Nature of Science Practical Vocab

accuracy

ensuring that measurements are close to the value

anomaly (anomalous)

result/observation that deviates from what is normal/expected in experimental results, normally refers to a repeated result that doesn't fit patterns of others

bar chart

graph drawn to show relationship between one continuous and one discontinuous variable

buffer

a solution which can maintain a relatively stable pH

confounding variables

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

continuous variables

one which can take any value (ex. temperature, time, concentration)

control experiment

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

Control variables

variables not being tested, but that must be kept the same

dependent variables

variable being measured in an experiment

discontinuous variable

one which can only take certain values (ex. human blood type)

histogram

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

hypothesis

explanation of an observation that can be tested through experimentation

independent variable

variable being manipulated

line graph

graph drawn to show relationship between two continuous variables

precision (in experiments)

refers to closeness of measurements to each other. Precise measurements are close to each other, and there's a little spread about mean

precision (in measurements)

level of refinement in a measurement as shown by the number of significant figures given

prediction

statement of expected results in an experiment based on hypothesis tested

qualitative data

descriptive data about a variable (ex. color, behavior)

quantitative data

numerical data that gives the quantity amounts or range of a variable

random error

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

reliable

results that can be replicated by other people

systematic error

a consistent error which affects each measurement in the same way, normally caused by faulty measuring equipment, or difficulties in reading equipment

theory

a well sustained explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation

variable

condition in an experiment that can be changed or controlled

water bath

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