Investigative Biology Overview

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experiments conducted on whole, living organisms.

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

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

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

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

The extent of natural variation within a population.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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