public Understanding of Science

    The effort to make scientific information accessible and understandable to the general public, addressing potential misinterpretations.

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    Scientific Ethics

    The ethical principles that guide scientific practice, emphasizing honesty, integrity, and accurate reporting.

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    Replication of Experiments

    The practice of repeating experiments to verify findings and reduce the chances of dishonesty or manipulation.

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    Bad Science

    Ben Goldacre's book that exposes misuses of science and questionable claims made in various fields.

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    In vivo studies

    Experiments conducted on whole, living organisms.

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    In vitro studies

    Experiments done outside of a living organism, often using cells or tissues in a lab setting.

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    Random Sampling

    A method of selecting individuals from a population where each member has an equal chance of being chosen.

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    Systematic Sampling

    A method of selecting individuals from a population at regular intervals.

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    Stratified Sampling

    A method of selecting individuals from a population by dividing it into categories and then sampling proportionally from each category.

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    Population Variation

    The extent of natural variation within a population.

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    Sample Size and Variation

    Larger sample sizes are needed for more variable populations to ensure representative data.

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    Representative Sample

    A representative sample should reflect the average (mean) and variability (spread) of the entire population.

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    Background Information

    Information that provides context and explains the purpose and significance of a scientific study.

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    Abstract

    A brief summary that highlights the main aims and findings of a scientific study.

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    Aim

    A statement that clearly defines the purpose and goals of the scientific study.

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    Methods

    A detailed account of the methods used in a scientific study, including the study design, participants, materials, and procedures.

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    Results

    The findings or results of a scientific study, usually presented in tables, graphs, or figures.

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    Discussion

    A section of a scientific report that interprets the results and explains their significance.

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    References

    A list of sources used to support the information presented in a scientific report.

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    Title

    A brief, descriptive title that accurately reflects the content of the study.

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    Statistical Significance

    A statistically significant result is one that is unlikely to have occurred by chance, meaning the observed effect is unlikely to be due to random variation.

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    Error Bars

    Error bars indicate the variability of data around a mean value, representing the range or uncertainty of the data points.

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    Non-Overlapping Error Bars

    If the means of treatment and control groups are sufficiently different that their error bars don't overlap, it suggests that the observed difference is likely statistically significant and not due to chance.

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    Scientific Conclusion

    A conclusion in a scientific investigation should directly relate to the experiment's aim, results, and the stated hypothesis. It should answer the research question.

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    Evaluating Experimental Design

    Scientific conclusions must consider the validity and reliability of the experimental design to ensure the results are trustworthy and support the claims made.

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    Correlation vs. Causation

    When interpreting results, it's crucial to distinguish between correlation and causation. Correlation means two things are related, but one doesn't necessarily cause the other. Causation means one thing directly influences another.

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    Contextualizing Results

    Scientific conclusions should be evaluated in the context of existing knowledge and compare the results to other relevant investigations to see if they confirm or contradict previous findings.

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    Scientific Impact

    Scientific research should contribute to increasing scientific knowledge and have potential social, economic, or industrial applications and benefits.

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    Study Notes

    Investigative Biology

    • Investigative biology involves scientific principles and processes, including the scientific method, scientific literature and communication, and scientific ethics.
    • The scientific method involves observation, hypothesis formation, experimental design, data collection and analysis, conclusion drawing, and hypothesis revision. The null hypothesis proposes no effect from treatment.
    • Scientific ideas are accepted after independent verification.
    • Scientific literature is crucial; methods, data, analysis and conclusions should be published so others can replicate experiments.
    • Peer review is critical for evaluating scientific publications, ensuring quality by experts in the field.
    • Critical evaluation of scientific coverage in the media is vital, tackling misrepresentations of science
    • Integrity and honesty, unbiased presentation, and proper referencing are essential scientific principles. Replication of experiments is key to verifying results.
    • Animal studies must follow replacement, reduction and refinement principles. Informed consent and confidentiality are essential in human studies.
    • Research considers the potential risks to subjects, investigators and the environment.
    • Ethical guidelines and regulations of investigations are crucial.
    • Scientific investigations should be validated, reliable and accurate.
    •  Pilot studies are used to develop investigations, plan procedures, assess validity, check techniques and modify experimental design.
    • Independent and dependent variables in experiments are crucial components.
    •  Experiments can be simple (single independent variable) or multifactorial (multiple independent variables). Variables should be controlled as much as possible.
    • The control of laboratory conditions for simple experiments may limit the wider applicability of findings.
    •  Control groups are used for comparison to treatment groups. Negative controls measure results in the absence of treatment; positive controls verify expected results. Placebos may be used but independent variables should be considered.
    • Experiments in vivo (using live organisms) and in vitro (performing procedures outside living organisms) have advantages and disadvantages.
    • Sampling techniques include random, systematic, and stratified sampling. The extent of natural variation within the population is important.
    • Data analysis involves the use of graphs, mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and range. Differences between means can be assessed using statistics, to see whether variation is due to chance or not.
    • Ranked data refers to replacing numerical values by their rank when sorted from lowest to highest.
    • Correlations exist between variables but do not necessarily imply causation; a positive correlation occurs when one variable increases and the other increases also.
    • Strong and weak correlations are based on spread of data points around the line of best fit. 
    • Reporting biological research involves clear background information, a concise title, an abstract outlining aims and findings, and an introduction explaining the study.
    • Method sections should be detailed enough to allow repeatability, ensuring appropriate experimental design, addressing aims and hypotheses.
    • Results are presented clearly; consideration of the results given to the aims and hypothesis.
    • Consideration of whether results are due to correlation or causation is important. The results of other studies should be considered when evaluating results.

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    Explore the principles and processes of investigative biology, including the scientific method, peer review, and the importance of scientific ethics. This quiz highlights the critical steps involved in scientific inquiry and the significance of scientific literature and communication. Test your understanding of these foundational concepts in biology.

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