How Science Works

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

An accurate measure is one which is close to the true value

Question 2

Anomalous data

Answer 2

Fall outside the normal or expected range

Allows anomalous data to be identified with greater certainty

Question 3

Calibration

Answer 3

Involves fixing known points and constructing a scale between points

Question 4

Causal link

Answer 4

A change in one variable that is caused by a change in another variable

Question 5

Chance

Answer 5

Scientists carry out stats tests to assess the probability that the results of an investigation being due to chance

Question 6

Confounding variable

Answer 6

May affect the outcome of an investigation

Must be kept constant to prevent bias

Question 7

Control group

Answer 7

Treated the same as experimental group to allow comparisons to be made
Ensures data is valid because any differences due to single independent variable

Question 8

Correlation

Answer 8

Relationship between two variables

Question 9

Double-blind trial

Answer 9

Assessing effects of new drug
Neither patients/scientists know which treatment an individual is taking until after trial. Increases validity/avoids bias

Question 10

Errors

Answer 10

Cause readings to be different from true value

Question 11

Fair test

Answer 11

Only iv allowed effect of dv- achieved by keeping all other variables the same

Question 12

Null hypothesis

Answer 12

Stats test requires a clear hypothesis to test

Question 13

Placebo

Answer 13

Given to control group

Ensures validity

Question 14

Protocol

Answer 14

Once an experiment has been done and gives valid and reliable results, can be used by other scientists

Question 15

Random distribution

Answer 15

Arises as a result of chance
Will only be valid if collected at random
Avoids observer bias and allows stats tests to be used

Question 16

Raw data

Answer 16

Processed data- used to calculate percentages and sds

Question 17

True value

Answer 17

This is the accurate value which would be found if the quantity could be measured without errors

Question 18

Zero errors

Answer 18

Caused by instruments with incorrect zero

May occur when zero on colorimeter fails to return to zero

Question 19

Validity

Answer 19

Only if measurements made are effected by the iv only
Not valid if flawed/control variables allowed to change/ observer bias/
Only valid if supported by reliable And valid data to appropriate accuracy