Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — The Ethics of Scientific Research

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de participar en debates complejos sobre dilemas éticos, utilizando estructuras gramaticales avanzadas para matizar opiniones, contrastar ideas y expresar propósito o consecuencia. Habrás desarrollado la capacidad de utilizar un vocabulario académico y técnico preciso relacionado con la investigación, la integridad científica y la responsabilidad social.

Asimismo, habrás perfeccionado tu capacidad para transformar oraciones complejas, manteniendo el significado original pero cambiando el registro o la estructura, una habilidad esencial para las partes de Use of English del examen C1 Advanced.

Grammar consolidation

Part 1: Sentence Transformation Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words.

1. Although the results were groundbreaking, the methodology was flawed. DESPITE The methodology was flawed ________ the groundbreaking results.

2. I am studying harder so that I can pass the ethics committee review. PURPOSE I am studying harder ________ the ethics committee review.

3. It was only because of the funding that the research could proceed. RESULT The research could proceed ________ the funding.

Part 2: Error Correction Identify and correct the grammatical error in each sentence.

4. Even much as the scientists wanted to publish, they lacked the necessary data.
5. In addition to to the clinical trials, the researchers conducted surveys.
6. Such was the importance of the discovery that it changed medicine forever. (Is this sentence correct? If not, rewrite it).

Part 3: Controlled Rewriting Rewrite the sentences using the prompts provided to express the intended meaning.

7. The experiment was unsuccessful, but it provided valuable insights. (Use ALBEIT)
8. We must ensure transparency to prevent any potential bias in the study. (Use SO AS TO)
9. The data was manipulated, which led to a massive scandal. (Use WHEREBY)
10. The researchers were very careful to avoid any conflict of interest. (Use TAKING CARE)

Vocabulary activation

Part 1: Word Formation Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals.

1. The (PROBABILITY) ____ of unintended consequences in genetic engineering is a major concern.
2. There has been a significant (DEBATE) ____ regarding the use of AI in diagnostic medicine.
3. The study was criticized for its lack of (OBJECTIVE) ____.
4. Ethical guidelines are essential to ensure the (LEGITIMATE) ____ of scientific findings.

Part 2: Collocations & Register Select the correct word to complete the professional collocations.

5. To (conduct / make / do) a double-blind study is the gold standard in clinical research.
6. Scientists must (uphold / keep / hold) the highest standards of integrity.
7. The research findings (contradict / refute / deny) previous assumptions in the field.
8. It is vital to (address / face / confront) the ethical implications of cloning.

Part 3: Vocabulary in Context Match the term to its definition.

9. Informed consent | A. The process of verifying that results are consistent.
10. Peer review | B. Permission granted by a participant after understanding the risks.
11. Empirical evidence | C. The evaluation of work by experts in the same field.
12. Replicability | D. Information acquired by means of observation or experimentation.

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Research

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into scientific research has opened unprecedented doors, allowing for the analysis of vast datasets at speeds previously unimaginable. However, this technological leap brings profound ethical dilemmas. One primary concern is the "black box" problem: if an AI reaches a conclusion through processes that humans cannot fully trace, can the results be considered scientifically valid?

Furthermore, there is the issue of algorithmic bias. If the data used to train these systems contains historical prejudices, the AI will merely automate and scale these biases, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes in medical or sociological research. While proponents argue that AI enhances efficiency, critics maintain that it threatens the fundamental human element of critical inquiry. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, the scientific community must establish robust regulatory frameworks to ensure that technological advancement does not come at the cost of ethical integrity.

Writing Task

Instrucciones: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de respuesta (180-220 palabras). Debes evaluar si los beneficios de la IA en la investigación superan los riesgos éticos. Utiliza un registro formal y emplea vocabulario de nivel C1. Debes incluir una opinión clara sobre si la "eficiencia" justifica la pérdida de "transparencia".

Speaking checkpoint

1. Compare: Compare the importance of traditional laboratory research with modern computational research. Which do you think is more reliable?
2. Speculate: How might the ethics of scientific research change in fifty years if biotechnology becomes more advanced?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the statement: "Scientific progress should never be halted by ethical concerns."
4. Justify: If a scientist discovers a cure for a disease but used unethical methods to find it, should the discovery be used? Justify your answer.
5. Contrast: Contrast the responsibilities of an individual scientist with the responsibilities of a global research institution.
6. Hypothesize: Imagine a world where all scientific research is funded by private corporations. How would this affect the objectivity of results?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. despite / notwithstanding 2. in order to / so as to achieve 3. as a result of 4. Even much as $\rightarrow$ Much as / Even though 5. In addition to to $\rightarrow$ In addition to 6. Correct (Such + was + noun + that...) 7. The experiment was unsuccessful, albeit providing valuable insights. (Or: ...albeit it provided...) 8. The researchers studied... so as to avoid... 9. ...a process whereby the data was manipulated... 10. Taking care to avoid...

Vocabulary activation 1. probability 2. debate 3. objectivity 4. legitimacy 5. conduct 6. uphold 7. contradict 8. address 9. B 10. C 11. D 12. A