1
2
3
4
5
6
Working Scientifically
Physical, chemical or biological quantities or
characteristics
Values that are labels. E.g. names of plants or types of
material
Have values that can be given a magnitude either by
counting or by measurement
Variable for which values are changed/selected by the
investigator
Variable which the value is measured for each and
every change in the independent variable
Variable which may affect the outcome of the
investigation, has to be kept constant or at least
monitored
16
17
18
Quantity between readings
Maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent
variables; ensures patterns are detected
Smallest change in the quantity being measured of a measuring
instrument
19
Marking a scale on a measuring instrument
20
Original experimenter repeats the investigation using same method
and equipment, obtains the same results.
21
Investigation is repeated by another person, or by using different
equipment or techniques, same results
Line graph, shows general shape of the relationship between two
variables. Points not plotted, axes labelled but not scaled.
Suitability of the investigative procedure to answer the question
being asked
7
Close to the true value
22
8
Measurements with little spread about the mean value
23
9
Value that would be obtained in an ideal measurement
24
Data which has been shown to be valid
10
Difference between a measured value and the true
value
25
Conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate
experimental design, based on sound reasoning
11
12
13
14
15
Interval within which the true value can be expected to
lie, with a given level of confidence/probability
Readings spread about the true value, due to results
varying in an unpredictable way
Cause readings to differ from the true value by a
consistent amount each time a measurement is made.
Any indication that a measuring system gives a false
reading
Values in results which are judged not to be part of the
variation caused by random uncertainty
26
One in which only the independent variable has been allowed to
affect the dependent variable
27
Proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
28
Statement suggesting what will happen in the future, based on
observation, experience or a hypothesis.
29
Rules out alternate causes for any observed results
Working Scientifically
1
Variable
2
Categoric
3
Continuous
Physical, chemical or biological quantities or characteristics
16
Interval
17
Range
18
Resolution
19
Calibration
20
Repeatable
21
Reproducible
Quantity between readings
Independent
variable
Dependent
variable
Control
variable
Values that are labels. E.g. names of plants or types of
material
Have values that can be given a magnitude either by
counting or by measurement
Variable for which values are changed/selected by the
investigator
Variable which the value is measured for each and every
change in the independent variable
Variable which may affect the outcome of the investigation,
has to be kept constant or at least monitored
7
Accuracy
Close to the true value
22
Sketch graph
8
Precise
Measurements with little spread about the mean value
23
Validity
9
True value
Value that would be obtained in an ideal measurement
24
Evidence
Data which has been shown to be valid
10
Measurement
error
Difference between a measured value and the true value
25
Valid conclusion
Conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate
experimental design, based on sound reasoning
11
Uncertainty
26
Fair test
One in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect the
dependent variable
12
Random errors
27
Hypothesis
Proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
28
Prediction
29
Control (group)
4
5
6
14
Systematic
error
Zero error
15
Anomalies
13
Interval within which the true value can be expected to lie,
with a given level of confidence/probability
Readings spread about the true value, due to results varying
in an unpredictable way
Cause readings to differ from the true value by a consistent
amount each time a measurement is made.
Any indication that a measuring system gives a false reading
Values in results which are judged not to be part of the
variation caused by random uncertainty
Maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent
variables; ensures patterns are detected
Smallest change in the quantity being measured of a measuring
instrument
Marking a scale on a measuring instrument
Original experimenter repeats the investigation using same method and
equipment, obtains the same results.
Investigation is repeated by another person, or by using different
equipment or techniques, same results
Line graph, shows general shape of the relationship between two
variables. Points not plotted, axes labelled but not scaled.
Suitability of the investigative procedure to answer the question being
asked
Statement suggesting what will happen in the future, based on
observation, experience or a hypothesis.
Rules out alternate causes for any observed results