Unit 1 Topic 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering measurement concepts, data types, units, and basic experimental design.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true value.

Precision

The consistency or reproducibility of repeated measurements.

Qualitative data

Descriptive data that describes qualities or attributes (not numerical).

Quantitative data

Numerical data that involves numbers and measurements.

Observation

Information gathered using the senses during an experiment.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from observations and prior knowledge.

Objective data

Facts measured or observed that are not influenced by personal feelings.

Subjective data

Data based on personal feelings, opinions, or perceptions.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable deliberately changed by the researcher to test its effects.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable measured in response to changes in the IV.

Constants

Factors kept the same for all test conditions to ensure a fair test.

Control group

Group not exposed to the IV; serves as a baseline for comparison.

Experimental group

Group exposed to the IV to test its effects.

Standard units for length, mass, time, temperature, amount of substance

Length: meter (m); Mass: kilogram (kg); Time: second (s); Temperature: Kelvin (K); Amount of substance: mole (mol).

Kelvin (K)

SI unit of temperature; 0 K is absolute zero; relation to Celsius: K = C + 273.15.

Celsius (°C)

Temperature scale with 0 °C at the freezing point of water.

Fahrenheit (°F)

Temperature scale with water freezing at 32 °F; relation: F = (9/5)°C + 32.

Significant figures

Digits that carry meaning about a measurement's precision; rules define which zeros and digits are significant.

Conversion factor

A ratio used to convert from one unit to another by multiplying.

Kelvin-Celsius relation

Conversion between Celsius and Kelvin: K = °C + 273.15.

135°C to Kelvin

135°C equals 408.15 K (K = °C + 273.15).

Data organization and analysis

Organizing data into charts/tables/graphs and interpreting to draw conclusions.

Experimental design example (coffee study)

IV: drinking coffee; DV: amount of work completed; Constants: same environment, sleep, etc.; Control group: no coffee; Experimental group: coffee.