2019 trial examination

1

Exam Choice

Student Number

2019 TRIAL

EXAMINATION

Investigating

Science

General Instructions

Total marks: 100

• Reading time – 5 minutes.

• Working time – 3 hours.

• Write using black pen.

• Draw diagrams using pencil.

• For questions in Section II, show all relevant working in

questions involving calculations.

• NESA approved calculators may be used.

Section I – 20 marks (pages 3 – 11)

• Attempt questions 1 – 20.

• Allow about 35 minutes for this section.

Section II – 80 marks (pages 12 – 26)

• Attempt questions 21 – 32

• Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section.

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Section I – 20 marks

Attempt Questions 1-20

Allow about 35 minutes for this section

Use the multiple-choice answer sheet.

Select the alternative A, B, C or D that best answers the question. Fill in the response oval

completely.

Sample: 2 + 4 = (A) 2 (B) 6 (C) 8 (D) 9

A B C D

If you think you have made a mistake, put a cross through the incorrect answer and fill in the

new answer.

A B C D

If you change your mind and have crossed out what you consider to be the correct answer,

then indicate the correct answer by writing the word correct and drawing an arrow as

follows.

A B C D

correct

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1. Jan Baptist van Helmont performed an experiment related to tree growth.

Which of the following outlines the hypothesis he was testing?

(A) The increase in tree mass derives from the carbon dioxide drawn.

(B) The increase in tree mass derives from the water added.

(C) The increase in tree mass derives from the soil.

(D) The increase in tree mass derives from the nutrients in the soil.

2. Which of the following best describes the broad methodology used by Priestley in his

experiments with oxygen?

(A) Modelling.

(B) Simulation.

(C) Fieldwork.

(D) Primary investigation.

3. The following table outlines the rate at which energy is consumed during various

activities. One unit that is used is kilojoules per kilogram per hour.

Type of activity Energy consumption rate (kJ/kg/hr)

Reading 2.1

Quick walk 16.3

Running 31.8

A runner with a mass of 80kg runs for 15 minutes.

What would be the total amount of energy used by the runner, in kJ?

(A) 38160

(B) 169.6

(C) 636

(D) 5.96

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4. In a peer-reviewed scientific report, the purpose of the “abstract” is to:

(A) Summarise the main outcomes of the investigation.

(B) Outline the reliability and validity of the investigation.

(C) Detail the methodology used in the investigation.

(D) Detail the equipment used in the investigation

5. In an experiment, the rate at which bubbles are produced by pondweed was

examined.

Some pondweed was placed in a test tube, and the test tube was filled with water. The

test tube was then placed in a beaker of water whose water was kept at a constant

temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

A lamp was placed at a set distance from the beaker and the amount of bubbles

produced by the pondweed per minute was tabulated. The distance of the lamp was

then varied, and new measurements taken of the amount of bubbles produced per

minute.

What type of variable is the amount of bubbles produced per minute?

(A) Independent.

(B) Controlled.

(C) Dependent.

(D) Hypothesised.

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Questions 6 and 7 relate to the following information:

An experiment was conducted to examine the relationship between the number of

seedlings planted in a given area, and the average height that those seedlings obtained

after a period of 10 days

6. As the number of seedlings in a given area increases, the average seedling height:

(A) Increases at a decreasing rate.

(B) Decreases at an increasing rate.

(C) Increases at an increasing rate.

(D) Decreases at a decreasing rate.

7. Which of the following is the independent variable in this investigation?

(A) The number of seedlings planted in a given area.

(B) The area of soil used.

(C) The average seedling height.

(D) The number of seedlings planted.

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8. A student investigated the effect of angle of a solar panel on the amount of energy

produced by the solar panels. Some of the data produced is shown in the table below:

The student decided to plot energy generated as a function of tilt angle.

Which of the following graphing strategies would best display this relationship?

(A) Develop a pie chart.

(B) A scatter graph of average energy produced per tilt angle

(C) A column graph of energy produced in December per tilt angle.

(D) A bar graph of tilt angle per month.

9. X-ray diffraction was a crucial development in the discovery of the structure of DNA

This is because:

(A) X-rays were needed to be able to break down cells.

(B) Diffraction patterns provided evidence of the shape of the DNA molecule.

(C) Diffraction was critical in the assembly process of DNA

(D) DNA releases X-rays, which were then diffracted to reveal DNA’s structure.

