Important Terms Flashcards
Range [of a variable]
The maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent variables.
Repeatability
Precision obtained when measurement results are produced in one laboratory, by a single operator, using the same conditions, over a short timescale.
Reproducibility
Precision obtained when measurement results are produced by different laboratories and therefore different operators using different pieces of equipment.
Resolution
Smallest change in the input quantity being measured by a measuring instrument that gives a perceptible change in the reading of the instrument.
Systematic Error
Error due to the measured value differing from the true value by the same amount each time.
Uncertainty
Interval within the true value can be expected to lie, with a given level of confidence or probability.
Validity [of an experiment]
Suitability of the method used to answer the question being asked.
Accuracy
A measurement result is considered to be accurate if it judged to be close to the true/acceptable value.
Anomaly [outlier]
Value in a set of results that is judged to not be part of the inherent variation.
Control Variable
Variables other than the independent and dependent variables which are kept the same.
Dependent Variable
Variable which is measured whenever there is a change in the independent variable.
Independent Variable
Variable which is deliberately changed by the person in the planning of a practical activity.
Line of Best Fit
A line on a graph that passes as close as possible to the data points. It represents the best estimate of the underlying relationship between the variables.
Precision
A quality denoting the closeness of agreement between measured values obtained by repeated measurements.
Random Error
Error in a measurement due to small uncontrollable effects
