Experimental Design and Data Analysis Quiz

Experimental Design

• A hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on prior knowledge.
• A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can change.
• An independent variable is intentionally changed in an experiment.
• A dependent variable is measured to observe the effect of the independent variable.
• Control variables remain constant to ensure a fair test.
• A control group is a group that does not receive the treatment, used for comparison.
• A procedure is a detailed step-by-step guide for an experiment.
• A trial is a single repetition of an experiment.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Data is information collected through observations or measurements.
• Observation is noting and recording data using senses or tools.
• Measurement is assigning numerical values to observations with units.
• Accuracy describes how close a measured value is to the true value.
• Precision refers to how consistently results can be replicated.
• An average is the sum of all values divided by the total number of values.
• A graph visually represents data patterns and relationships.
• A trend is the overall direction of data points.
• A unit is a standard used to specify measurement (e.g., meters, seconds).
• An outlier is a data point significantly different from others.

Conclusion and Evaluation

• A conclusion is a reasoned judgment based on evidence from an investigation.
• Evidence supports or refutes a hypothesis or claim.
• Inference is a logical interpretation of data or observations.
• Error affects the accuracy or reliability of data.
• Evaluation is the assessment of an investigation's design and results to identify improvements.

Common Lab Equipment

• A beaker is a cylindrical container for holding, mixing, or heating substances.
• A graduated cylinder accurately measures liquid volume.
• A thermometer measures temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• A digital scale measures mass in grams or kilograms.
• An Erlenmeyer flask holds and mixes liquids, minimizing spillage.
• A stopwatch measures time intervals.
• A Bunsen burner is a small gas flame used to heat substances.
• A digital probe is an electronic sensor for collecting precise data (e.g., temperature, pH).
• A test tube is a small glass tube for holding, mixing, or heating small amounts of substances.
• A test tube rack holds test tubes upright.