Working Scientifically Flashcards
Accurate
a measurement is considered accurate if it is judged to be close to the true value
Anomalies
results that do not match the pattern seen in the other data collected or are well outside the range of other repeat
readings (outliers)
Bar charts
used when you have a categoric independent variable and a continuous dependent variable
Categoric variable
categoric variables have values that are labels. For example, types of material
Continuous variables
can have values (called a quantity) that can be given by measurement (for example, mass, volume, temperature,
etc.)
Dependent variable
the variable for which the value is measured for each and every change in the independent variable
Directly proportional
a relationship that, when drawn on a line graph, shows a positive linear relationship that crosses through the origin
Errors
Uncertainties
Fair test
a fair test is one in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect the dependent variable
Hazard
a hazard is something (e.g., an object, a property of a substance or an activity) that can cause harm
Hypothesis
a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
independent variable
the variable for which values are changed or selected by the investigator
Line graph
used when both variables are continuous. The line should normally be a line of best fit, and may
be straight or a smooth curve
Precision
a precise measurement is one in which there is very little spread about the mean value. Precision depends
only on the extent of random errors – it gives no indication of how close results are to the true (accurate) value
Prediction
a forecast or statement about the way something will happen in the future
Random error
differences in results due to poor measurements being made. Usually this is because the experimenter does not
carry out exactly the same method each time, or because of limitations of the measurement device
Range
the maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent variables
Relationship
Link between the variables that were investigated
Repeatable
a measurement is repeatable if the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and
equipment and obtains the same or precise results
Reproducible
a measurement is reproducible if the investigation is repeated by another person, using different equipment and
the same results are obtained
Risk
the likelihood that a hazard will actually cause harm
Systematic error
cause readings to be a value other than the true value, due to results differing from the true value by a consistent
amount each time a measurement is made
Valid
suitability of the investigative procedure to answer the question being asked
Variable
physical, chemical or biological quantity or characteristic
