Key Science skills Flashcards
Independent variable
the variable you manipulate or vary in an experimental study
Dependent variable
The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable manipulation
Control
The group that is NOT exposed to the IV
Experimental
The group who IS exposed to the IV
Extraneous
Any variable that is not the independent variable but may affect the results (dependent variable) of the research
Controlled
Variables other than IV that a researcher holds constant in an investigation
Confounding
Variables that have affected the results, apart from the independent variable, that has not been controlled for
Hypothesis
A testable prediction that includes appropriate reference to the independent and dependent variable
Within-Subjects
Each participant is in both the control and experimental group
Between Subjects Design
Different participants are randomly allocated to either the control or experimental groups
Mixed Design
A combination which combines elements of within-subjects and between-subjects’ design
Population
A large collection of individuals with similar characteristics. It is where the sample is drawn from
Sample
A group of participants that is a part of a larger chosen to be studied for research purposes
Sampling
The process of selecting participants from a population of research interest
Convenience Sampling
Selecting participants who are readily available at the time
Random Sampling
A type of sample selection procedure that ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected as a participant in the study
Stratified Sampling
The population is divided into “strata” (distinct groups). Then, a sample from each strata is drawn proportionately
Random Allocation
A procedure which allows the participants from the sample to have an equal chance of either being in the control or experimental group.
This is to ensure that the control and experimental groups are similar to each other.
Primary Data
Data collected directly by the researcher for their own purpose
Secondary data
Data collected by someone other than the original researchers
Qualitative Data
Text based. Words are recorded from observations or direct interaction with participants through interviews.
Quantitative Data
Numerically bases. Numbers/data can be summarized and analyzed statistically
Objective data
Objective data is information that is observable, measurable, verifiable and free from the personal bias of the researcher.
Subjective Data
Subjective data is information that is based on opinion, interpretation, point of view or judgement
Descriptive Statistics
Used for summarizing organizing and describing the results of an experiment
Standard Deviation
a tool to measure how variable/spread out the data is from the mean
Accuracy
Refers to the closeness of a measured value to the true value
Precision
How closely a set of measurement value agree with each other
Error
The difference between the measured value and the true value of what is being measured
Random Error
Errors in the data that are unsystematic and occur due to chance
Systematic error
Systematic error can be found if results differ consistently from the true value
Personal error
Personal errors include mistakes or miscalculations
Repeatability
Reproducibility
Outliers
Readings that lie a long way from other results
