Scientific Methods Flashcards
Hypothesis
Possible explanation to a research question.
If x happens, then y will happen.
Link the IV and DV
Control Group
The Control
Group identical to experimental group, but without variable being tested for.
Independant Variable
Variable that is being tested for.
What is being changed in the experiment?
Dependant Variable
What is being measured when the independent variable changes
The effect of the IV on the DV
Aim
Statement describing in detail what will be investigated.
Connecting the IV and DV together
Raw Data
Data recorded directly into logbook
Processed Data
Data obtained by applying calculation/formula to raw data.
Nomial Data
Counted with no order.
Categorical
Ordinal Data
Counted with order.
Categorical
Discrete Data
Counted/measured, but only certain values.
No decimals
Numerical
Continuous Data
Can be any number within a given range that can be measured.
e.g. height
Numerical
Systematic Error
Consistent errors that occur every time measurement is taken.
Calibration issue
Selection Bias
When a sample is not representative of the entire population.
Measurement Bias
Result of instruments that are faulty or not calibrated
Random Error
Unpredictable variations that can occur with each measurement.
Accuracy
Ability to obtain the correct measurement by minimising systematic errors.
Close to the true value
Precision
Ability to obtain the same measurement consistently by reducing random errors.
Reliability
Ability to obtain the same results if the experiment is repeated by same experimenter and same equipment
Validity
Whether experiment tests what it is supposed to test.
And how accurately it measures what is is suppose to measure
Reproducibility
Have the same result by different experimenter and different equipment
Personal
Error
include mistakes or miscalculations
