Читать книгу Demystifying Research for Medical and Healthcare Students - John L. Anderson - Страница 33

In a basic experiment, we set up a situation where we introduce one thing – a substance or a variable – to another thing (substance/variable) and observe the effects – the outcomes of doing this.

In a laboratory we can control the situation, the experiment, and the environment within which the experiment is done. So, if Substance A is zinc, and Substance B is hydrochloric acid, we should observe a fizzing as the acid meets the zinc and the gas hydrogen will be given off, leaving a residual substance (hydrogen chloride) behind. We can do the experiment with different concentrations of the acid, at different temperatures, at different atmospheric pressures, and at different levels of humidity – and measure the results in each condition. That is, we can take external variables into account to measure the extent to which they interfere with, or contaminate, our results. We can repeat the experiment as often as we want to check our results. And, most importantly, by keeping our equipment squeaky‐clean, we can make sure that there are no substances on/in the equipment that can interfere with the experiment – ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness!’ And to avoid the ‘Fleming effect’ we can conduct our work in sealed laboratories so that no dirt can blow in through a window and give us unexpected results!

Safety is most important! As laboratory researchers, we have to take precautions to ensure our own safety, the safety of other people in the lab, and the safety of everyone in society. So, we use appropriate protective clothing. We follow lab rules and protocols for conducting research in them. We follow appropriate guidelines and protocols for disposing of waste materials. Gone are the days when you could do lab experiments at night and, when no one was looking, just pour your materials down the drain! Before you begin to work in any lab, make sure that you have had safety protocols explained to you and that you understand them. If no one offers you an explanation, then ask your boss to explain them. Then, make sure that you stick to them!

I have included some examples of lab safety rules in the Appendix C to remind you of the sorts of things you should be aware of. Remember – if in doubt, ask.