Year 13 WJEC Science: Case Study Practical Exercises | WJEC 科学：案例分析实战演练

📚 Year 13 WJEC Science: Case Study Practical Exercises | WJEC 科学：案例分析实战演练

In the WJEC A2 Science specification, the case study component challenges students to apply scientific knowledge, evaluate evidence, and appreciate the real-world implications of science. This article provides a step-by-step guide to mastering case study tasks, offering practical exercises and a full worked example.

在 WJEC A2 科学课程中，案例分析部分要求学生运用科学知识、评估证据并理解科学对现实世界的影响。本文提供了逐步掌握案例分析任务的指南，包含实践练习和一个完整的演练示例。

1. What Is a Case Study in WJEC Science? | 什么是 WJEC 科学中的案例分析？

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a science-related issue or controversy. You are expected to gather and analyse information from multiple sources, consider conflicting evidence, and reach a well-supported conclusion. It integrates AO1 (knowledge and understanding), AO2 (application), and AO3 (evaluation).

案例分析是对与科学相关的议题或争议的深入探究。你需要从多种来源收集并分析信息，考虑相互矛盾的证据，并得出有充分支持的结论。这一过程整合了 AO1（知识与理解）、AO2（应用）和 AO3（评价）。

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2. WJEC Marking Criteria for Case Studies | WJEC 案例分析评分标准

The exam board assesses the quality of your research, the logical structure of your report, the depth of your analysis, and your ability to weigh up risks, benefits, and ethical considerations. Marks are allocated for selecting relevant scientific data, using statistical treatments where appropriate, and presenting balanced arguments.

考试局会评估你的研究质量、报告的逻辑结构、分析的深度以及权衡风险、收益和伦理考量的能力。分值会分配给选择相关的科学数据、在适当时使用统计处理以及展示平衡的论点。

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3. Choosing a Suitable Topic | 选择合适的话题

Select a topic that is genuinely controversial, has a strong scientific basis, and is supported by accessible data. Examples include nuclear power vs. renewable energy, vaccination policies, genetic modification, or the use of insects as food. The topic must allow you to explore both positive and negative evidence.

选择一个真正具有争议性、有坚实科学基础且有可获取数据支持的话题。例子包括核能 vs 可再生能源、疫苗接种政策、基因改造或食用昆虫。话题必须能够让你探索正面和负面的证据。

Avoid topics that are too broad or purely opinion-based. Narrow the focus: for instance, rather than ‘climate change’, examine ‘the effectiveness of carbon capture and storage in reducing UK emissions by 2030’.

避免过于宽泛或纯粹基于观点的话题。缩小焦点：例如，不采用“气候变化”，而是研究“碳捕集与封存在 2030 年前减少英国排放的有效性”。

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4. Gathering Reliable Evidence | 收集可靠的证据

Use a variety of sources: peer-reviewed journals, official statistics (e.g., WHO, IPCC), textbooks, and reputable news outlets. Evaluate each source’s reliability by checking the author’s credentials, publication date, and potential bias. Always cross-reference claims.

使用多种来源：同行评审的期刊、官方统计数据（如 WHO、IPCC）、教科书和信誉良好的新闻媒体。通过检查作者的资历、出版日期和潜在偏差来评估每个来源的可靠性。始终交叉核对各种说法。

Primary sources such as raw experimental data carry high validity, while secondary sources like review articles can provide context. In your report, cite sources clearly and explain why you have trusted certain data over others.

原始来源（如原始的实验数据）具有较高的有效性，而诸如综述文章之类的二手资料可以提供背景信息。在你的报告中，清晰地引用来源，并解释为什么你信任某些数据而不是其他数据。

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5. Data Analysis and Graphical Representation | 数据分析与图表展示

When you encounter numerical data, calculate means, percentage changes, or standard deviations as appropriate. Present findings in clearly labelled tables and graphs. A table comparing parameters such as CO₂ emissions per kg of protein produced for different food sources is a powerful tool.

当遇到数值数据时，适当地计算平均值、百分比变化或标准差。使用清晰标注的表格和图表展示研究结果。例如，比较不同食物来源每公斤蛋白质产生的二氧化碳排放量等参数的表格是一种有力的工具。

Example Data: Environmental Impact of Protein Sources (per kg protein)

Source	CO₂ equiv. (kg)	Land use (m²/year)	Water (litres)
Beef	150	164	15,000
Chicken	40	12	4,300
Crickets	2	5	1,000
Soy	5	2	2,200

When interpreting graphs, look for trends, outliers, and correlations. Remember that correlation does not imply causation; discuss possible confounding variables. A scatter plot with a line of best fit can illustrate the relationship between insect farming scale and emission reduction.

在解读图表时，寻找趋势、异常值和相关性。记住相关性并不意味因果关系；讨论可能的混杂变量。带有最佳拟合线的散点图可以展示昆虫养殖规模与减排之间的关系。

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6. Evaluating Reliability and Validity of Evidence | 评估证据的可靠性和有效性

Reliability refers to the consistency of results when an investigation is repeated. Validity concerns whether the method measures what it intends to measure. In a case study, you should critically appraise the methodology of the studies you cite, noting sample size, control of variables, and potential errors.

可靠性是指当一项研究被重复时结果的一致性。有效性则涉及该方法是否测量了它意图测量的东西。在案例分析中，你应该批判性地评估所引用研究的方法，注意样本量、变量的控制以及潜在误差。

For example, if a survey of consumer acceptance of insect-based food had only 50 respondents from one city, the findings cannot be generalised. Point out such limitations and how they affect the strength of your conclusions.

例如，如果一项关于消费者对昆虫食品接受度的调查只有来自一个城市的 50 名受访者，那么研究结果就不能被推广。指出的这类局限性以及它们如何影响你结论的强度。

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7. Risk Assessment and Management | 风险评估与管理

Every scientific development carries risks. A risk matrix combining likelihood and severity helps to prioritise concerns. When evaluating a topic like insect protein, consider biological risks (allergens, pathogens), chemical risks (bioaccumulation of heavy metals), and societal risks (loss of traditional farming jobs).

每一项科学发展都带有风险。结合可能性和严重性的风险矩阵有助于确定关注的优先级。在评估昆虫蛋白等话题时，要考虑生物风险（过敏原、病原体）、化学风险（重金属的生物富集）和社会风险（传统农业工作岗位的流失）。

Quantify risks where possible using data, such as reported allergy incidence rates, and compare them with existing foods. Discuss control measures, e.g., strict feed regulation and labelling laws, to mitigate risks.

在可能的情况下使用数据量化风险，例如报告的过敏发病率，并将其与现有食物进行比较。讨论控制措施，如严格的饲料法规和标签法，以降低风险。

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8. Ethical, Social, and Economic Considerations | 伦理、社会和经济考量

Ethical dilemmas may include animal welfare, informed consent, or equitable access to technology. Socially, the ‘yuck factor’ can hinder acceptance despite scientific evidence. Analyse how cultural values influence policy. Economically, weigh the cost of new industries against potential savings in healthcare and environmental remediation.

伦理困境可能包括动物福利、知情同意或公平获得技术。社会层面，“恶心因素”可能阻碍接受度，尽管有科学证据。分析文化价值观如何影响政策。经济方面，权衡新

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