Module 1 Flashcards
Define inquiry question
Inquiry Question is a question that focuses on a researchable issue whose answer takes the form of a claim that is supported by evidence, information, and reasoning
Define hypothesis
Hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, includes cause and effect language
Define aim
Aim is a statement outlining the purpose of the experiment
Define discussion
Discussion discusses whether the experiment addressed the hypothesis and aim
Define conclusion
Conclusion is a concise summary of ideas and results that have been forementioned and hence it never introduces any new ideas or results
Recall the features of a conclusion
Features of a conclusion:
- Briefly restate the purpose of the experiment (i.e. the question it was seeking to answer)
- Identify the main findings (i.e. the answer to the research question)
- Note the main limitations that are relevant to the interpretation of the results
- Summarise what the experiment has contributed to the broader understanding of the problem
Define independent variable
Independent Variable is the variable that is changed; on the x-axis
Define dependent variable
Dependent Variable is the variable that may be affected by the independent variable and is measured; on the y-axis
Define controlled variable
Controlled Variables are the variables that are kept constant
Define qualitative variables
Qualitative Variables are the variables that are observed and cannot be measured
Define quantitative variables
Quantitative Variables are the variables that are measured
Define validity
Validity refers to whether an experiment or investigation is in fact testing the set hypothesis and aims
Define reliability
Reliability refers to the idea that an experiment can be repeated many times and the average of the results from all the repeated experiments will be consistent
Define accuracy
Accuracy is the ability to obtain the correct measurement. To obtain accurate results, you must minimise systematic errors
Define precision
Precision is the ability to consistently obtain the same measurement. To obtain precise results, you must minimise random errors
Define risk assessment
Risk Assessment determines the risks of an experiment and the means of damage and controlling it
Recall the features of a risk assessment
Features of a risk assessment:
- Risk
- Hazard
- Control
Alternatively,
- Identify
- Assess
- Control
Define uncertainty
Uncertainty is the plausible variation of the data represented with ±
Recall the types of errors
The types of errors are:
- Systematic Error
- Random Error
- Gross Error
Define systematic error
Systematic Error is an error that causes a consistent shift of the data in a singular direction
Define random error
Random Error is an error that is unpredictable and caused unknowingly and as the name suggests has no pattern
Define gross error
Gross Error is an outlier and usually arises from human incompetence
Define pure substance
Pure Substance is a substance that is not contaminated by any other substances
Define impure substance
Impure Substance is a substance that is contaminated with traces of other substances