Sample interview questions: How do you handle unexpected changes or modifications to experimental protocols?
Sample answer:
Unexpected Changes or Modifications to Experimental Protocols
- Assess the Impact: Determine the potential impact of the change on the experiment’s objectives, accuracy, and validity.
- Consult with Colleagues: Seek input from trusted colleagues or supervisors to gather diverse perspectives and mitigate potential biases.
- Conduct a Literature Review: Research relevant literature to identify best practices and potential solutions for addressing the change.
- Document the Modification: Clearly record the nature and rationale of the modification in the experimental logbook. This serves as a valuable reference for future analysis and reproducibility.
- Consider Re-evaluation: If the modification significantly alters the experiment’s design, consider re-evaluating the hypotheses or objectives to ensure their relevance.
- Adjust Equipment or Parameters: Make necessary adjustments to experimental equipment or measurement parameters to accommodate the change.
- Monitor and Record Data Carefully: Read full answer