TOSLS PRE-TEST
Which of the following is a valid scientific argument?
A strain of mice was genetically engineered to lack a certain gene, and the mice were unable to reproduce. Introduction of the gene back into the mutant mice restored their ability to reproduce. These facts indicate that the gene is essential for mouse reproduction.
Creators of the Shake Weight, a moving dumbbell, claim that their product can produce "incredible strength!" Which of the additional information below would provide the strongest evidence supporting the effectiveness of the Shake Weight for increasing muscle strength?
Compared to users of standard dumbbells, users of the Shake Weight were able to lift weights that were significantly heavier at the end of an 8-week trial.
Background for Question 15: You've been doing research to help your grandmother understand two new drugs for osteoporosis. One publication, Eurasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine, contains articles with data only showing the effectiveness of one of these new drugs. A pharmaceutical company funded the Eurasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine production and most advertisements in the journal are for this company's products. In your searches, you find other articles that show the same drug has only limited effectiveness. Pick the best answer that would help you decide about the credibility of the Eurasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine:
It is not a credible source of scientific research because only studies showing the effectiveness of the company's drugs were included in the journal.
Background for questions 9-10: Use the excerpt below (modified from a recent news report on MSNBC.com) for the next few questions. "A recent study, following more than 2,500 New Yorkers for 9+ years, found that people who drank diet soda every day had a 61% higher risk of vascular events, including stroke and heart attack, compared to those who avoided diet drinks. For this study, Hannah Gardner's research team randomly surveyed 2,564 New Yorkers about their eating behaviors, exercise habits, as well as cigarette and alcohol consumption. Participants were also given physical check-ups, including blood pressure measurements and blood tests for cholesterol and other factors that might affect the risk for heart attack and stroke. The increased likelihood of vascular events remained even after Gardener and her colleagues accounted for risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. The researchers found no increased risk among people who drank regular soda." The findings of this study suggest that consuming diet soda might lead to increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. From the statements below, identify additional evidence that supports this claim:
Results from an experimental study demonstrated that individuals randomly assigned to consume one diet soda each day were twice as likely to have a stroke compared to those assigned to drink one regular soda each day.
Background for question 17: Researchers interested in the relation between River Shrimp (Macrobrachium) abundance and pool site elevation, presented the data in the graph below. Interestingly, the researchers also noted that water pools tended to be shallower at higher elevations.
River shrimp are more abundant in lower elevations because pools at these sites tend to be deeper.
Which of the following is not an example of an appropriate use of science?
Scientists are selected to help conduct a government-sponsored research study on global climate change based on their political beliefs.
Which of the following actions is a valid scientific course of action?
Several research studies have found a new drug to be effective for treating the symptoms of autism; however, a government agency refuses to approve the drug until long term effects are known.
Background for questions 9-10: Use the excerpt below (modified from a recent news report on MSNBC.com) for the next few questions. "A recent study, following more than 2,500 New Yorkers for 9+ years, found that people who drank diet soda every day had a 61% higher risk of vascular events, including stroke and heart attack, compared to those who avoided diet drinks. For this study, Hannah Gardner's research team randomly surveyed 2,564 New Yorkers about their eating behaviors, exercise habits, as well as cigarette and alcohol consumption. Participants were also given physical check-ups, including blood pressure measurements and blood tests for cholesterol and other factors that might affect the risk for heart attack and stroke. The increased likelihood of vascular events remained even after Gardener and her colleagues accounted for risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. The researchers found no increased risk among people who drank regular soda." The excerpt above comes from what type of source of information?
Tertiary (Media reports, encyclopedia entries or documents published by government agencies.)
Background for question 4: The following graph appeared in a scientific article about the effects of pesticides on tadpoles in their natural environment.
The Malathion killed the beetles, causing fewer tadpoles to be eaten.
Background for question 13: A video game enthusiast argued that playing violent video games (e.g., Doom, Grand Theft Auto) does not cause increases in violent crimes as critics often claim. To support his argument, he presents the graph below. He points out that the rate of violent crimes has decreased dramatically, beginning around the time the first "moderately violent" video game, Doom, was introduced.
The decreasing trend in violent crime rates may be caused by something other than violent video games
Which of the following is the most accurate conclusion you can make from the data in this graph?
The largest increase in meat consumption has occurred in the past 20 years.
Background for question 8: Your interest is piqued by a story about human pheromones on the news. A Google search leads you to the following website:
The resource may not be accurate, because the purpose of the site is to advertise a product.
Which of the following actions is a valid scientific course of action?
The scientific journal, Science, retracts a published article after discovering that the researcher misrepresented the data.
Which of the following is the best interpretation of the graph below?
Type "A" mice with Lymphoma were more common than type "A" mice with no tumors.
Your doctor prescribed you a drug that is brand new. The drug has some significant side effects, so you do some research to determine the effectiveness of the new drug compared to similar drugs on the market. Which of the following sources would provide the most accurate information?
a research study conducted by outside researchers
While growing vegetables in your backyard, you noticed a particular kind of insect eating your plants. You took a rough count (see data below) of the insect population over time. Which graph shows the best representation of your data? Time (days) Insect Population (number) 2 7 4 16 8 60 10 123
c
The most important factor influencing you to categorize a research article as trustworthy science is:
the article was evaluated by unbiased third-party experts
