成人快手

Key points

  • Scientific studies can be biased and it is important to recognise when this is the case.
  • Try to avoid bias when following the scientific method and drawing conclusions in investigations.
  • Scientists review each other's conclusions from new scientific research. They also check the method used and the accuracy of the results. This is known as peer review.
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Video

Watch this video about identifying and avoiding bias in science.

While you are watching, look out for the common clues that show bias could be present in the information

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Bias in data

is a word often used to describe a point of view. This view might not take into account all available evidence.

Results from science investigations can also be biased if there is something wrong with the equipment or method.

timer held by hand

Scientific measurements taken can be affected by two types of error that may make results biased:

  • : This can alter the spread of data and cause . One reason could be that the person doing the experiment uses the equipment or takes the reading incorrectly. Another reason could be a variable that couldn鈥檛 be controlled, like a temperature drop in the room.

  • : This can make measurements less . It may happen if equipment is not used properly and can cause all results to differ by the same amount, eg timing using a stopwatch that hasn't started from zero.

timer held by hand

As well as spotting bias in , when drawing a conclusion it is important to be able to spot bias in . Checking the method used and checking the range of data can help to identify bias.

As well as the range of data, what else should be checked to help to spot bias?

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Bias in language

can be used to highlight a point of view and persuade someone to agree with it.

The person or organisation sharing the information might be trying to persuade people that their view is correct, but may not present all the evidence or information that contradicts their viewpoint.

Protestors holding climate change placards saying System change not climate change, There is no planet B and Our house is on fire

For example, some people deny that human activity speeds up . However, the vast majority of agree that the evidence supports the understanding that burning fossil fuels is directly linked to climate change.

Protestors holding climate change placards saying System change not climate change, There is no planet B and Our house is on fire

True or false?

An organisation sharing information that takes into account all reliable evidence is likely to be biased.

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A sign which says 'remember'

Wherever information is gathered from to help inform opinions, it's important to consider the words being used and understand if the information is valid.

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Peer review

Scientists across the world form a scientific community. For scientists, their are other scientists.

Conclusions from new scientific research are reviewed or checked by other scientists. They check the method used, the accuracy of the results and the conclusions drawn.

Person sat at a desk making notes.

Scientists check that the research is and . In doing this, scientists help to make sure that bias has been avoided. This helps other scientists and non-scientists across the world have confidence in what they are reading or are being told about.

Person sat at a desk making notes.

Who are scientists' peers?

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Did you know?

MMR vaccine - hand holding a syringe
Image caption,
The MMR vaccine

In 1998, a medical study suggested a link between the and . As a result of this, MMR vaccination rates in the UK dropped. The study has now been completely discredited.

The 1998 research didn't take into account all available evidence and information. For example, over the time period that the study was done, it didn鈥檛 consider population increase. The results from this study misled a lot of people.

MMR vaccine - hand holding a syringe
Image caption,
The MMR vaccine
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Test your knowledge

Quiz - Bias in science

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Play the Atomic Labs game! game

Try out practical experiments in this KS3 science game.

Play the Atomic Labs game!
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