Key Terms

Question 1

Resolution

Answer 1

The smallest change that can be read from a measuring device.

Question 2

Valid

Answer 2

Relevant. The results and conclusions will be this if the variables are correctly controlled.

Question 3

Fair test

Answer 3

This is where only the independent variable is changed and the others are controlled.

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A scientific statement that explains certain facts or observations.

Question 5

Interval

Answer 5

This is the difference between the values of the independent variable.

Question 6

Systematic error

Answer 6

This is an error that is always the same for each repeat. It is usually because of an error in the equipment used.

Question 7

Repeatable

Answer 7

If the same person can get the same reading using the same equipment and method.

Question 8

Categoric variable

Answer 8

A variable that can be described by a label or category such as colour or surface.

Question 9

Control variable

Answer 9

Variables that remain constant, in order to make sure that the investigation is valid.

Question 10

Independent variable

Answer 10

The variable that is changed during the investigation. It is a single variable.

Question 11

Continuous variable

Answer 11

A variable that may have any numerical value.

Question 12

Dependant variable

Answer 12

The variable that changes as a result in a change in the independent variable.

Question 13

Uncertainty

Answer 13

The range around a true value.

Question 14

Measurement error

Answer 14

The difference between the real value and the measured value.

Question 15

Random error

Answer 15

This error causes measurements to be spread around the true value. It can be reduced by taking repeats and calculating a new mean.

Question 16

Zero error

Answer 16

When a piece of measuring equipment should be reading 0, but does not.

Question 17

Accuracy

Answer 17

How close the reading is to the true value.

Question 18

Precision

Answer 18

Determined by the scale on the measuring apparatus. Precise measurements are ones in which there is very little spread about the mean value.

Question 19

Callibration

Answer 19

When a piece of meausring apparatus is marked to give correct readings.

Question 20

True value

Answer 20

The real value of a measurement in an experiment independent of error.

Question 21

Reproducible

Answer 21

If another person can get the same results using the same or different methods and equipment.

Question 22

Range

Answer 22

The maximum and minimum values of the independent and dependant variables.