Unit 3 experimentation

Question 1

Accuracy

Answer 1

The degree of closeness to the true actual value

Question 2

Box Plot

Answer 2

Graph showing a data set arranged into numerical order and divided into quartiles (25% of data)

Question 3

Causation

Answer 3

A link between variables in which one variable is know to be directly affecting the other

Question 4

Confounding variables

Answer 4

Factors that influencce the results of an experiement and cause mistaken associations between the independent variable and dependent

Question 5

Continuous variable

Answer 5

Variable that can be measured and for which infinite values exist

Question 6

Correlation

Answer 6

A relationship beyween 2 variables that does not imply causation

Question 7

Dependent variable

Answer 7

variable that is measured

Question 8

Discrete variable

Answer 8

variable that must fall into clear cut categories

Question 9

Error bar

Answer 9

Line through a data point drawn parallel to an axis showing variation in the data for that point or the extent of the data for which there is a 95% expectation that the true mean lies along it

Question 10

In vitro

Answer 10

Experimental procedure carried out in lab conditions using parts of organisms such as cells or tissues

Question 11

In vivo

Answer 11

Procedures carried out in lab or field conditions using entire living organisms

Question 12

Independent data sets

Answer 12

Repeated data sets that are collected in different labsby different workers and at different times but under the same general conditions

Question 13

Independent variable

Answer 13

Experimental variable that is purposely altered by the investigator

Question 14

Line of best fit

Answer 14

Straight line drawn through a scatter plot that indicated the trend shown by the data

Question 15

Mean

Answer 15

Add induvidual data items up and divide by number of data sets
average

Question 16

Mode

Answer 16

Most common value in the data set

Question 17

Multifactorial

Answer 17

Experiement that has more than one dependent variable
usually more complex

Question 18

Negative control

Answer 18

an experiemental aspect in which the independent variable is set at 0 or at no treatment with the aim of producing a negative result

Question 19

Observational studies

Answer 19

Work that is usually carried out in the field in vivo snd usually produces qualitative data (descriptive)

Question 20

Pilot study

Answer 20

A small-scale study conducted to refine values for independent and controlled variables prior to conducting an experiment

Question 21

Placebos

Answer 21

Negative controls used in drug and vaccine trials that do not contain the active ingredient being treated

Question 22

Positive control

Answer 22

An experiemntal aspect set up to show that a system is capable of detecting a positive result should it occur

Question 23

Precision

Answer 23

The closeness of repeated measurements of a variable

Question 24

Qualitative data

Answer 24

Data with descriptive values

Question 25

Quantitative data

Answer 25

Data that have numerical values

Question 26

Random sampling

Answer 26

Sampling in such a way as to ensure that all induviduals have an equal chance of being selected in order to obtain a statistically representative sample

Question 27

Randomised block design

Answer 27

Experimental protocol in which that effects of potentially confounding variables can be reduced

Question 28

Range

Answer 28

The difference between the two extremes of a set of numerical data

Question 29

Ranked data

Answer 29

Data that has been transformed into arbitary (no pattern/ reason) groups

Question 30

Reliability

Answer 30

The degree of confidence that an experiemntal procedure can produce consistent values

Question 31

Representative sample

Answer 31

A sample that shares the same mean and same degree of variation about the mean as the population as a whole

Question 32

Standard deviation

Answer 32

Value given for the spread or variation in data

Question 33

Standard error of the mean

Answer 33

value for the standard deviation of sample means to the overall mean of a data set

Question 34

Stratified sampling

Answer 34

Dividing a population into groups or strata before carrying out the sampling to take account of perceived differences in the induviduals such as size or age

Question 35

Systematic sampling

Answer 35

sampling at regular intervals in space or time to take account of a gradient such as a slop tidal cycle or seasonal changes

Question 36

Validity

Answer 36

Refers to the control variables to produce fair testing

Question 37

Variable

Answer 37

Factor in an experiment that is changable or can change