Month

Tilt angle (⸰)

25 35 45 55

Energy Produced (J)

August 450 510 470 430

October 605 625 610 595

December 710 725 690 650

February 630 655 645 590

April 390 430 420 400

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10. A simplified setup of an experiment being used to investigate the relationship between

temperature and rate of reaction is shown below. The product of the reaction is a gas.

Which of the following is NOT a threat to the validity of the experiment?

(A) Friction in the syringe mechanism.

(B) Reaction producing heat.

(C) Lack of numbers on the syringe mechanism.

(D) Lack of a means of measuring the temperature of the flask.

11. The image below demonstrates a phenomenon utilised in various technologies

This phenomenon is critical to a technology utilised in which discovery?

(A) The development of radiotherapy.

(B) Earthquake resistance in buildings.

(C) The Higgs Boson.

(D) The moons around Jupiter.

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12. Examine the graphs below:

What is the most likely causal link?

(A) A chemical in ice cream attracts sharks.

(B) More people eat ice cream and swim in the ocean when the weather is warm.

(C) Most ice cream sales are in coastal locations.

(D) Swimmers are more likely to eat ice cream than non-swimmers.

13. Why are Newton’s Laws of Motion considered laws and not theories

(A) Newton’s Laws are descriptions, not explanations.

(B) Newton’s Laws have been shown to be correct in all scenarios.

(C) Newton’s Laws are self-evident.

(D) Newton’s Laws have more evidence to support them than a theory does.

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14. Which of the following is a key feature of double-blind trials?

(A) The participants are unaware of which sample group they are in.

(B) Both the participants and researchers are unaware of the sample groups.

(C) Two sets of unseen variables are examined.

(D) No placebos are used.

15. It has often been reported in the media that particular types of artificial sweeteners

have been linked to increases in incidence of cancer.

To test this, a scientist set up an experiment. In the experiment, 25 mice were given a

mixture of sweetener and water over a period of 4 weeks. Another 25 mice were given

water only. The mice were otherwise fed and housed identically.

What is the purpose of giving the 25 mice water only?

(A) To contrast the effect of the independent variable.

(B) To contrast the effect of the dependent variable.

(C) To increase the sample size.

(D) To produce a population unaffected by cancer.

16. A major issue developing in academic circles is the “publish or perish” culture. This

refers to:

(A) Too many academics involved in teaching rather than publishing papers.

(B) Publishing companies not receiving enough academic papers.

(C) The need to promote more academics.

(D) Academics needing to continually publish to ensure they retain funding and

tenure.

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17. This question relates to the excerpt shown below:

As editors of the BMJ, Heart, Thorax and BMJ Open, we have decided that

the journals will no longer consider for publication any study that is partly

or wholly funded by the tobacco industry. Our new policy is consistent with

those of other journals including PLoS Medicine, PLoS One, PLoS

Biology; Journal of Health Psychology; journals published by the

American Thoracic Society; and the BMJ's own Tobacco Control.

Critics may argue—as many did when journals stopped publishing

cigarette advertisements—that publishing such research does not constitute

endorsing its findings and that, as long as funding sources are fully

disclosed, readers can consider that information and make up their own

minds about the quality of the work. Peer review should prevail, goes this

line of thinking: it's not the editor's job to make these kinds of judgments.

However, this view ignores the growing body of evidence that biases and

research misconduct are often impossible to detect, and that the source of

funding can influence the outcomes of studies in invisible ways.

- Godlee F, Malone R, Timmis A, et al Journal policy on research

funded by the tobacco industry Thorax 2013;68:1090-1091.

Which of the following summarises the main concerns that publishers such as the

ones cited above have about publishing articles that have tobacco industry funding?

(A) Tobacco funding may encourage alternate journals to develop, increasing

competition.

(B) Such funding may mean that articles favourable to tobacco companies might

evade peer review.

(C) Such funding may mean that universities find it harder to compete.

(D) Such funding may encourage biases that influence the research.

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18. Priestley performed several experiments in relation to oxygen. In particular, one

experiment sought to examine the role of oxygen in sustaining life.

Why would such an experiment in particular be subject to increased regulation if

performed today?

(A) Use of mercury would be subject to chemical controls.

(B) Use of animals needs to adhere to ethical guidelines.

