Practical Skills and Lab Equipment Flashcards
Hypothesis
An explanation of an observation that can be tested through experimentation
Variable
A condition in an experiment that can be controlled or changed
Theory
A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation
Qualitative Data
Descriptive data about a variable (for example: Color or behavior)
Quantitative Data
Numerical data that gives the quantity, amount or range of a variable (for example: concentration of oxygen or number of eggs laid)
Prediction
A statement of the expected results in an experiment based on the hypothesis being tested
Independent Variable
The variable being changed in an experiment
Dependent Variable
The variable being measured in an experiment
Control Experiment
A group within an investigation or study that receives exactly the same treatment as the experimental groups with the exception of the variable being tested
Control Variables
Variables that are not being tested but that must be kept the same in case they affect the experiment
Confounding Variable
A variable that could affect the independent or dependent variable and therefore the results of the experiment
Water Bath
A container of water heated to a given temperature which can be used to either vary or control the temperature
Buffer
A solution which can maintain a relatively stable pH
Reliable
Results that can be replicated by other people
Anomaly (anomalous)
A result or observation that deviates from what is normal or expected; In experimental results, it normally refers to one repeated result that does not fit the pattern of the others
Precision (in measurements)
The level of refinement in a measurement as shown by the number of significant figures given
Precision (in experiments)
The refers to the closeness of the measurements to each other; precise measurements are close to each other and there is little spread about the mean
Accuracy
Ensuring that measurements are close to the true value
Line Graph
A graph which is drawn to show the relationship between two continuous variables
Histogram
A graph which is drawn to show the frequency of one continuous variable
Bar Chart
A graph which is drawn to show the relationship between one continuous and one discontinuous variable
Continuous Variable
One which can take any value (for example: temperature, time, concentration)
Discontinuous Variable
One which can only take certain values (for example: human blood type or eye color)
Systematic Error
A consistent error which in affects each measurement in the same way, normally caused by faulty measuring equipment or difficulties in reading the equipment
