sources of error and their control or minimisation

Question 1

What are random errors?

Answer 1

Random errors occur due to chance factors or chance variation in a measurement, affecting the precision of a measurement.

They can be minimized through repeated measurements and refining the measurement method.

Question 2

How can random errors be minimized?

Answer 2

Through repeated measurements and refining the measurement method.

This approach helps improve the precision of the measurements.

Question 3

What are systematic errors?

Answer 3

Systematic errors are produced by a factor that consistently affects all measurements in the same way, affecting accuracy.

They typically indicate a flaw in the research design, procedure, or implementation.

Question 4

What distinguishes systematic errors from random errors?

Answer 4

Systematic errors consistently affect all measurements in the same way, while random errors occur due to chance variations.

Systematic errors can typically be corrected.

Question 5

What are personal errors?

Answer 5

Personal errors are faults with the researcher, including mistakes, miscalculations, slip-ups, and observer errors.

These errors are often due to human factors.

Question 6

What are extraneous variables?

Answer 6

Extraneous variables are variables besides the independent variable (IV) that may cause a change in the dependent variable (DV) and affect the results.

They complicate conclusions regarding the relationship between IV and DV.

Question 7

What are confounding variables?

Answer 7

Confounding variables are variables besides the IV that have already affected the DV and cannot be separated from the IV to determine which produced the change in the DV.

They compromise internal validity.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: __________ are produced by a factor that consistently affects all measurements in the same way and impacts accuracy.

Answer 8

Systematic errors

Question 9

True or False: Random errors can always be eliminated.

Answer 9

False

Random errors can be minimized but not completely eliminated.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: __________ variables may cause a change in the dependent variable aside from the independent variable.

Answer 10

Extraneous

Question 11

True or False: Personal errors are related to flaws in the measurement instrument.

Answer 11

False

Personal errors are related to the researcher, not the measurement instrument.