Practical exam - terms

Valid conclusion

A conclusion that is supported by accurate data, that is found by from an appropriate experimental design and based on sound reasoning

Validity of experimental design

Suitability of the investigative procedure to answer the question being asked.

How to ensure validity?

By taking fair tests that controls what happens to the independent & dependent variable

Resolution

smallest change in the quantity being measured by a measuring instrument that can be observed.

Anomaly

A value that doesn't match with the pattern of the set of results

Precision

Precision shows the closeness of agreement between measure values

What doesn't precision show?

It doesn't show how close the results are to the true value

Repeatability

How accurate results are from a group or a single learner

Repeatable

When an experiment that can be repeated with obtaining the same results; when using the same method and equipment

Reproducibility

When precision is found when repeated readings are done by different groups

Reproducible

Measurement is only reproducible when different groups obtain the same results but with different methods & equipment

Uncertainty

the interval within the true value can be expected to lie

Whats an example of uncertainty?

the true value is between 20 degrees and 5 degrees

Measurement error

The difference between a measured and true value

Systematic error

A consistent mistake that makes every measurement too high or too low by the same amount.

What are systematic errors caused by?

They are caused by the equipment, the way measurements are taken, or environmental factors,

Will repeating practical reduce amount of systematic errors?

No

Random error

Happens when results vary unpredictably

How can you reduce random errors?

Taking more measurements and calculating a mean.