Scientists in any one research group tend to see things alike, so even
groups of scientists may have trouble being entirely objective about their
methods and findings. For that reason, scientific teams are expected to
seek out the possible sources of bias in the design of their investigations
and in their data analysis. Checking each other's results and explanations
helps, but that is no guarantee against bias.
| NSES Content Standard A
Science as Inquiry: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Grades 9-12, page 175 Design and conduct scientific investigations. Designing and conducting a scientific investigation requires introduction to the major concepts in the area being investigated, proper equipment, safety precautions, assistance with methodological problems, recommendations for use of technologies, clarification of ideas that guide the inquiry, and scientific knowledge obtained from sources other than the actual investigation. The investigation may also require student clarification of the question, method, controls, and variables; student organization and display of data; student revision of methods and explanations; and a public presentation of the results with a critical response from peers. Regardless of the scientific investigation performed, students must use evidence, apply logic, and construct an argument for their proposed explanations. NSES Content Standard G
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