the scientific method

aim

the purpose of the experiment. Usually starts with to...

hypothesis

an educated guess (based on evidence or prior knowledge) to answer the question behind the experiment

accuracy

closer to the 'true' value of the quantity being measured

precision

how closely the values are to each-other

repeatability

refers to the closeness of agreement between independent results obtained with same people. Everything else the same

reproducibility

refers to the closeness of agreement between independent results obtained with different people/ groups. Everything else the same

validity

if it measures what it claims to measure

controlled experiment

the effect of an independent variable on the controlled variable. what we are measuring

independent variable

the factors that are manipulated in an experiment

dependent variable

the factors measured in the experiment that are changed when the IV is measured

random error

variation in results caused by uncontrollable conditions between replications resulting in a less precise spread of readings

personal error

mistakes or miscalculations due to human fault

systematic error

error which causes the results to differ by a consistent amount each time. Could be faulty equipment or calibration, and causes a less accurate result

bioethics

study of ethical issues pertaining to biology

consequence based approach

aims to maximise positive outcomes while minimising negative outcomes

duty/rules-based approach

promotes the responsibility of the agent above all else, and places importance on the duty of each individual

virtues-based approach

emphasises the individual goodness of the agent, and promotes acting in accordance with the values of a moral person such as honesty and compassion

integrity

encourages a full commitment to knowledge and understanding as well as honest reporting of all sources of information and results

justice

encourages fair consideration of competing claims, and ensures that there is no unfair burden on a particular group from an action

beneficence

seeks to maximise benefits when taking a particular position or course of action

non-maleficence

discourages causing harm, or when harm is unavoidable, ensuring that the harm is proportionate to the benefits from any position or course of action

respect

acknowledgement of the intrinsic value of living things, and considers the welfare, beliefs, customs, and cultural heritage of both the individual and the collective