Scientific Term

Question 1

Measurement error

Answer 1

Difference between measurement result and true value

Question 2

Random error

Answer 2

• affect measurement precision, present in all measurements
• unpredictable variations in measurement process
• result in a spread of readings

Question 3

Systematic error

Answer 3

• cause readings to differ from true value
• particular value measured repeatably
• result from limitations with instrument, incorrect calibrations, methods

Question 4

Repeated measurements

Answer 4

Reduce effects of random error and likelihood of mistakes

Question 5

Mistakes

Answer 5

personal errors, must repeat experiment and not include results

Question 6

Uncertainty

Answer 6

lack of exact knowledge of the true value and quantity measured

Question 7

Outliers

Answer 7

data points that differ significantly

Question 8

True Value

Answer 8

value that would be fond if quantity measured perfectly

Question 9

Accuracy

Answer 9

How close a measurement is to the true value

Question 10

Precision

Answer 10

measure of repeatability of the measurements, how close they are

Question 11

Measurement result

Answer 11

Average value

Question 12

Repeatability

Answer 12

• closeness of agreements of results
• same quantity measured, same conditions, procedure etc.

Question 13

Reproducibility

Answer 13

• under changed conditions
• different observer, measurement, location, time, checks claimed precision uncover systematic errors affecting accuracy

Question 14

Resolution

Answer 14

• smallest change in quantity measured the causes a change in value on measuring instrument

Question 15

Validity

Answer 15

Does the experiment investigate what it claims
Not valid = flawed investigation + uncontrolled variables
Observer bias