Scientific Research and Replication Issues
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Questions and Answers

What does it indicate if a modified study finds that plants with 8 hours of sunlight grow faster?

  • The original study is flawed.
  • Sunlight has no effect on growth.
  • Plant growth is independent of environmental conditions.
  • The finding of more sunlight leading to faster growth is reliable. (correct)

What is one primary reason for the failure to replicate scientific results?

  • Weak experimental design. (correct)
  • Overexposure to a hypothesis.
  • High sample sizes.
  • Increased funding for studies.

How does publication bias influence scientific research?

  • It ensures all research findings are treated equally.
  • It promotes the republishing of null results.
  • It encourages only positive results to be published. (correct)
  • It guarantees methodology checks for validity.

What practice involves manipulating data until a statistically significant result is achieved?

<p>P-hacking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can lead to different research outcomes across laboratories?

<p>Slight variations in procedures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises from a lack of transparency in research?

<p>Difficulty in replicating studies accurately. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to the failure of studies to be replicable?

<p>Clear methodology. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one implication of a study lacking reproducibility under different conditions?

<p>The findings may not be reliable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ability to replicate studies crucial in scientific research?

<p>It builds trust and validates original findings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if scientific research is not replicable?

<p>It may result in the adoption of ineffective treatments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of pre-registration of studies?

<p>It reduces the chances of p-hacking and selective reporting. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the growing movement toward open science advocate for?

<p>Sharing data and methods publicly for better evaluation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do replication studies play in scientific research?

<p>They are aimed at validating previous findings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is having a testable hypothesis important in scientific research?

<p>It ensures that predictions can be measured and validated. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggested effort to improve replicability in research?

<p>Increasing the size of the research team (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the scientific approach?

<p>Making initial observations of a phenomenon. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does scientific status affect public trust and decision-making?

<p>It assures the public that findings are based on solid research. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by replicability in scientific studies?

<p>The ability to achieve the same results with the same methods in an independent study. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern related to scientific studies, particularly in psychology and biomedical science?

<p>The replication crisis or reproducibility crisis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical responsibility in science entail?

<p>Ensuring methods are fair and data is accurately reported. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of plant growth studies, what factor was manipulated to observe differences in growth?

<p>Amount of sunlight exposure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term sometimes refers to achieving consistent outcomes with the same procedures in different conditions?

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

Why is accurately reporting data crucial in the field of medicine?

<p>Because inaccurate data can affect people's lives and well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do climate change policies typically derive their guidelines?

<p>From scientific evidence regarding global warming. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the term 'prove' considered problematic in scientific writing?

<p>It suggests finality in conclusions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does falsifiability mean in the context of scientific theories?

<p>Theories can be disproven through testing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does probability play a role in scientific findings?

<p>Findings are based on estimates, not certainties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about successful scientific experiments?

<p>They can always prove a hypothesis true. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do scientists prefer to use instead of the term 'prove'?

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

Why are even well-established theories subject to revision?

<p>New evidence can challenge existing ideas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of scientific knowledge?

<p>Tentative and evolving. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the uncertainty in scientific research imply?

<p>Future discoveries may challenge existing findings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does replicability indicate about a study?

<p>Other researchers can use the same methods and get identical results. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a new research team follows the exact protocol of an original experiment and finds different results, what conclusion can be drawn?

<p>The original study lacks replicability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines reproducibility when analyzing original data?

<p>Reaching the same conclusions from the same data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates reproducibility by conducting a similar study?

<p>A different team tests a related hypothesis using varying soil types. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the concept of replicability?

<p>It requires perfect identical conditions in future experiments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following outcomes would suggest that a study lacks reproducibility?

<p>Finding diverse conclusions when conducting a new study. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does not affect the assessment of replicability?

<p>The conclusions drawn from data analysis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if reanalysis of original data reveals significant errors?

<p>It suggests the original study lacks reproducibility. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does a hypothesis play in scientific inquiry?

<p>It predicts specific outcomes that can be tested. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if experimental results support a hypothesis?

<p>The theory is strengthened but requires further testing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is critical thinking in scientific inquiry primarily concerned with?

<p>Evaluating data and methodologies for soundness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is scepticism important in science?

<p>It promotes questioning claims until they are substantiated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for a theory to be considered good?

<p>It must be testable through empirical means. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded when scientists revise or reject a theory?

<p>New hypotheses and experiments may arise. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should scientists do when they find flaws in their methodologies?

<p>Revise their methodologies and assumptions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of observations and measurements in testing a hypothesis?

