Exercises: Sources, bias and science in society

Give two questions you should ask to decide whether a source of science information is reliable.

What is meant by bias in a science report? Give one example.

Name one scientist, Irish or international, and describe one contribution they made to science or to society.

A social media post claims: "Drinking a new herbal tea cures colds in one day." It was posted by a company that sells the tea and gives no evidence.

1. a) Identify two reasons to be cautious about this claim.

1. b) Describe how a scientist could test the claim fairly.

A newspaper headline reads: "Chocolate makes teenagers cleverer!" The article is based on a study of 12 students in one school.

1. a) Comment on the sample size.

1. b) Why might the headline be misleading?

1. c) Suggest how the study could be improved.

Compare two sources about recycling in Ireland: a government environmental agency report and an advertisement from a company that sells recycled products.

1. a) Which source is more likely to be unbiased? Explain.

1. b) State one way in which science helps society to reduce waste.

A television programme states that a new energy drink "improves exam results by 20%". The programme was paid for by the drink's maker. The data come from a survey of 30 customers who chose to reply.

1. a) Identify three weaknesses in the evidence.

1. b) Explain how a fair trial would be designed, including a control group.

1. c) Discuss why the funding source matters even if the data are correct.

Two news websites report on the same study about air pollution in Dublin. Website A writes: "Air in the city is deadly." Website B writes: "Air pollution was 12% above the recommended level on 5 days of the year."

1. a) Which report uses more precise language? Justify.

1. b) Evaluate whether either report makes a scientific conclusion that the data support.

1. c) Suggest how readers can check the original study.

Scientific knowledge can change when new evidence is found. Vaccines, for example, have changed how society deals with disease.

1. a) Explain why it is not a weakness of science that its conclusions may change over time.

1. b) Discuss one way in which a scientific development has had both benefits and ethical or environmental concerns for society.

1. c) Explain why scientists publish their methods and results for others to review.