General Knowledge

Question 1

What is an independent variable?

Answer 1

It is a variable you CHANGE - because you want to see if that makes a difference or has an effect on something else.

Question 2

What is the dependent variable?

Answer 2

A dependent variable is a variable that is affect or changed by the independent variable and is MEASURED.

Question 3

What are controlled variables?

Answer 3

For a valid investigation, we need to keep as many things (except the independent variables) the SAME as possible. These are known as controlled variables.

Question 4

How do you improve the reliability of your experiment?

Answer 4

Repeat the investigation (the more you repeat it, the more reliable it is) and calculate an average

Question 5

How do you improve the accuracy of your experiment?

Answer 5

• When measuring, use the correct measuring tools and technique
• Calculations need to be correct and use correct values or units of measurement

Question 6

How do you improve the validity of your experiment?

Answer 6

• Does your procedure accurately test the hypothesis and have all variables been identified and controlled
• Only change one thing (the independent variable) - all others stay the same