Key Terms Flashcards
Define accuracy
The closeness of an answer to the truth or what is considered to be the acceptable value
Define anomaly/outlier
A value in a set of results that is judged to not be part of the inherit variation
Define a control variable
A variable that is kept constant for all variations of an experiment
Define a dependent variable
What is measured and recorded within an experiment
Define an independent variable
A variable which is deliberately changed or selected by the person in the planning of a practical activity
Define what a line of best fit is
A line on a graph that passes as close to the data points as possible and represents the best estimate of the relationship between variables
Define precision
The closeness of agreement between measured values obtained from repeated measurements
Define random error
An error in a measurement due to a small uncontrollable effect
Define range
The maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependant variables
Define repeatability
Precision obtained when measurement results are produced in one laboratory, by a single operator using the same conditions over a short time scale
Define reproducibility
Precision obtained when measurement results are produced in different laboratories, by different single operators using different pieces of equipment
Define resolution
Smallest change in the input quantity being measured by a measuring instrument that gives a perceptible change in the reading of the measuring instrument
Define systematic error
Error due to the measured value differing from the true value by the same amount each time
Define uncertainty
Interval within which the true value can be expected to lie, with a given level of confidence or probability
Define validity
Suitability of the method used to answer the question being asked
