Glossary Of Practicals Terms Flashcards
(31 cards)
Accuracy
It is judged to be close to the true value
Calibration
Marking a scale on a measuring instrument. Involves establishing the relationship between indications of a measuring instrument and standard or reference quantity values, which must be applied.
Data
Information, either qualitative or quantitative, that has been collected
Errors
Uncertainties
Measurement error
Difference between a measured value and the true value
Anomalies
Values in a set of results which are judged not to be part of the variation caused by random uncertainty
Random error
These cause readings to be spread about the true value, due to results varying in an unpredictable way from one measurement to the next
Systematic error
Cause readings to differ from the true value by a consistent amount each time a measurement is made. From environment, methods of observation or instruments used
Zero error
Any indication that a measuring system gives a false reading when the true value of a measured quantity is zero
Evidence
Data that has shown to be valid
Fair test
one in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect the dependent variable
Hypothesis
A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations
Interval
The quantity between readings
Precision
Ones in which there is very little spread about the mean value.
Prediction
A statement suggesting what will happen in the future, based on observation, experience or a hypothesis
Range
The maximum and minimum values of the independent and dependent values.
Repeatable
A measurement is repeatable if the original experimenter repeats the experiment using the same method and equipment and obtains the same results
Reproducible
A measurement is reproducible if the investigation is repeated by another person, or by using different equipment or techniques, and the same results are obtained.
Resolution
The smallest change in the quantity being measured of a measuring instrument that gives a periceptible change in the reading
Sketch graph
A line graph, not necessarily on a grid, that shows the general shape of the relationship between two variables. It will not have any points plotted and although the axis should be labelled they may not be scaled
True value
The value that would be obtained in an ideal measurement
Uncertainty
The interval within which the true value can be expected to lie, with a given level of confidence or probability
Validity
Suitability of the investigative procedure to answer the question being asked
Valid conclusion
A conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate experimental design and based on sound reasoning