(C) Use of oxygen needs to be controlled according to industry guidelines.

(D) Use of flammable equipment requires experimental controls.

19. The Hawthorne effect is otherwise known as the:

(A) Mozart effect.

(B) Experimenter effect.

(C) Validity effect.

(D) Observer effect.

20. A student wishes to show the relationship between the country of origin and the

prevalence per capita of a particular disease in that country

Which presentation method would be most appropriate to illustrate their findings for

this relationship?

(A) Pie chart.

(B) Scatter graph.

(C) Column graph.

(D) Venn diagram.

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2019 TRIAL

EXAMINATION

Investigating

Science

Section II

Answer Booklet

80 marks

Attempt Questions 21 – 32

Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this part

Instructions • Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces

provide guidance for the expected length of response.

• Show all relevant working in questions involving calculations.

• Extra writing space is provided at the back of this booklet. If

you use this space, clearly indicate which questions you are

answering.

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Question 21 (10 marks)

A Year 12 student was challenged by a member of the cross-country team that

runners were able to return to a regular heart rate faster than non-runners after

exercise.

The student decided to set up an experiment to test the claim. She gathered three

runners and three non-runners and measured their heart rate before, during and

after exercise.

The data that the student gathered was averaged and shown in the table below:

Exercise Phase

Resting Exercise After Exercise

Time

(minutes) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Runners

(beats/min) 55 70 80 90 80 65 60

Non-runners

(beats/min) 60 80 100 110 100 90 80

(a) Write a suitable hypothesis for the investigation.

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Question 21 continues on page 14.

Marks

1

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Question 21 (continued)

(b) Use the grid below to graph heart rate as a function of time for the runners

and the non-runners.

(c) Outline two variables that need to be controlled to help ensure validity.

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(d) State, with reasons, whether a conclusion can be drawn from the results of

the investigation.

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Marks

5

2

2

15


In around 240 BC, Eratosthenes performed an investigation to calculate the

circumference of the Earth.

(a) Outline two assumptions that were made in this investigation.

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(b) Justify the method used in the investigation.

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(c) Digital technologies have improved the means by which scientists can gather

accurate data.

Outline, using an example, how a digital technology could have improved the

method used by Eratosthenes.

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Marks

2

4

2

16


The science and data underpinning the theory that humans are contributing to

changing climate and rising global temperatures is subject to intense scrutiny by

sections of the media.

The following is an infographic that was published by the Mail on Sunday, a

British newspaper. The y-axis shows changes in average global air temperature.

Source and image credit: Mail on Sunday

The newspaper’s underlying conclusion in the article was that, on the basis of the

data in the graph, there is no evidence of climate change.

(a) According to the modelled data, what was the UPPER estimate for the rise in

temperature predicted in the year 2010 with a 95% certainty?

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(b) Outline what is represented by the darker shaded area of the graph.

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Question 23 continues on page 17.

Marks

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Question 23 (continued)

(c) The following are excerpts explaining how global temperature data is

gathered and its underlying significance

To get a complete picture of Earth’s temperature, scientists

combine measurements from the air above land and the ocean

surface collected by ships, buoys and sometimes satellites, too.

The temperature at each land and ocean station is compared

daily to what is ‘normal’ for that location and time, typically

the long-term average over a 30-year period. The differences

are called ‘anomalies’ and they help scientists evaluate how

temperature is changing over time.

A ‘positive’ anomaly means the temperature is warmer than the

long-term average, a ‘negative’ anomaly means it’s cooler.

Explainer: How do scientists measure global temperature? Retrieved from https://www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-do-scien tists-measure-global-temperature

The global temperature record represents an average over the

entire surface of the planet. The temperatures we experience

locally and in short periods can fluctuate significantly due to

predictable cyclical events (night and day, summer and winter)

and hard-to-predict wind and precipitation patterns. But the

global temperature mainly depends on how much energy the

planet receives from the Sun and how much it radiates back

into space—quantities that change very little. The amount of

energy radiated by the Earth depends significantly on the

chemical composition of the atmosphere, particularly the

amount of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

World of change: Global temperatures. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/DecadalTemp

With reference to both the graph on the previous page and the excerpts

above, critically evaluate the underlying conclusion drawn by the Mail on

Sunday.

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Continue your answer on page 18.

