Term
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Definition
| Accuracy is how close you are to the true value. |
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Term
| What is an independent variable? |
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Definition
| This is the varaible which you decide to change and choose the values to investigate. |
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Term
| What is a dependent variable? |
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Definition
| This is the variable which you cannot control and could be affected by the independent variable. You have to measure this variable. |
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Term
| What is a categoric variable? |
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Definition
| This is a variable where the variable is made up of named groups. |
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Term
| What is a continuous variable? |
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Definition
| This is a varaible which could have any numerical value |
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Term
| What is a discrete variable? |
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Definition
| This is a variable which can only come in certan amounts. |
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Term
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Definition
| This is an error caused by human error. A badly designed experiment or measurement. You can improve the experiment and therefore reduce this type of error. |
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Term
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Definition
| This is a type of error which you cannot control. The only way to reduce this type of error is to carry out many repeats (better reliabilty). |
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Term
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Definition
Zero error is caused by a faulty measuring device. For example if someone cut the first centimetre of a ruler. |
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Term
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Definition
| Range is the samllest to largest measurement made. |
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Term
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Definition
| Precise describes the quality of a measuring device or the smallest interval it can measure to. A cm ruler is less precise than a mm ruler. |
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Term
| What is a fair test and control variable. |
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Definition
| ANy valid experiment must have only one changing independent varaible otherwise you cannot be sure what caused the change in the dependent variable. |
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Term
| How can you improve the reliability of an experiment? |
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Definition
If you repeat an experiment the results should be similar. The more times you repeat an experiment, the more reliable the results will be. The experiment should also be repeated by another independent group to make sure results are unbiased. |
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Term
| When should you draw a line graph (scattergram) to represent your results. |
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Definition
| If the independent variable is a continuous varaible then your results should be displayed as a line graph/ scattergram. |
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Term
| When should you use a bar chart to represent your results. |
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Definition
| If the independent variable is a discrete or categoric variable then the results should be represented using a bar chart. |
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Term
| What should a good results table include? |
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Definition
A good results table should include columns which have titles and relevant units describing the independent and dependent variable. Units should always be in the header row. The results should also be record to the precision of the measuring device. For example if you measure length using a ruler with mm scale then the result should be recorded as 10.0 not 10. |
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Term
| What should a good line graph look like? |
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Definition
The independent variable goes on the x axis and the dependent variable on the y axis. Each axis should have a title and units clearly labelled. Suitable and consistent scales on the axis. Results correctly plotted and checked. A straight line of best fit (use a ruler) or a smooth (no bumps) curved line of best fit. |
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Term
| What does random sampling mean? |
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Definition
| A sample chosen that allows all subjects an equal probability of being selected. It is not deliberately chosen. |
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Term
| What does the independent and dependent variable are proportional mean? |
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Definition
| Whatever happens to the independent variable will also happen to dependent variable |
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Term
| What does the independent and dependent variable are inversely proprtional mean? |
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Definition
| If the independent variable gets bigger (doubles to be specific) then the dependent variable gets smaller (halves). |
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