Scientific Method Flashcards
Define independent variable
The independent variable is a factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment to determine it’s effect on the dependent variable
Define dependent variable
The dependent variable is measured to determine if the change or
manipulation of the independent variable had any effect.
Define controlled variable
controlled variable is one that is kept constant throughout the experiment.
Define control group
Factor affecting change that has been removed, to provide a baseline for
comparison to the experimental group.
Define accuracy
how close it is to the true value of the quantity being measured.
To improve accuracy the priority is to change the ?.
measurement tool
Precision is ?
how closely a set of measurement values agree with each other.
Reliability is defined as
the ability to obtain the same result if an experiment is repeated.
A systematic error is
This is a consistent error that occurs every time you take a measurement. E.g. reading the scale incorrectly or an uncalibrated meter. It affects the accuracy of the measurement.
A random error
These are unpredictable variations that can occur with each measurement. They affect the precision of the measurements.
Selection bias is when
This is when your sample is not representative of the population being studied.
Reproducibility is
the closeness of results between a different experiment testing the same thing carried out by a different experimenter.
Repeatibility is
the closeness of results between the same experiment carried out by the same experimenter.
An experiment is valid if
if it measures what it is supposed to be measuring.
