Scientific method key definitions - Human Biology ATAR Yr 11

Accuracy

. the extent to which the measurement are correct

Reliability

. the extent to which an experiment gives the same result each time it’s performed

Validity

. the extent to which an experiment tests what it’s supposed to test

Qualitative data

. observations that don’t involve numbers or measurement

Quantitative data

. data expressed in numbers (usually involves measurement)

Independent variable

. in an experiment, the factor being investigated

. the factor deliberately changed to determine its effect

. aka the experimental variable or the manipulated variable

Dependent variable

. in an experiment, the factor that changes in response to changes made to the IV

. aka the responding variable

Ethics

. moral principles or values

Hypothesis

. a possible explanation to account for observations

Observation

. the process of using the senses to acquire information