Key Terms Flashcards
Accuracy improving technique
Any technique that improves the quality of observations or measurements made during an investigation
Conclusion
Sums up the arguments and draws a verdict about what has been found in the investigation
Control variable
An element that is kept constant and unchanged throughout the course of an investigation
Dependent variable
The variable that is measured or observed during an investigation
Discussion
To interpret and describe findings in light of what was already known about the problem being investigated and to explain any new findings
Experimental method
A list of steps required to set up and then complete an investigation. Should allow another person to repeat the investigation and get the same results
Independent variable
The variable that is changed to see what effect it has on the dependent variable
Inverse relationship
When some factor is increased another factor decreases, and vice versa (x=1/y)
Inverse-squared relationship
When some variable is increased, another variable decreases by a factor of y^2 (x=1/y^2)
Lower limit of data
A limit to the lowest value of the independent variable that gives meaningful data
Measures multiple quantities
A method to measure a variable that is very small or very fast. Measure multiple quantities and divide the total by the number counted
Outlier
A data point that is outside or beyond the trend identified. A measurement that if included in averaging would skew the result
Parallax error
Measurement errors that occur by not reading scales at 90° to the indicator
Repeat and average
A method to reduce investigator error by repeating identical measurements and then averaging the results
Square-root relationship
When one variable (y) is increased, another variable increases by a factor of √y (x=√y)
