Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a factor that could adversely affect a study?

1. Errors in weighing an animal

2. Showing favoritism toward certain animals

3. Mixing up animal numbers in the records

4. Recording animal weights correctly every day

The correct answer is: Recording animal weights correctly every day

Recording animal weights correctly every day is a crucial practice in research that ensures accuracy and reliability in data collection. Accurate and consistent recording of weights allows researchers to monitor the health and progress of the animals throughout the study. This practice helps in identifying any potential health issues early and contributes to the overall integrity of the study outcomes. In contrast, the other factors listed, such as errors in weighing animals, showing favoritism, and mixing up animal numbers, can compromise the quality of the research by introducing biases, inaccuracies, or miscommunication that can lead to invalid results. By maintaining precise daily weight records, researchers uphold the standards necessary for reproducible and dependable research.