science inquiry Flashcards
purpose of a hypotheses
if then statement that links the dependent and independent variables
- whats being changed
- whats being measured
a table needs to include
- tittle
- independent variable in the first column includes label of units if necessary
- dependent variable in row with label and units
what needs to be in a graph
- suitable tittle that includes dependent and independent variable
- independent variable on the x-axis, dependent variable on the y-axis
- label both axis and include any units (mg ,km)
- include a suitable scale and goes up in a constant
- place zero in the corner
- if both variables are large in number then plot data using a line graph
- if there is more than one set of data then use a key/legend
- always use a pencil and a ruler
mean
finding the average of all the values together and then divided by the number of values
median
the average in values in ascending (smallest to largest) order find the middle score and if there is two add them and divide it by two
range
subtract the lowest score in each data set from the highest score in each data set
probability
number of ways the conditions can be met divide total number of outcomes 1/6 on a dice
objectivity
not allowing personal thoughts or feelings to influence hoe you record or interpret observations
reliability
when you repeat an experiment with a different group of people and get similar results
validity
describes whether the results of an experiment really do measure the concept being tested
accuracy
in order to be accurate scientists need to first select a measuring instrument that allows appropriate measure of accuracy
personal errors
include mistakes or miscalculations such as measuring so it prevents it from occurring again
systematic errors
affect the accuracy of a measurement as they cause readings to differ
random errors
affect the precision of a measurement and are always present in measurements