Marks

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19


During the course of your studies, you investigated ethical issues related to an

area of current scientific research.

(a) State an area of current scientific research in which ethical consideration are

weighed.

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(b) Assess the ethical issues associated with the area of scientific research that

you nominated in (a).

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20


Outline how the discovery of microwaves varied from a traditional scientific

process.

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Genetic engineering involves the use of technology to change the genetic makeup

of cells.

Assess the impact of the discovery of the structure of DNA on the development

of these technologies.

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21


The following quote is from the Better Health website, a state government body.

Homeopathy (or homoeopathy) is a 200-year-old form of

alternative medicine that claims to stimulate a healing

response and strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself. Those

who practise it claim that it is a holistic system of medicine

based on the theory of treating ‘like with like’. It claims to

stimulate the body’s own healing response to disease, using

specially prepared, highly diluted preparations.

The effectiveness of homeopathic preparations is disputed

within medical science. Scientists question how a highly diluted

substance could retain any biological effect. Homeopathy. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/homeopathy

Design a placebo-controlled, double-blind experiment to determine the

effectiveness of homeopathic treatments in improving the rate of recovery from

an illness such as the cold. (In answering the question, assume all appropriate

ethical approvals and risk assessments have been conducted and approved.)

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Marks

7

22


An area of infrastructure development which often causes intersections between

environmental and social impact is the development of dams.

With reference to a case study related to damming that you have studied, describe

how it has impacted the public image of science.

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Marks

4

23


The space programmes run by various countries are often criticised by some of

their citizens as an inappropriate and worthless use of taxpayer funds that could

be better directed to other domestic priorities.

Evaluate the claim that space programmes provide no tangible social benefit.

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Marks

6

24


Doppler is credited with the discovery of the relationship between the relative

velocities of a wave source/receiver, and the frequency change of the wave. This

is most often understood as the underlying mechanism behind the change in

frequency of a vehicle when it approaches compared to when it moves away.

(a) Outline the types of data gathered by Doppler in his discovery of this effect.

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(b) Explain how one area of science has built on this discovery.

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(c) Outline how a named technology would have improved the method used by

Doppler in his original discovery.

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Marks

2

3

2

25


A 2013 article in the magazine Scientific American had as its central thesis the

disconnect between the uses of words in science and by the general public.

(a) Outline how one such word may be used differently in a scientific context

compared to its popular media usage.

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(b) One of the scientists interviewed by the magazine promoted the idea that

scientists should stop using these terms, stating:

“I don’t think at this point it’s worth saving these words”

Assess this strategy in relation to media reporting of scientific events.

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Marks

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5

26


In the course of your studies, you have examined the publishing of scientific

papers and the threats to the process and public perception of science.

With reference to a specific example of a fraudulent scientific “investigation”,

evaluate the feasibility of science to continue as a self-correcting discipline.

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Section II extra writing space.

If you use this space indicate clearly which question you are answering.

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Section II extra writing space.

If you use this space indicate clearly which question you are answering.

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1

Exam Choice

2019 Investigating Science Trial Examination.

Marking Guidelines and Model Answers.

Section I Multiple Choice

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

B D C A C D A B B C D B A B A D D B D C

Section II

21 a.

Marking Criteria Marks

• Correctly writes a suitable hypothesis 1

The heart rate of runners returns to their rest heart rate in less time than the heart rate of non-runners.

21 b.


• Curve of best fit graphs with appropriate title, axes labelled, units correct, appropriate

scale and correct plot with key/designation. (note that curve as well as point joining is

acceptable)

5

• All of the above with one omission. 4

• All of the above with two omissions. 3

• All of the above with three omissions. 2

• Some reasonable attempt at a graph made. 1

21 c.


• TWO appropriate variables that require controlling for validity outlined. 2

• ONE appropriate variable outlined. 1

The runners should be similarly aged. The nature of the exercise during the exercise phase should be identical.

2

21 d.


• States whether a conclusion be reasonably drawn, with supporting rationale. 2

• States whether a conclusion can be reasonably drawn OR provides argument without

conclusion.

1

From the data provided, it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion. Neither sets of runners had their average come

down to their rest heart rate, so, while it appears that the runners would reach theirs first, it can not be concluded

with certainty.

22 a.


