AH Biology - 3.3

A scientific report contains an explanatory title, an abstract with aims and findings, an introduction explaining the purpose, several sources, supporting statements, citations, and references.

An aim is a statement linking the independent and dependent variables.

The introduction provides information on why the study was done, places it in the context of existing understanding, and explains the choices of method, results, and discussion.

Compromised validity occurs when factors other than the independent variable (confounding variables) influence the value of the dependent variable.

Selection bias is the selection of a sample in a non-random way, making the sample not representative of the whole population. This can be prevented with representative sampling.

Outliers are data points that are not on the line of best fit and may indicate an anomalous result that is not valid.

Statistical tests are mathematical formulations that help scientists determine whether the differences between the means are likely or unlikely to have occurred by chance.

Error bars represent the variability of the data around a mean. If error bars do not overlap, the difference between the treatment and the control might be significant.

A conclusion is a summary based on evidence that refers to the aim, the results, and the hypothesis.