Glossary Flashcards
What is accuracy?
A measurement is accurate if it is close to the true value.
Define anomalies in data measurement.
Values that are unexpected and not caused by random variations.
What is calibration?
Marking a scale on a measuring instrument, for example, a thermometer in melting ice is marked as 0°C and the boiling point of water as 100°C.
What does data refer to?
Information that has been collected.
What is a fair test?
A fair test is where only the independent variable is changed to influence the dependent variable.
What is a hypothesis?
A suggestion to explain an observation. A hypothesis needs to be both testable and falsifiable.
What is an investigation in a scientific context?
The scientific process of solving a problem that requires planning a course of action, collecting data, interpreting data, reaching a conclusion and communicating your findings.
Define a law in scientific terms.
A statement which describes unchanging relationships between phenomena often expressed mathematically, for example, F = ma.
What is a model?
A description of a phenomenon. Models are often written mathematically.
What is an outlier?
An abnormal measurement especially noticeable when graphing.
What does precision refer to in measurements?
Precise measurements have little spread about the mean value. Precision depends only on random errors.
What is a prediction?
A statement suggesting what will happen based on observations or experience.
Define random error.
Readings spread about the true value due to measurements varying in an unpredictable way.
What is range in data measurement?
The maximum and minimum values of a variable.
What is a relationship in scientific terms?
Information that can be used to link two things together, for example, force and acceleration.
What does repeatable mean in the context of measurements?
A measurement is repeatable if the experiment is repeated using the same method and equipment and gives the same values.
Define resolution in terms of measuring instruments.
The smallest change in measurement on a measuring instrument.
What is scale division?
The precision of a measuring instrument.
What is a sketch graph?
A graph that shows the general shape of the relationship between two variables without any points plotted.
Define systematic error.
Readings which differ from the true value by a constant amount each time a measurement is made.
error in method
What is a theory in scientific terms?
A set of concepts that can be used to explain and predict a wide range of related phenomena.
What does uncertainty refer to?
The range of values for a measurement.
What is a valid conclusion?
A conclusion supported by data obtained from a valid investigation.
Define validity in the context of practical investigations.
The extent to which practical investigations measure what was intended.
