Collecting Data Flashcards
What are the four key characteristics your data should have?
Repeatable, Reproducible, Accurate, Precise
These characteristics ensure that the data collected can be trusted and verified.
How can you check the repeatability of your readings?
Repeat each reading at least three times.
What does reproducibility of results mean?
Cross-checking results by taking a second set of readings with another instrument or observer.
What is the definition of accuracy in data collection?
Results that are really close to the true answer.
What is an example of an inaccurate measurement method?
Estimating the amount of gas released by counting bubbles.
What is precision in the context of data?
Data that is all really close to the mean of repeated results.
What must your measuring equipment be sensitive enough to do?
Measure the changes you’re looking for.
What is the smallest change a measuring instrument can detect called?
Resolution.
What is the purpose of calibrating equipment?
To correct the inaccuracy of the equipment by measuring a known value.
What are random errors in measurements?
Unpredictable differences caused by human errors in measuring.
How can you reduce the effect of random errors?
By taking repeat readings and finding the mean.
What is a systematic error?
A measurement that is wrong by the same amount every time.
What is an example of a systematic error?
Measuring from the very end of a ruler instead of from the 0 cm mark.
What is a zero error?
A systematic error caused by equipment that isn’t zeroed properly.
How can you compensate for a known systematic error?
By subtracting the known error from all your results.
What is an anomalous result?
A result that doesn’t fit in with the rest at all.
What should you do if you encounter an anomalous result?
Investigate it to understand what happened and decide if it should be ignored.
