variables etc (need to know) Flashcards
independent variable
Thing that is changed , variation doesn’t depend on that of another
dependant variable
a variable who depends on another
control variable
variable the remains unchanged or constant
continuous variable
a variable that may take on value in intervals (quantitative)
discrete variable
can only take specifies number values in a given range (whereas continuous can take any value)
ordered variable
more info than a catagoric variable but less than a continuous eg. small medium large
accuracy
correctness of single measurement
precision
measure of repeatability or reproductibility of scientific measures
reliability
the degree of stability exhibited when a measurement is repeated under identical conditions
categoric variable
have values which are labels eg. if you are investigating effect of acid on zinc and copper the type of metals used are categoric variables
random error
statistical fluctuations in the measured data du to precision limitations eg. persons inability to take multiple measurements in the exact same way
systematic error
a consistent repeatable error associated with faulty equipment or wrong use of equipment
zero error
measuring system gives false reading when the true value of a measured quantity is zero
mean value
average calculated by sum of values divided by number of values
anomalous result
result that doesn’t fit in with pattern of the other results
