Key words for experiments

Key words for experiments

1. Precision

   • Precise measurements are very close together and have little spread about the mean value. They do not necessarily reflect their true value

2. Accuracy

   • How close a measurement is to its true value.

3. Random errors

   • Errors caused by factors we can't control
     • Like pushing a stopwatch button too early

4. Systematic errors

   • Errors caused by inaccurate equipment

5. Repetable

   • If you can repeat you measurements and get the same results, they you results are repeatable

6. Reproducible

   • If someone can repeat your measurements and get the same results then your results are reproducible

7. Resolution

   • The resolution of an instrument refers to the smallest change that can be detected

8. Variables

   • Independant variable
     • What you can change
   • Dependant variable
     • What you measure
   • COntrol variable
     • Fair test
   • Continuous variable
     • Variables that have a numerical value
   • Categoric variable
     • variable that are describled by labels
       • Should use a bar chart

9. Validity

   • Results must be valid if you are going to be able to draw a conclusion from them. TO get a valid results you need to carry out a fair test. Valid data is evidence.