Subject specific vocabulary Flashcards
1
Q
Accuracy.
A
- Considered accurate if judged to be close to true value.
2
Q
Calibration.
A
- Marking a scale on a measuring instrument.
- Involves establishing relationship between indicators of a measuring instrument + standard/reference quantity values.
3
Q
Data.
A
- Information (qualitative or quantitative) that has been collected.
4
Q
Measurement error.
A
- Difference between measured value and true value.
5
Q
Anomolies.
A
- Values in a set of results which are judged to not be part of the variation caused by random uncertainty.
6
Q
Random error.
A
- Reading spread about true value, results vary in unpredictable way from one measurement to ext.
7
Q
How can we reduce the effect of random error?
A
- Making more measurements + calculating new mean.
8
Q
Systematic error.
A
- Readings differ from true value by consistent amount.
9
Q
What causes systematic errors?
A
- Environment, methods of observation or instruments used.
10
Q
How can systematic errors be fixed?
A
- Data collection should be repeated using different technique or different equipment + compare results.
11
Q
Zero error.
A
- Indication that a measuring system gives a false reading when true value should be zero.
- May result in systematic uncertainty.
12
Q
Evidence.
A
- Data which has been shown to be valid.
13
Q
Fair test.
A
- One in which only independent variable has been allowed to affect the independent variable.
14
Q
Interval.
A
- Quantity between readings.
15
Q
Precision.
A
- Precise measurements are ones in which there is very little spread around the mean value.
- Depends only on extent of random errors.
16
Q
Predicition.
A
- Statement suggesting what will happen in future, based on observation, experience or a hypothesis.
17
Q
Range.
A
- Max. + min. values of independent + dependent variables.
- Important in ensuring that any pattern is detected.
18
Q
Repeatable.
A
- Only repeatable if the original experimenter repeats same investigation same method + equipment + obtains same results.
19
Q
Reproducible.
A
- Only reproducible if investigation is repeated by another person or using different equipment or techniques + same results are obtained.
20
Q
Resolution.
A
- Smallest change in quantity being measured of a measuring instrument that gives perceptible change in reading.
21
Q
Uncertainty.
A
- Interval in which true value can be expected to lie with a given level of confidence/probability.
22
Q
Validity.
A
- Suitability of investigative procedure to answer question being asked
23
Q
Valid conclusions.
A
- Conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate experimental design + based on sound reasoning.
24
Q
Variables.
A
- Physical, chemical or biological quantities or characteristics.
25
Q
Categoric variables.
A
- Variables that have values that are labels.
- e.g. names of plants or types of materials.
26
Q
Continuous variables.
A
- Can have values that can be given a magnitude either by counting or by measurement.
