Computer applications in research experiments: In a laboratory trial of a new drug on 1,000 rats, which task below would a computer be least capable of performing autonomously (without human scientific judgment)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Decide whether the drug is safe enough for use in humans

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Computers excel at repetitive, data-intensive tasks such as recording measurements, calculating totals, and producing summaries. However, research decisions in pharmacology also rely on scientific judgment, ethics, and regulatory standards. This question asks which activity a computer would be least able to perform autonomously during a preclinical animal study involving 1,000 rats.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • There are 1,000 laboratory rats receiving a test drug.
  • Routine experimental data include dates, dosages, and weight measurements.
  • The decision under consideration is human-use safety, which typically follows strict regulatory pathways.


Concept / Approach:
Data capture and computation tasks are deterministic and well-suited to information systems. Determining whether a drug is safe for human use requires integrating multiple evidence streams (toxicology, pharmacokinetics, benefit–risk analysis), applying clinical and regulatory standards, and exercising expert judgment—areas where computers can assist but not replace accountable human decision-makers.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify tasks that are mechanical and data-driven (totals, logs, summaries).Recognize that these can be automated reliably by database and analytics programs.Contrast with the safety decision for humans, which depends on interpretation, context, and external standards beyond raw computation.Conclude that the safety decision is least suited to fully autonomous computer action.


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard research workflows use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for tracking and calculations, while Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and regulatory bodies require expert human oversight for safety determinations.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Determine total dosage per rat: Simple accumulation from stored records.
  • Maintain dosage and date records: Core database logging function.
  • Record and summarize weights: Routine data acquisition and summarization.
  • Compute total administered across all rats: Straightforward aggregation.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing decision support (graphs, statistics) with decision making; computers assist but do not own ethical or regulatory responsibility.


Final Answer:
Decide whether the drug is safe enough for use in humans

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