Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
RESEARCH AND DESIGN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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RESEARCH AND DESIGN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Biomedical Science
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 13
Grade code: 1.4.1.LI.2
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.4.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.4.1.LI.2
Theme: BIOMEDICAL INNOVATIONS
Subtheme: RESEARCH AND DESIGN IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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In today's world, we are flooded with information, especially about health. From WhatsApp messages about new "cures" to posts on social media, it is difficult to know what to believe. For a biomedical science student and future health professional, the ability to find and trust scientific information is not just an academic skill—it is a critical tool for saving lives and making informed decisions. This lesson will equip you with the practical skills to navigate the vast world of online information, separating credible scientific evidence from myths and misinformation.
2.1. The Two Worlds of Online Searching: Search Engines vs. Journal Databases
Not all search tools are created equal. Understanding the difference is the first step to becoming a good researcher. General Search Engines (e.g., Google, Bing): What they are: These tools index a massive portion of the entire public internet—websites, blogs, news sites, commercial stores, forums, videos, and academic articles. Analogy: Think of a general search engine as Makola Market. You can find almost anything there, from high-quality fabrics to cheap plastic goods, fresh food, and counterfeit products. You have to be very careful and know what you're looking for to get good quality. Pros: Huge volume of results, good for general information, easy to use. Cons: Full of unreliable sources, advertisements, personal opinions, and misinformation. It requires a lot of filtering. Scientific Journal Databases (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, African Journals Online - AJOL): What they are: These are specialized search engines that index academic and scientific literature—research articles, review papers, theses, and conference proceedings. Analogy: Think of a scientific database as the Pharmacy Council or the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Laboratory. Everything inside has been checked, verified, and approved by experts. You go there specifically for reliable, certified products (information). Pros: Sources are generally credible, peer-reviewed, and scientifically rigorous. They are focused and academic. Cons: The language can be highly technical, and some articles may require a subscription to access the full text (though many are free).
| Feature | General Search Engine (Google) | Scientific Database (Google Scholar/PubMed) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Content | Everything: blogs, news, ads, opinions | Academic articles, research papers, patents | | Credibility | Highly variable; must be checked carefully | Generally high; most content is peer-reviewed | | Audience | General public | Researchers, students, professionals | | Purpose | Information, entertainment, commerce | Disseminating scientific research | 2.2. What Makes a Scientific Source Reliable? The "PAARC" Test
To evaluate any source, especially one from a general search, we can use a simple checklist called the PAARC test. P - Purpose: *Why was this information created?* Reliable: To inform, educate, or present research findings. Unreliable: To sell a product, to persuade you of a personal opinion, to entertain, or to spread propaganda. *Example: A website selling herbal supplements is trying to sell, not just inform.* A - Authority: *Who is the author or organization behind this?* Reliable: A qualified expert in the field (e.g., a medical doctor, a PhD researcher from a university like UG or KNUST), a reputable research institution (e.g., Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research - NMIMR), or a government health body (e.g., Ghana Health Service). Unreliable: An anonymous author, someone with no listed credentials, or a biased organization. *Tip: Look for an "About Us" page or author biographies.* A - Accuracy: *Is the information correct and supported by evidence?* Reliable: Information is backed up with citations and references to other scientific work. The claims are specific and avoid vague language. The data is presented clearly. Unreliable: No references are provided. Claims are exaggerated ("miracle cure!"). There are spelling or grammar errors. *Scientific accuracy demands evidence.* R - Relevance: *Is this information relevant to your specific research question?* A perfectly good article about malaria in Brazil may not be relevant if you are studying malaria treatment in the Volta Region of Ghana. You must ensure the information fits your needs. C - Currency: *When was this information published or last updated?* Reliable: In a rapidly changing field like biomedical science, recent information is usually better. A study on COVID-19 from 2020 might be outdated by 2024. For historical topics, older sources may be fine, but for treatments and prevalence data, look for recent dates. 2.3. The Gold Standard: Peer-Reviewed Articles