Bias in Science
Science: KS3, topic 4.1.16
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.
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.
Measurement accuracy
- Scientists must make sure measurements have been completed correctly.
Confirmation bias
- Confirmation bias is a type of bias.
How confirmation bias occurs
- Confirmation bias occurs when:
- A person finds patterns in data.
- The patterns confirm the person's 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 selects equipment.
- The equipment only gets the results the person wants.
Scientific journals
- Scientists submit their work to scientific journals.
- Scientists submit work after writing up their experiment.
- Written work undergoes peer review.
Editor starts review
- The editor of the journal starts the peer review process.
- The editor sends the written-up work to various reviewers.
Peer reviewers
- Reviewers check for:
- Bias
- Accuracy
- Validity
Feedback and alterations
- Reviewers send concerns and feedback to the scientists.
- Scientists make changes.
- Scientists resubmit their changed work.
Test yourself on Bias in Science
Which bias can occur when choosing equipment?
Give the two reasons bias can occur in an experiment.
Why do scientists send their written-up work to a journal before it is published?
Choose the true statement in each pair.