Experimentation- Reliability Flashcards
What is reliability?
Consistency of values obtained in repeats and independent replicates
What is variation in experimental results be due to?
The reliability of measurement methods and/or inherent variation in the specimens.
What can variation be influenced by?
The precision and accuracy of the repeated measurements
What are variation in experimental results?
The reliability of measuring methods and natural variation in the specimens being measured
What can the natural variation in the biological material being used to determine?
By measuring a sample of individuals from the population. The mean of these repeated measurements will give an indication of the true value being measured
In what ways is the range of values a measure of the extent of variation in the results?
-If there is a narrow range then the variation is low
-If the natural variation of biological material is high, a large sample size is necessary to obtain a reliable mean value
How can the reliability of measuring instruments or procedures be determined by?
The repeated measurements or readings of an individual datum point.
What does the variation in an experiment observed indicate?
The precision of the measurement instrument or procedure but not necessary its accuracy
Why should measurements of individual data points be repeated?
To indicate how consistent they are. these are called replicates
What are less reliable replicates?
-Too few replicates to be able to tell about how consistent the measurements are
-Replicates are non consistent
What are more reliable replicates?
-Suitable number of replicates
-Replicates are consistent on repetition
How should independent data sets be produced?
The use of independent replication of the entire experiment by using freshly prepared materials and on a different day
The independent data sets can be compared to indicate what?
To indicate consistency and hence reliability of results
When can the results of an independent replicate be considered?
Results can only be considered reliable if they are achieved consistently