• Outlines two assumptions that were made in the investigation. 2

• States one assumption that was made in the investigation. 1

One assumption that was made was that the Earth is a perfect sphere. Another assumption was that the light rays

from the sun strike the earth parallel to each other.

22 b.


• Full justification of method, making reference to

- the measurements performed

- calculations made

- reliability and validity of data

4

• Partial justification, making reference to two of the above. 3

• Outlines whether the method was appropriate, with one justification. 2

• Provides some relevant statement. 1

The aim of the investigation was to determine the circumference of the Earth. This relied on measurements of

shadows being performed at a particular time and place, and knowledge of the distance between the two points,

to then extrapolate the distance around the Earth. His measurements of angles relied on the surveying equipment

available at the time and the distance on surveying data. The method was valid as the calculation performed would

yield an answer to the aim sought, however certain assumptions made (relative positions of the two cities,

geometry of the Earth, etc) meant that the result would be variant from the true value.

22 c.


• Outlines how a named technology could have improved the method. 2

• States a technology without an outline of its application to the method. 1

The use of Global Positioning Systems data would have provided the method with more accurate distance and

positioning information for the two cities, making the result of his subsequent calculation more accurate.

23 a.


• Determines the correct upper estimate. 1

+1 degree Celsius

23 b.


• Outlines the meaning of the area correctly 1

The darker shaded area represents the range of temperature rises for a given year for which the models are 75%

certain.

3

23 c.


• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the graph information and the quotes.

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the limitations of the graph data in relation

to the provided information and the conclusion.

• Makes an informed series of observations in relation to the reliability and validity of the

data in evaluating the conclusion.

• Response is clear and concise.

8

• Demonstrates a high level of understanding of the graph information and quotes.

• Links the limitations of the graph data AND links this to an evaluation of the underlying

conclusion.

• Discusses the reliability and validity of the data in relation to the conclusion.

6-7

• Demonstrates understanding of the graph information and quotes.

• Links the limitations of the graph to an informed discussion of the merits of the

conclusion.

• Outlines the reliability or validity of the data.

4-5

• Demonstrates some understanding of the graph information or quotes.

• Attempts to link the limitations of the graph to an informed discussion of the merits of

the conclusion.

2-3

• Makes a relevant observation in relation to the conclusion. 1

The graph depicts a trend of predicted air temperature rises, based on models predicting a range of possible air

temperature rises with a range of 75% certainty (darker shaded) and 95% probability (lighter shaded). The dark

line depicts measurements of mean air temperature plotted on the same axes. The shaded regions show a generally

upward trend in global temperatures, and the dark line shows a generally upward trend from around 1970 until

2005, where the line seems to flatten. The conclusion seems to come as a result of this flattening and “imminent”

departure of the line from the predictions. This conclusion is flawed for a number of reasons. According to the

first quote, the ocean is a significant region for the accurate measurement of global temperatures. The ocean

comprises 70% of the surface by area and contributes a greater heat sink effect than the air does. Thus, the

conclusion is being drawn from incomplete data, or too much meaning is being drawn from this graph. Also, as

per the first and second quotes, only long-term measurements of temperature change are meaningful, due to the

natural fluctuations and dependencies on other factors that can precipitate in the short term. The small time

captured by the graph is therefore not statistically significant. Aside from all of these considerations, the black

line is still within the prediction threshold, and therefore it is premature to conclude that, from the data presented

in this graph, that global warming is not occurring.

24 a.


• An area of current scientific research stated. 1

Many answers possible, eg pharmaceutical research

4

24 b.


• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the research area in relation to ethics.

• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the competing pressures in the research area.

• Makes an informed series of observations in relation to the issues in an assessment.


5

• Demonstrates an understanding of the research area in relation to ethical considerations

• Demonstrates an understanding of the competing pressures in the research area.

• Makes an informed series of observations in relation to the issues.

3-4

• Outlines examples of ethical considerations. 2

• Makes a relevant statement in relation to ethics. 1

The output from the pharmaceutical industry has undoubtably created a world in which many diseases and

conditions are now treatable, which has meant an improvement to standards of living and longevity in human

populations. However, these breakthroughs have often come at great cost. There are ongoing issues regarding

the testing of new pharmaceuticals, including the use of animals, as well as the corporatisation and secrecy

surrounding findings and a reluctance to publish findings for fear of cutting into profits. Costs associated with

various pharmaceuticals can mean that they are out of reach of many people who might need them, but the

researchers argue that such pricing and secrecy are required in order to keep researching viable. In conclusion,

while testing and trials are now done more ethically and to better standards, significant ethical challenges

remain.