<p>They are conducted to gather data that evaluate the hypothesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Replicability

The ability of other researchers to obtain the same results using the same methods and conditions in a separate study. It's like following a recipe and expecting the same outcome.

Reproducibility

The ability to achieve consistent outcomes when applying the same procedures in different settings or conditions. It's about getting similar results even when the environment changes.

Replication Crisis

The phenomenon where the results of scientific studies are difficult or impossible to replicate by other researchers. It can lead to skepticism and questioning the validity of research findings.

How Scientific Status Affects Public Trust

Scientific status signals trustworthiness and reliability. It implies that research is based on solid evidence and methodologies, assuring policymakers and the public.

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Ethical Responsibility in Science

Science must adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring fairness, accuracy, and integrity in research. This is crucial, especially in fields like medicine, where lives depend on scientific findings.

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Science and Policy Impact

The impact of scientific findings on public policy. Scientific evidence guides decisions and policies related to public health, technology, and environmental protection.

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Examples of Policy Impact

Policies related to public health, technology, and environmental protection are often guided by scientific findings. For example, climate change policies are influenced by scientific evidence on global warming.

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The Importance of Scientific Labeling

Labeling research findings as "scientific" reassures the public and policymakers that they are based on solid evidence and research. This leads to more informed decision-making.

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Replicability in Science

A scientific study's results are considered reproducible when other researchers can repeat the experiment and obtain similar findings.

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Robust Findings

When a study finds consistent results even when factors like conditions, equipment, or procedures are changed.

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Poor Methodology

Problems with the design of an experiment, like too small of a sample or faulty analysis, can lead to questionable results.

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Reproducibility by Reanalysis

The original study's data is analyzed again by a different research team, using the same methods and data. If the results are consistent, the study is considered reproducible by reanalysis.

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Reproducibility by Conducting a Similar Study

Another research team conducts a similar study with slight changes in the methods or variables. Analyzing its own data, if the results are consistent with the original study's findings, the study is considered reproducible.

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Publication Bias

Scientific journals often prefer publishing studies that have exciting or unusual results, even if they are not reliable.

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Replicable Study

The study's results are consistent when the same experiment is repeated by different researchers, using the exact same conditions, methods, and materials.

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P-Hacking

The practice of manipulating data or running multiple tests until a statistically significant result is found, often leading to unreliable results.

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Reproducible Study

The study's results can be obtained by analyzing the original data or conducting a similar study in a different setting.

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Complex Variables and Uncontrolled Conditions

When factors in a study are too complex to control for, different scientists might get different results because of subtle variations in their research settings.

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Reproducible by Reanalysis

The original study's data is reanalyzed, and the new analysis confirms the original findings. This means the study is reproducible.

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Lack of Transparency

Researchers who don't share all the details of their methods or raw data make it difficult for others to recreate their experiment.

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Why Does Replicability Matter?

Replicability is crucial for scientific validity, because it allows us to trust and build upon research findings.

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Reproducible by Conducting a Similar Study

A new study is conducted with slight variations in the methods or variables. The new study's results are consistent with the original study's findings.

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What is replication in science?

The process of repeating an experiment to see if the same results are obtained. If a study can be replicated, it means the results are more likely to be reliable and accurate.

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What is a testable hypothesis?

A statement that predicts the relationship between two or more variables that can be tested through observation and experimentation. It must be specific, clear, and measurable.

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What is a scientific theory?

A broad explanation of a phenomenon based on scientific evidence and existing knowledge. It is supported by a large body of evidence and can be used to explain a variety of observations.

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What is the scientific approach?

A process that begins with observations about a phenomenon, leading to the development of theories and hypotheses, which are then tested through experiments and analysis. The results are then used to refine theories and make predictions.

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What is open science?

The practice of sharing research data, materials, and methods publicly so that others can better evaluate and replicate it. Open science aims to increase transparency and collaboration.

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What is a replication study?

A study conducted specifically to replicate a previous study. The goal is to determine if the original findings are robust and reproducible.

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What is p-hacking?

A practice where researchers adjust their data or analysis to achieve a desired outcome, often leading to misleading or unreliable results. It is a form of scientific misconduct.

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What is the replication crisis?

The inability to reproduce the results of previous scientific studies, which can lead to skepticism and questioning the validity of research findings.

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Theory

A general framework that helps scientists understand a phenomenon.

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Hypothesis

A specific prediction or statement that can be tested through experiments or observations.

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Observations and Measurements

The process of collecting data through experiments or observations to test a hypothesis.

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Critical Thinking

The process of carefully evaluating data, evidence, and methodologies to determine the validity of research findings.

