Important things

Question 1

Validity

Answer 1

Measure of how well an experiement tests its hypothesis.
Improving validity:
- Controlling all variables, independent is the only variable changing
- Setting a control, which is identical to the experimental group but is not subject to any treatment. If a change in seen in the control, it reveals that not all variables were controlled properly and results are not valid.

Question 2

Reliability

Answer 2

Consistency of measurements.
Improving reliability:
- Set up multiple repeats with an experiment, reducing the influence of random errors and allowing us to identify anomalies.
- Repeat entire experiment to further reduce the influence of random error.

Question 3

Accuracy

Answer 3

How close the experimental value is to the true value.
Improving accuracy:
- Appropriate equipment should be used. For example, a beetle should be measured with a smaller ruler, as the scale is finer.
- Equipment must be calibrated
- Accurate technique, such as reading the bottom of the miniscus