Key terms & definitions

The checking of scientific findings by other scientists, who assess whether the methods, evidence and conclusions are sound.

The checking of scientific research by other scientists with relevant expertise, including its methods, results and conclusions.

A publication containing research articles that have been assessed by relevant experts before acceptance.

Choosing friends who already share one's attitudes or behaviour, rather than becoming similar because of their influence.

A network arrangement in which computers share resources directly without a dedicated central server; each peer can request and provide resources.

Pan European Game Information: a system that classifies video games by age suitability and provides information about their content and interactive risks.

Peisistratus and his ruling family at Athens, including his sons Hippias and Hipparchus.

The alliance led by Sparta, whose members included Corinth and, at different points, Megara.

An animal’s skin with its fur still attached, traded for use in products such as hats.

A lightly armed infantry soldier equipped with javelins and a lighter shield, able to attack and withdraw more readily than a hoplite.

The bony structure at the hips, where the femur meets the skeleton of the trunk.

An overseas settlement used to hold and employ transported convicts.

Laws restricting religious groups outside the established church. In Ireland after the Williamite War, they reinforced Anglican dominance by restricting Catholics’ access to public life and land; some restrictions also affected Protestant Dissenters.

Changes to the laws and institutions used to punish offenders, such as reducing death sentences or improving prisons.

A punishment involving imprisonment and compulsory labour.

A place where convicted prisoners are sent to live and work as punishment, often far from their homes. Small is imprisoned in the British penal settlement in the Andaman Islands.

The understanding of Jesus’ death as taking the punishment for human sin on humanity’s behalf.

A punishment in which a convicted person was sent overseas to a penal colony, often to perform forced labour.

An act performed to show repentance and make amends for sin, such as prayer or giving money to the Church.

An act or punishment undertaken for wrongdoing or sin.

An action expressing repentance for wrongdoing and a desire to turn back towards God.

A radiation's ability to travel through matter before being absorbed or losing enough energy to stop.

A finish that soaks into the surface fibres of timber rather than mainly forming a coating on top, such as a penetrating oil.

The ability of radiation to pass through a material.

How readily radiation passes through a material before being absorbed.

Setting a low initial price for a new product to attract customers and build market share.

A controlled, authorised attempt to gain access to computer resources without the normal means of access, used to identify security vulnerabilities.

An antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 after he observed that a mould prevented nearby bacteria from growing.

Sincere regret for wrongdoing, accompanied by a desire to change.

The part of the introductory rites of Mass in which the congregation acknowledges its sins and asks for God’s mercy.