Keywords

Question 1

Define an anomalous result

Answer 1

A measurement that is well away from the pattern of results, not to be judged as part of the results

Question 2

When do you use bar charts

Answer 2

When the independent variable is categoric

Question 3

What is data

Answer 3

A collection of measurements

Question 4

How is directly proportional data represented

Answer 4

A graph will show this as a straight line through the origin

Question 5

What is an error

Answer 5

These can cause readings to be different from the true value

Question 6

What is a random error caused by

Answer 6

Human error or faulty technique when taking the measurements

Question 7

How do we compensate for random errors

Answer 7

By taking a large number of measurements and taking an average

Question 8

When does a systematic error occur

Answer 8

When measuring equipment is not properly calibrated

Question 9

What is a zero error

Answer 9

When equipment isn’t properly calibrated so it never shows true zero

Question 10

What is evidence

Answer 10

This comprises of validated data. It can also be used to measure the importance to data

Question 11

What is a fair test

Answer 11

A fair test has only one independent variable which can affect the dependent variable. All other variables are kept constant

Question 12

What is a hypothesis

Answer 12

A proposal intended to explain certain facts or evidence

Question 13

What are interval measurements

Answer 13

The value of the independent variable between readings of the desired range

Question 14

When is a line of best fit used

Answer 14

To show underlying relationships between the independent and dependent variables.

Question 15

When is a line graph used

Answer 15

When the independent and dependent variables are both continuous

Question 16

How do you find the mean

Answer 16

Add up all the measurements and divide by number of measurements taken (exclude anomalous results)

Question 17

How is precision shown when taking the mean

Answer 17

There is very little spread between the values

Question 18

What is a prediction

Answer 18

A statement suggesting what will happen based on observation, experience or evidence

Question 19

What is the range

Answer 19

The maximum and minimum values

Question 20

How is reliability shown

Answer 20

Constantly the same

Question 21

What is repeatability

Answer 21

When the original experiment is repeated and produces the same result

Question 22

What is reproducibility

Answer 22

The results of an investigation are more reliable if the results can be repeated by someone else

Question 23

What is resolution

Answer 23

The smallest change in the quantity being changed that gives a perceptible change in the reading

Question 24

What is a sketch graph

Answer 24

A line graph that shows the general shape of the relationship between two variables. It may not show points or scales

Question 25

What is the true value

Answer 25

An accurate value which would be found if the quantity could be measured without any errors

Question 26

What is uncertainty

Answer 26

The interval within which the true value can be expected

Question 27

What does validity mean

Answer 27

Data is only valid for use in coming to a conclusion if the measurements taken are effected by the single independent variable only. Data is not valid if the test is not fair or there is observer bias

Question 28

What is a valid conclusion

Answer 28

A conclusion supported by valid data obtained from an experiment based on sound reasoning

Question 29

What is a categoric variable

Answer 29

A variable which has values described by labels. When you plot your results like this you must use either a bar chart or a pie chart.

Question 30

What is a continuous variable

Answer 30

A variable which can have any numerical value. When you present the result in an investigation like this you should use a line graph

Question 31

What is a control variable

Answer 31

A variable which may affect the outcome of the investigation. This means that these variables must be kept constant

Question 32

What is the dependent variable

Answer 32

The variable which is the value you measure for each change in the independent variable

Question 33

What is the independent variable

Answer 33

The variable for which values are changed or selected to see what change the difference makes

Question 34

What is discrete

Answer 34

A type of categoric variable who's values are restricted by whole numbers

Question 35

What is ordered

Answer 35

A type of categoric variable that can be ranked

Question 36

Define an accurate measurement

Answer 36

An accurate measurement is one which is close to the true value