Practicals Flashcards
Independent variable
The variable that is changed by the experimenter (you!)
Dependent variable
The variable that is measured by the experimenter
Control variables
These variables are kept constant to ensure that they do not affect the experiment. (They are never the independent or dependent variable!)
Control experiment
Part of an experimental investigation set up to show that the key biological component being investigated is responsible for the changes observed e.g. using a denatured enzyme should produce no results
Accuracy
How close the measurement is to the true value
Improvements
Refers to how the inaccuracies in the experimental method could be improved e.g. by controlling variables or using more precise equipment
Precision
The ability to be exact (degree of precision). Precise measurements are ones which measure something to a very small degree of error (e.g.nearest mm, rather than nearest cm)
Reliability
How close together a set of results are in a set of repeated measurements or observations. measurements or observations.
Validity
The measure of confidence that can be placed in a set of observations or measurements. Comment on both reliability and accuracy
Hazard
An object or chemical and the nature of the hazard
Risk
An action in the method that can create a risk from the hazard