Working Scientifically

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

How close a result comes to the true value

Question 2

Precision

Answer 2

How consistent/similar are results with repeated measurements

Question 3

Repeatability

Answer 3

If the SAME person repeats the experiment with the SAME method and equipment and it gives the same/similar results

Question 4

Reproducibility

Answer 4

If ANOTHER person or DIFFERENT equipment/method can achieve the same results.

Question 5

Resolution

Answer 5

The smallest change in the quantity being measured that can be detected by a measuring instrument

Question 6

Anomalies

Answer 6

Results that don’t fit the pattern of other results, which should be ignored altogether.

Question 7

Validity

Answer 7

How well a test measures what it is supposed to measure

Question 8

Representative Data

Answer 8

Data which can generalise the results of a study

Question 9

Confidence (in the results)

Answer 9

Qualitative judgement to which a conclusion is justified by the quality of the evidence.

Question 10

Valid Conclusion

Answer 10

A conclusion supported by valid data, gained from appropriate experimental design and based on sound reasoning