Validity, Reliability, Accuracy

Validity

The extent to which a method allows accurate data to be gathered that addresses the aim of the investigation.

Reliability

The relative consistency of data measured in repeated trials conducted.

Accuracy

How close the experimental result is to the theoretical or accepted value.

Fair Test

An experiment where only the independent variable is changed to ensure validity.

ACER

A mnemonic to remember factors when assessing validity: Accuracy, Control, Equipment, and Range.

Outlier

A data point that deviates significantly from the other observations.

Control Variables

Variables that must be kept constant to ensure a fair test.

Graphing

The process of visually presenting data to identify trends or relationships.

Independent Variable

The variable that is deliberately changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Table Title

A descriptive heading that conveys the information contained in a table.

Column Heading

The title at the top of each column in a table that indicates the data type it contains.

Significant Figures

Digits in a number that carry meaningful information about its precision.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to testing hypotheses and conducting experiments.

Procedure Steps

Numbered actions in a method that should be clear and concise.

Units of Measurement

Standard quantities used to express and compare quantities in experiments.

Data Alignment

Organizing data in a table so that it is visually clear and easy to interpret.

Zero vs. Dash

A zero indicates a measurement of zero, while a dash is used when no reading was recorded.

Best Fit Line

A line drawn on a graph that represents the trend of the data points.

Descriptive Report Title

A title that summarizes the main focus of a scientific report.

Aim of the Investigation

A statement that outlines what the experiment seeks to discover or determine.

Equipment List

A detailed enumeration of all materials needed to conduct an experiment.

Method Explanation

A clear instruction set that describes how to carry out the experiment.

Results Presentation

The way in which experimental data is displayed, either numerically or in graphs.

Discussion Section

An analysis of results, errors, reliability, validity, and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusion

A single sentence summarizing the outcome of the experiment in relation to the aim.

Scientific Diagram

A visual representation of the set-up used in an experiment, drawn to scale.

Two-Dimensional Diagram

A representation that shows the structure of an experiment from a flat perspective.

Pencil Drawing

A method for creating diagrams to allow easy correction of mistakes.

Bias

A systematic error in the results due to a flaw in the experimental design or measurements.

Increment Scale

An even distribution of values marked on the axes of a graph.

Hash Scale

A technique used on a graph to adjust the scale when data values fall within a small range.

Graph Key

A guide to interpreting different data sets on a graph when multiple lines are displayed.

Raw Data

Data collected directly from observations or experiments before analysis.

Average Results

The mean value calculated from a set of repeated measurements.

Theoretical Value

The accepted or calculated value used for comparison with experimental results.

Sensitivity of Equipment

The ability of equipment to measure small changes accurately.