1. Scientists testifying in court cases involving DNA fingerprinting cases have actually encountered which of the following problems:

2. Mark all of the following statements that are correct:

3. We distinguished in class and in the notes between biased data that arise from invalid or poor experimental designs and biased evaluation of models. Mark all of the following that are experimental design problems that can lead to bias (and do not mark those that involve biased model evaluation).

4. An EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) must be prepared before construction can begin on many public works projects, such as roads. By law, an EIS is required to consider several alternative ways in which the construction could potentially occur. Typically, writing an EIS involves analysis of pre-existing data. Unfortunately, the data an EIS presents are often chosen to support a decision that has already been made, not to fairly investigate all possibilities.

This statement describes an example of:

5. In the Prisoners of Silence video, Dr. Bickland of Syracuse University states that it doesn't matter how many times we attempt to demonstrate that facilitated communication works, and fail to do so. Dr. Bickland's viewpoint, taken in the context of this video, is an example of which of the following? Mark exactly one answer.

6. to 10. Mark the type of nonscientific argument illustrated by each of the following examples. None, one or more than one answer may apply.

(A) Appeal to authority
(B) Character assassination of opponent
(C) Draw on anecdotes or post hoc observations
(D) Defend an unfalsifiable model
(E) Refusal to admit error
(F) Identify trivial flaws in an opponent's model

6. A scientist testifies for the prosecution in a criminal case involving DNA typing. His testimony concerns recent improvement in lab testing procedures that reduce the chance of a DNA testing lab mixing up samples. During cross-examination, the defense attorney asks the scientist whether he has ever collaborated with anyone convicted of income tax evasion. The scientist answers that he has, and the defense attorney uses this fact to challenge the validity of his testimony about sample mixups in DNA laboratories.

7. John applies for a job at True-Health superstores, and is asked to take a pre-employment urine test to detect illicit drug use. The test comes back positive, and he is not hired.

8. The editor of Science writes a letter defending the use of DNA typing in court cases. He supports the use of DNA typing by observing that many well-respected judges have allowed such evidence to be admitted in criminal cases. The editor also cites several particularly grisly crimes in which the prosecution introduced DNA typing evidence, and the suspect was convicted; however, the editor does not systematically review court cases in which DNA typing evidence was introduced, to determine if there were cases in which DNA typing evidence was introduced but no conviction was obtained. The editor uses these facts to argue that his opponents' concerns about lab error rates and statistical issues in DNA typing analysis are without merit.

9. A candidate for the Austin Independent School District board of education believes that the district is spending too much money on extracurricular activities such as athletics and band, and not enough on remedial education. In a public debate, the candidate illustrates this point by discussing one particular female student who is spending many hours on extracurricular activities, yet is not taking any remedial courses even though she is failing nearly all the courses she is enrolled in.

10. You write a letter to the IRS, disputing some additional tax that the IRS claims you owe. The letter states that your accountant, who prepares your return, does not believe that you owe any additional tax. However, you include no additional information in the letter as to why your accountant believes this is so. The letter's sole argument is to cite your accountant's opinion.

11. The following outline of methods for recognizing bias was given in lecture. Mark all statements that correctly summarize the information in the Prisoners of Silence videos shown in class and discussed in lecture.

 

Table of contents

Chapter 23. Deliberate Bias: How Conflict Creates Bad Science


Copyright 1996-2000 Craig M. Pease & James J. Bull. All rights reserved.

301d@bull.biosci.utexas.edu