Working Scientifically Keywords

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

The accuracy of a measurement is how close a result comes to the true value

Question 2

Precision

Answer 2

how consistent results are when measurements are repeated

Question 3

Repeatable results

Answer 3

A measurement is repeatable if the SAME person repeats the experiment using
same method and same equipment and it gives the same (or similar) results

Question 4

Reproducible results

Answer 4

A measurement is reproducible if another person (or the same person using different equipment/method) can get the same results.

Question 5

Resolution of a measuring instrument

Answer 5

Resolution is the smallest change in the quantity being measured that can be detected by an instrument.

Question 6

Anomalous results

Answer 6

Anomalous results don’t fit the pattern and should be ignored and not included in the mean.

Question 7

Validity

Answer 7

Validity is how well a test measures what it is supposed to measure.

Question 8

Errors in the data

Answer 8

Errors lead to measurements being different to what they would otherwise be: the true value.

Question 9

Uncertanty

Answer 9

Uncertainty is an estimate attached to a measurement which characterises the range of values within which the true value is asserted to lie.

Question 10

Conclusion

Answer 10

When writing a conclusion you have to firstly explain what you have found out by doing the experiment.

Question 11

Valid conclusion

Answer 11

A conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate experimental design and based on sound reasoning