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Scepticism

The practice of questioning claims and results until they are supported by strong, replicable evidence.

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Testability

A good theory must be able to be tested through experiments or observations.

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Predictability

A good theory should make predictions that can be either supported or refuted based on evidence.

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Scope

A good theory should be able to explain a wide range of phenomena.

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Science is Tentative

Scientific knowledge is always evolving as new evidence emerges, meaning that even established theories can be revised or refined.

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Falsifiability, not proof

Scientific theories are falsifiable, meaning they can be tested and potentially disproven, but never definitively proven.

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Probability and Uncertainty

Scientific findings often rely on statistical analysis and deal with probabilities, not certainties.

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Multiple interpretations

Experimental results can have multiple interpretations, and claiming a study 'proves' something ignores alternative explanations or future evidence that could change the interpretation.

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Why is 'prove' problematic?

Using the word 'prove' implies finality and unchangeability, which goes against the evolving nature of scientific knowledge.

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Preferred terms

Instead of 'prove,' scientists use terms like 'support' or 'provide evidence for' to acknowledge that findings are based on the best available data but are open to revision.

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Scientific language

Scientists use language that reflects the provisional and evolving nature of scientific knowledge. They acknowledge that findings are subject to change as new data becomes available.

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Scientific findings are provisional

It's important to remember that scientific findings are always open to revision as new evidence emerges. The scientific method is an ongoing process of observation, hypothesis testing, and refinement.

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Study Notes

Science as a Systematic Study

  • Science systematically examines the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world.
  • It employs empirical methods to generate, test hypotheses, and understand phenomena.

Key Components of Scientific Methodology

  • Systematic: Follows an organized, methodical approach with clearly defined steps.
  • Observation: Carefully watches or monitors events in the natural world. Instruments aid in observation (like microscopes, telescopes etc).
  • Experiment: Controlled tests aimed at verifying or exploring hypotheses. Scientists manipulate variables to observe effects and outcomes.

Science Builds on Previous Knowledge

  • New scientific discoveries expand upon existing knowledge, theories, data, and methods.
  • New technologies or methods often refine existing scientific approaches and knowledge.
  • Science corrects previous misunderstandings/errors through new experiments or observations.

Reliability and Credibility

  • Scientific claims are empirically tested, observed, and experimented. This ensures reliability and credibility.
  • Scientific method focuses on minimizing subjective bias, guesswork, and unfounded opinions.

Falsifiability and Testability

  • Scientific claims can be proven wrong based on empirical evidence.
  • This allows for self-correction within the scientific method.
  • Non-scientific claims often lack the openness to testing.

Evidence-Based Approach

  • Scientific claims are grounded in evidence gathered through observations and experiments.
  • These claims differ from opinions and pseudoscience stemming from anecdotal evidence.

Predictive Power

  • Scientific claims help anticipate future events or outcomes.

Importance in Public Trust and Policy

  • Scientific principles influence crucial areas such as policies in public health.
  • Relying on scientific findings in decision-making fosters trustworthiness and informed policies.

Ethical Considerations

  • Scientific research adheres to ethical guidelines.
  • Ensuring accurate and fair treatment of participants using ethical methodology.

Replicability and Reproducibility

  • Replicability/reproducibility means that others can reliably achieve similar results using identical approaches.
  • Scientific methods are critical for achieving accurate and dependable knowledge.
  • Replicability can be achieved by re-analyzing the same data or performing a similar study under slightly different conditions.

Critical Thinking and Scepticism

  • Critical thinking involves evaluating data, evidence, methodologies, and conclusions from studies with an unbiased perspective.
  • Scientists critically question findings.
  • They analyze possible flaws, biases, and alternative explanations.

What Makes a Good Theory?

  • Testability: Theories are potentially disprovable through observations and experiments.
  • Predictive Power: Good theories can accurately anticipate future events not observed for the hypothesis.
  • Parsimony: The best theory has the fewest assumptions, while accurately explaining the observed phenomenon.
  • Consistency: Good theories align with existing, established, and reliable knowledge.
  • Falsifiability: Good theories allow for potential refutation.
  • Scientific knowledge, therefore, constantly evolves as more evidence is gathered and discoveries are made.

Openness to New Evidence and Continuous Improvement

  • The scientific method allows for new data, tools, and methods to revise or expand theories.
  • Science is constantly developing and correcting its understanding.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to scientific research, focusing on replication issues, publication bias, and the factors influencing research outcomes. Test your understanding of how scientific findings can vary across studies and what challenges researchers face in achieving reproducibility.

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