Developing practical Skills

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

An estimated guess that is specific, testable, measurable and directional.

Question 2

Scientific theory

Answer 2

Why a phenomenon happens

Question 3

Scientific law

Answer 3

A phenomenon that always happens

Question 4

Null hypothesis

Answer 4

Explicitly states that there is no relationship between variables

Question 5

Research/alternate hypothesis

Answer 5

Opposing claim to the null hypothesis

Question 6

Confounding variables

Answer 6

Anything that was not controlled which may effect the results (varies systematically)

Question 7

Positive control groups

Answer 7

Control group in which the outcome is positive

Question 8

Negative control group

Answer 8

Control group in which the outcome is negative or null (identifies outside influences)

Question 9

Accuracy

Answer 9

How close to the true value you are

Question 10

Precision

Answer 10

Values being close together

Question 11

Resolution

Answer 11

The smallest change in a quantity that can be read and measured by an instrument

Question 12

Uncertain value

Answer 12

An estimated +/- half of the smallest increment. For example if the measurement was in cms the uncertain would be +/- 0.5cms

Question 13

Repeatability

Answer 13

High if you are getting the same results when repeating with the same group over a period of time

Question 14

Reproducibility

Answer 14

The precision of the agreement between the results of measurements.
(Dependant on things such as weather, climate)

Question 15

Validity

Answer 15

Is the results measuring what you want to measure and is it a suitable answer

Question 16

Systematic error

Answer 16

Same throughout the experiment

One variable is incorrect by the same amount each time (data is precise not accurate)

Question 17

Random error

Answer 17

Not the same each time, apparatus Mia readings. Easy to identify.