practical science key terms

Question 1

Measurement Valid?

Answer 1

When it measures what it is supposed to be measuring

Question 2

Result accurate?

Answer 2

When it is close to the true value

Question 3

Precise results?

Answer 3

When the repeat measurements are consistent/agree closely with each other

Question 4

Repeatability?

Answer 4

How precise repeated measurements are when they are taken by the same person, using the same equipment, under the same conditions

Question 5

Uncertainty of a measurement?

Answer 5

Interval within which true value is expected to lie

Question 6

Measurement error

Answer 6

Difference between a measured value and the true value

Question 7

Error caused by results varying around true value in an unpredictable way?

Answer 7

Random error

Question 8

Systematic error?

Answer 8

Consistent difference between measured values and true values

Question 9

Zero error?

Answer 9

Measurement instrument gives false reading when true value should be zero

Question 10

Variable changed or selected by investigator?

Answer 10

IV

Question 11

DV?

Answer 11

Variable measured every time the independent variable is changed

Question 12

Fair test?

Answer 12

A test in which only the IV is allowed to affect the DV

Question 13

Control variable?

Answer 13

Variables that should be kept constant to avoid them affecting DV