Experimental design

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

Refers to how close a measured value is to the true or accepted value.

effected by systematic errors - an error with the entire experiment (eg; imperfect instrument calibration)

Question 2

systematic errors

Answer 2

Errors affecting the entire experiment consistently

Question 3

precision

Answer 3

how close repeated measurements are to each other
effected by random errors - error with one measurement - results will not be precise, can be accurate

Question 4

Random errors

Answer 4

Errors affecting individual measurements unpredictably.

Question 5

repeatability

Answer 5

SAME RESULTS, SAME CONDITIONS The ability to obtain the same results when an experiment is repeated under the same conditions.

Question 6

reproducibility

Answer 6

The ability to obtain the same results when an experiment is repeated under varied conditons (eg; diff experimenters, diff locations etc)

Question 7

Validity

Answer 7

Extent to which an experiment measures intended outcomes.

Question 8

Controlled Variable

Answer 8

variable that has been held constant in an experiment in order to test the relationship between the independent and dependent variables
ensures reliability and validity

Question 9

independant variable

Answer 9

Factor manipulated in an experiment.

Question 10

Dependent Variable

Answer 10

Measured factor assumed to be affected by IV.

Question 11

Valid results

Answer 11

Accurate reflection of true variable relationships.

Question 12

Reliable results

Answer 12

Consistent and reproducible experimental outcomes.