25


• Full outline of the discovery of microwaves and how it varied from a traditional

scientific process.

3

• Partial outline of the discovery of microwaves in relation to a traditional scientific

process.

2

• Statement made about scientific processes or the process of discovery of microwaves 1

The traditional scientific process is one whereby a hypothesis is proposed, and a series of procedures are created

to determine whether the hypothesis holds. On that basis, a scientific theory or discovery can be supported. The

discovery of microwaves was accidental, when the discoverer noted that a food item was melting while he was

using the magnetron he had designed. He then did further tests involving other food items. He was not seeking

to validate a theory or confirm the work of Maxwell, he stumbled on the discovery by accident.

26


• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the relevance of DNA structure on genetic

engineering.

• Full outline of the dependence of the discovery of the structure of DNA on the

development of technologies.

• Makes an informed series of observations in relation to the impact in an assessment.


5

• Demonstrates some understanding of the relevance of DNA structure on genetic

engineering.

• Outline of the dependence of the discovery of the structure of DNA on the development

of technologies.

• Makes an informed series of observations in relation to the impact.

3-4

• Outlines some information on genetic engineering technologies or the discovery of the

structure of DNA.

2

• A relevant statement on either the discovery of DNA or a related technology. 1

The structure of DNA was discovered using x-ray crystallographic processes. This enabled researchers to not only

understand the underlying structure of DNA, but also provide insights into how DNA encodes genes and genetic

characteristics. Knowledge of this structure and the underlying genetic mechanisms has allowed technology to

target these mechanisms to manipulate DNA at the molecular level. These technologies could not have been

developed without this fundamental knowledge of the underlying structure and processes of DNA.

5

27


• Coherent and comprehensive experimental design of a placebo-controlled, double-blind

investigation.

• Comprehensive understanding of issues relating to reliability and validity.

• Thorough detailing of processes in relation to gathering and processing data.

7

• Coherent experimental design of a placebo-controlled, double-blind investigation.

• Sound understanding of issues relating to reliability and validity.

• Sound detailing of processes in relation to gathering and processing data.

5-6

• Coherent experimental design of a placebo-controlled, double-blind investigation.

• Some understanding of issues relating to reliability or validity.

• Sound detailing of processes in relation to gathering or processing data.

4

• Shows some consideration of experimental design including placebo-control or double-

blind characteristics.

2-3

• Some relevant statements made. 1

In running the investigation, enough people with otherwise similar health and work backgrounds would need to

be gathered so that there would be sufficient reliability in the datasets. Health background checks would need to

be performed to ensure that no one in the sample has any pre-existing conditions that could skew the results. A

series of preparations, both homeopathic and placebo (water only) are to be prepared in randomised numbered

containers. These numbers should be recorded by a third party (the researcher) as to which preparations are

homeopathic or placebo. The bottles, with numbers only, are provided to intermediary physicians who then issue

the preparations to the people participating in the study. The physicians then note which participants got which

numbered preparation. It is important that the physicians and participants both are unaware of the nature of the

preparations. At the end of the trial period, the physicians report back with the number and incidences of the

condition being treated. This data is then sent back to the researcher, who then examines the results to determine

whether the participants receiving the active preparation were significantly less afflicted by the condition.

28


• Thorough description of the positive and negative impacts of damming in relation to a

case study and how those impacts have influenced the public image of the science of

water management.

4

• Sound description of the positive and/or negative impacts of damming in relation to a

case study and how those impacts have influenced the public image of the science of

water management.

2-3

• Provides some relevant statement. 1

The damming of rivers is usually done in order to control the flow of a waterway, providing irrigation supply to

homes and industries, as well as provide electricity through the use of turbines. They can also be used in flood

mitigation in the event of heavy rains in a catchment area. However, the image of science can be adversely

impacted by the application of damming due to the prominent loss of biodiversity and habitats that can occur, as

well as the problems that can be associated with mismanagement of waterways. For example, the management of

Wivenhoe Dam was seen as a contributing factor to the severity of the Brisbane floods, which resulted in

additional scrutiny on the scientific processes that led to management decisions.

