Practical Skills and Lab Equipment

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

An explanation of an observation that can be tested through experimentation

Question 2

Variable

Answer 2

A condition in an experiment that can be controlled or changed

Question 3

Theory

Answer 3

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation

Question 4

Qualitative Data

Answer 4

Descriptive data about a variable (for example: Color or behavior)

Question 5

Quantitative Data

Answer 5

Numerical data that gives the quantity, amount or range of a variable (for example: concentration of oxygen or number of eggs laid)

Question 6

Prediction

Answer 6

A statement of the expected results in an experiment based on the hypothesis being tested

Question 7

Independent Variable

Answer 7

The variable being changed in an experiment

Question 8

Dependent Variable

Answer 8

The variable being measured in an experiment

Question 9

Control Experiment

Answer 9

A group within an investigation or study that receives exactly the same treatment as the experimental groups with the exception of the variable being tested

Question 10

Control Variables

Answer 10

Variables that are not being tested but that must be kept the same in case they affect the experiment

Question 11

Confounding Variable

Answer 11

A variable that could affect the independent or dependent variable and therefore the results of the experiment

Question 12

Water Bath

Answer 12

A container of water heated to a given temperature which can be used to either vary or control the temperature

Question 13

Buffer

Answer 13

A solution which can maintain a relatively stable pH

Question 14

Reliable

Answer 14

Results that can be replicated by other people

Question 15

Anomaly (anomalous)

Answer 15

A result or observation that deviates from what is normal or expected; In experimental results, it normally refers to one repeated result that does not fit the pattern of the others

Question 16

Precision (in measurements)

Answer 16

The level of refinement in a measurement as shown by the number of significant figures given

Question 17

Precision (in experiments)

Answer 17

The refers to the closeness of the measurements to each other; precise measurements are close to each other and there is little spread about the mean

Question 18

Accuracy

Answer 18

Ensuring that measurements are close to the true value

Question 19

Line Graph

Answer 19

A graph which is drawn to show the relationship between two continuous variables

Question 20

Histogram

Answer 20

A graph which is drawn to show the frequency of one continuous variable

Question 21

Bar Chart

Answer 21

A graph which is drawn to show the relationship between one continuous and one discontinuous variable

Question 22

Continuous Variable

Answer 22

One which can take any value (for example: temperature, time, concentration)

Question 23

Discontinuous Variable

Answer 23

One which can only take certain values (for example: human blood type or eye color)

Question 24

Systematic Error

Answer 24

A consistent error which in affects each measurement in the same way, normally caused by faulty measuring equipment or difficulties in reading the equipment

Question 25

Random Error

Answer 25

An error in measurement which is caused by factors which vary from one measurement to another