Terms

Question 1

Calibration

Answer 1

E.g. Placing a thermometer in melting ice to see whether it reads zero, in order to check if it has been calibrated correctly

Question 2

Data

Answer 2

Information, quantitative or qualitative, that has been collected

Question 3

Errors

Answer 3

Not the true value

Question 4

Measurement Error

Answer 4

Difference between measured value and true value

Question 5

Anomalies

Answer 5

Values in a set of results which are judged to not be part of a variation caused by a random uncertainty

Question 6

Random Error

Answer 6

Cause readings to be spread about the true value due to results varying in an unpredictable way. Cannot be corrected, can be avoided however by repeating the test and calculating a new mean

Question 7

Systematic Error

Answer 7

Cause readings up differ at a consistent amount each time. Sources can include the environment, methods of observation and instruments. Change the experiment technique if a systematic error is suspected of a different set of equipment

Question 8

Zero Error

Answer 8

Indication that the measuring system gives a false value when the true value of a measured quantity is zero. May result in a systematic uncertainty

Question 9

Evidence

Answer 9

Data proved to be valid

Question 10

Fair test

Answer 10

When only the independent variable had been allowed to affect the dependant variable

Question 11

Hypothesis

Answer 11

A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

Question 12

Interval

Answer 12

Quantity between readings

Question 13

Precision

Answer 13

Precise measurements are when there is a very little spread about the mean value. Depends on the extent of the random error

Question 14

Prediction

Answer 14

Statement suggesting what will happen in the future based on an experience, observation or hypothesis

Question 15

Range

Answer 15

Maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent variables

Question 16

Repeatable

Answer 16

A measurement is repeatable if the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results

Question 17

Reproducible

Answer 17

A measurement is reproducible if the investigation is repeated by another person or different equipment is used and the same results are obtained

Question 18

Resolution

Answer 18

Smallest change in the quantity being measured of a measuring instrument that gives a perceptible change in the reading

Question 19

Sketch graph

Answer 19

A line graph, shows general shape of the relationship between two variables. Doesn’t have any points plotted but axes labeled

Question 20

True value

Answer 20

Value obtained in an ideal measurement

Question 21

Uncertainty

Answer 21

Interval between where true value is expected

Question 22

Validity

Answer 22

Suitability of the investigation to the question being asked

Question 23

Valid conclusion

Answer 23

Conclusion supported by valid data obtained by an appropriate experiment

Question 24

Categoric

Answer 24

Variables that are labels, e.g. Names of plants

Question 25

Continuous

Answer 25

Can have values that can be given by either counting (number of something) or by measurement (light intensity)

Question 26

Control

Answer 26

Could affect the outcome of the investigation and therefore has to be monitored and kept constant

Question 27

Dependant

Answer 27

Variable which the value is measured for each change in the independent variable

Question 28

Independent

Answer 28

Variable for which values are changed or selected by the investigator

Question 29

Accuracy

Answer 29

A measurement result is considered accurate if it is close to the true value