6

29


• Thorough evaluation of the impact of social benefits of space programmes, using

specific examples and comparison or interaction with other social benefits.

6

• Substantial evaluation of the impact of social benefits from space programmes, using

specific examples

5

• Sound discussion of the impact of social benefits using specific examples 2-3

• Basic discussion of social benefits of space programmes. 1

Answers could include

- Citing particular examples of spinoff technologies, such as life support systems, ceramics, packaging etc

- Discuss the impact that these inventions have had in wider society

- Analysis of the acceleration of technology by dedicated engineers

- There is a 10-fold return in space investment in spinoff technology entering society

- Counter points such as diversion from space investment into health and economic programs

- An integration of the technologies from space programmes into every day items.

Some sort of evaluation needs to be made, in line with the bulk of argument provided in relation to a meaningful

comparison with other domestic programs.

30 a.


• Full outline of the data types gathered by Doppler. 2

• A type of data used stated. 1

Doppler was examining the light being emitted from binary stars. He was looking for changes in the plates that

would give some clues as to the motion of the stars. He noticed that there was a relationship between the relative

motion of the star and the shift in spectra produced by the star. So he gathered data not only on the relative

movement of the stars, but also the spectra they produced, specifically shifts in those spectra.

30 b.


• Full explanation linking the discovery by Doppler to an area of science that has built on

the discovery.

3

• Sound explanation of how a technology developed from the discovery of Doppler. 2

• A relevant area of science outlined. 1

Doppler radar is used to determine the direction and speed of moving weather systems. It uses the Doppler effect

to note whether a reflected radar signal has been modified in wavelength due to the motion of the weather system.

Thus it makes use of the Doppler effect.

30 c.


• Outline of a named technology and how it would have improved Dopplers method 2

• A relevant statement made. 1

The use of computer spectral analysis would have assisted Doppler in analysing the spectra of stars in order to

determine their spectral shifts to a greater accuracy.

31 a.


• Outline of a named term and how it is used differently in a scientific and popular context 2

• A correct term stated 1

The term “theory” is used in science to denote an explanation of a phenomena that has significant evidentiary

backing. A theory in popular media usage can refer simply to an idea or a guess.

7

31 b.


• Thorough analysis of media reporting of scientific events and use of terminology.

• Explores disconnect between scientific and lay use of terms.

• Comprehensive assessment of the strategy.

5

• Sound analysis of media reporting of scientific events and use of terminology.

• Outlines disconnect between scientific and lay use of terms.

• Discussion of strategy.

3-4

• Outlines disconnect between scientific and lay use of terms. 2

• A relevant statement made. 1

The use of terms such as “theory”, “law”, “hypothesis” etc have particular meanings within the scientific context.

When these terms are reported on in mass media, often these terms are used without educating the readers or

viewers as to the particular meanings of these terms, which then leaves them subject to misinterpretation based

on popular understandings. These terms are important and abandoning them simply passes the problem onto even

less applicable and universally understood terms, creating greater understanding. There is a responsibility on the

part of scientists to explain the use of these terms in understandable ways, and for mass media purveyors to make

clear the particular meanings and subtexts of the terms, through education.

32


• Use of a specific example of scientific investigating fully outlined.

• Coherent and comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility of science as self-correcting.

• Links the investigation to the evaluation

7

• Use of a specific example of scientific investigating outlined.

• Sound evaluation of the feasibility of science as self-correcting.

• Links the investigation to the evaluation

5-6


• Sound discussion of the feasibility of science as self-correcting.

• Links the investigation to the discussion.

4


• Outline of science as self-correcting.

2-3

• Some relevant statements made. 1

In a test of the acceptance policies of so-called “predatory journals”, an engineer by the name of Alex

Smolyanitsky submitted a “research paper” written by a random text generator, authored by fictional authors. That

this paper made it through any sort of quality review process highlights a serious concern in scientific academia

on the quality assurance of published and “peer reviewed” papers. Science relies heavily prior works in cross

referencing and building on knowledge, and this means that if the foundations on which research occurs is subject

to lower peer checking standards, then the science underpinning that research can be faulty. Normal peer review

takes significant time and care in checking the quality of work and conclusions drawn from investigations, and

publishers such as the one accepting the paper above can undermine this whole process of self-correction, bringing

into question entire disciplines.

2019 trial examination

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