Science Inquiry Skills

Accuracy

The ability to obtain correct measurements by minimising systematic errors.

Validity

Whether or not an investigation is testing the set hypothesis and aims to collect relevant data.

Reliability

The idea that if the experiment is repeated many times, the results will be constant

Precision

The ability to consistently obtain the same measurement by minimising random errors.

Bias

A form of systematic error resulting from a researcher’s personal preferences or motives.

Random error

An inconsistent inaccuracy caused by measurements of a quantity being either above or below the true value.

What is a systematic error?

A consistent inaccuracy in measurements caused by faulty equipment, environmental factors or flawed procedures.

Trend

A visible pattern or relationship between independent and dependent variables.

What to look for when identifying limitations of an experiment

Evaluate method for issues affecting validity, precision, reliability or accuracy, and sources of systematic or random error.

4 Common examples of limitations in chemical reactions.

Heat loss to surroundings, instrument precision, reading errors, identifying endpoints of reactions.

3 Ways to eliminate systematic error

Calibrate equipment, control environmental factors, refine procedure.

4 Ways to eliminate random error

Repeat trials and take an average, increase sample size, use higher-precision tools, eliminate parallax error.