Definitions Flashcards
Precision
Precise measurements are ones in which there is very little spread from the mean value
Precision depends only on the extent of random errors and gives no indication of how close the results are to the true value
Prediction
A prediction is a statement suggesting what will happen in the future, based off observation,experience or hypothesis
Range
The maximum and minimum vales of the dependant or independent variables , it’s important in ensuring a pattern is detected
Repeatable
A measurement is repeatable is the experimenter can repeat the investigation with the same method and equipment and obtain the same results
Reproducible
A measurement is reproducible if another experimenter can do the repeat the same investigation with the same method and equipment and obtain the same result
Resolution
This is the smallest change in the quantity being measured of a measuring instrument that gives a perceptible change
Sketch Graph
A line graph , not necessarily a grid, that shows the general shape of the relationship between the two variables. It will not have any points plotted and although the axes may be labelled they’re not scaled
True value
This is the value that would be obtained in an idea measurement
Uncertainty
The interval in which the true value can be expected to lie, with a given level of confidence or probability
Validity
Suitability of the investigative procedure to answer the question being asked.
Valid conclusion
A conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate experimental design and based of sound reasoning
Variables
These are physical, chemical, or biological quantities or characterises
Categoric variable
Are variables that have labels such as name of a plant
Continuous variables
Continuous variables can have values (called a quantity) that can be given a magnitude either by counting or by measurement
Control variable
Control variables is one which may , in addition of the independent variable, affect the outcome of the investigation and therefore has to be kept constant
Dependant
The dependant variable is the variable of which the value is measured for each and every change in the independent variable
Independant variable
The independant variable is the variable for which the values are changed or selected by investigator
Interval
The quantity between readings for example 80cm3 split into interval of 10 cm3
Accuracy
A measurement result is considered accurate if it is judged to be close to the true value
Calibration
Marking a scale on a measuring instrument , this involves establishing the relationship between indications of a measure instrument and standard of reference quantity values , which must be applied
Data
Information , either qualitative or quantitative , that had been collected
Measurement errors
The difference between the measured value and the true value
Anomalies
These are values in a set of results which are judged not to be part of the variation caused by random uncertainty
Random error
The cause readings to be spread about the true value due to results varying in an unpredictable way from one measurement to and calculating a new mean
Zero error
Any indication that a measuring system gives a false reading when the true value of a measure quantity is 0
Evidence
Data which is shown to be valid
Fair test
A fair test is one in which only the Independant variable has been allowed to affect the dependant variable
Hypothesis
A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
