4.1.14

Bias in Science

Test yourself

Bias in Science

Scientists aim to avoid bias in experiments. Scientists verify methods and results. The process of verifying methods and results is called a peer review.

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Bias in science

  • The data you analyse must be free from bias.
  • Bias can emerge if:
    • The method is incorrect.
    • You ignore some of the data you collect.
  • It is important to make sure measurements have been completed correctly.
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Confirmation bias

  • Confirmation bias is a type of bias.
  • Confirmation bias occurs when:
    • A person finds patterns in data.
    • The patterns confirm their existing opinions.
    • The person ignores data which doesn't fit the pattern.
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Selection bias

  • Selection bias is a type of bias.
  • Selection bias can occur when:
    • A person only selects equipment that will get the results they want.
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Scientific journals

  • Scientists submit their work to scientific journals.
    • Scientists submit work after writing up their experiment.
    • Written work undergoes peer review.
  • The editor of the journal starts the peer review process.
    • The editor sends the written-up work to various reviewers.
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Peer reviewers

  • Reviewers check for:
    • Bias
    • Accuracy
    • Validity
  • Reviewers send concerns and feedback to the scientists.
    • Scientists make alterations.
    • Scientists resubmit their altered work.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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