Improving Experiment Questions Flashcards
What to say when asked how a person can improve their experiment
Increase the sample size
Calculate mean value
Calculate range/standard deviation
Performed named statistical test (e.g. t test)
Control the variables
Presentation of results
Why does increasing the sample size improve the experiment
Facilitate the identification of anomalies
Increases accuracy of the mean
Allows assessment of repeatability/precision
Why does calculating the mean value improve the experiment
More representative data
Allows the identification of anomalies
Why does calculating the range/standard deviation improve the experiment
Add errors bars to graph
Measures variability of the results
Standard deviation is less affected by anomalous results
Why does performing a named statistical test improve the experiment
Allows to assess significance of the difference
Why does controlling the variables of the investigation improve the experiment
Allows a more objective comparison between groups
Why does suggesting better presentation of results improve the experiment
You can present the data graphically to identify any anomalies/trends more easily
How to evaluate a statement in biology
Statement for and against and comment on validity
E.g. correlation doesn’t indicate causation
