AICE Marine Science (Unit 0 Cram Sheet)

Qualitative data

descriptive data about a variable

Quantitative data

numerical data that gives the quantity

Prediction

a statement of the expected results in an experiment based on the hypothesis being tested

Independent variable

the variable being changed in an experiment; a condition in an experiment that can be controlled or changed

Dependent variable

the variable being measured in an experiment

Control experiment

a group within an investigation or study that receives exactly the same treatment as the experimental groups with the exception of the variable being tested

Control variable

variables that are not being tested but that must be kept the same in case they affect the experiment

Confounding variable

a variable that could affect the independent or dependent variable and therefore the results of the experiment

Water bath

a container of water heated to a given temperature which can be used to either vary or control the temperature

Buffer

a solution which can maintain relatively stable pH

Reliable

results that can be replicated by other people

Anomaly (anomalous)

a result or observation that deviates from what is normal or expected; a result that does not fit the pattern of the others

Precision

In measurements: level of refinement in a measurement as shown by the number of significant figures given; In experiments: refers to the closeness of the measurements to each other. Precise measurements are close to each other and there is little spread about the mean

Accuracy

ensuring that measurements are close to the true value

Line graph

a graph which is drawn to show the relationship between two continuous variables

Histogram

a graph which is drawn to show the frequency of one continuous variable

Bar chart

a graph which is drawn to show the relationship between one continuous variable and one discontinuous variable

Continuous variable

a variable that can take any value within a given range

Discontinuous variable

one which can only take certain values (blood type, eye color)

Systematic error

a consistent error which affects each measurement in the same way, usually involving faulty measuring equipment or readings

Random error

an error in measurement which is caused by factors which vary from one measurement to another