Key Science Skills Summary

Key Science Skills

  • Population and Sample

  • Population: Entire group of interest for research.

  • Sample: Subset of the population selected for study.

  • Sampling Techniques

  • Random Sampling: Every member has an equal chance of selection (e.g., using a name generator).

  • Stratified Sampling: Dividing population into subgroups and sampling from each proportionally (e.g., selecting 10 from RSA and 20 from RIA).

  • Convenience Sampling: Using readily available participants, potentially leading to bias (e.g., students from one class).

  • Independent and Dependent Variables

  • Independent Variable (IV): Manipulated variable to see effects on DV.

  • Dependent Variable (DV): Measured response resulting from the change in IV.

  • Aims

  • Statement outlining the purpose of the investigation.

  • Should be clear, ideally one sentence, directly related to research questions.

  • Hypothesis

  • A formal prediction about the relationship between IV and DV.

  • Example formula: "It was hypothesized that _ (population) who _ (IV condition 1) will have ___ (direction) ___ (DV) than those who __ (IV condition 2)."

  • Ethics in Research

  • 5 Main Ethical Considerations:

    1. Beneficence: Benefits must outweigh risks.
    2. Justice: Fair distribution of costs and benefits.
    3. Integrity: Honest reporting and searching for knowledge.
    4. Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm.
    5. Respect: Considering the intrinsic value of living beings.

  • Role of the Experimenter

  • Confidentiality: No private info used for other purposes.

  • Voluntary Participation: Free choice for participants.

  • Informed Consent: Participants must understand study purpose.

  • Withdrawal Rights: Right to leave study at any time.

  • Use of Deception: Needs to be justified and debriefed afterward.