Understanding Scientific Research Methods
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Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between 'accurate' and 'precise' in the context of measurement?

  • Accuracy is a measure of the average of a set of measurements, while precision is a measure of the range of a set of measurements.
  • Accuracy refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other, while precision refers to how close a measurement is to the true value.
  • Accuracy is a qualitative measure, while precision is a quantitative measure.
  • Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to how close repeated measurements are to each other. (correct)
  • Which type of data is often collected through surveys and questionnaires?

  • Quantitative data
  • Experimental data
  • Theoretical data
  • Qualitative data (correct)
  • What is the purpose of an 'experimental control' in an experiment?

  • To measure the dependent variable
  • To manipulate the independent variable
  • To keep other variables constant (correct)
  • To eliminate the controlled variable
  • A scientist is investigating the effect of pH on the growth of a certain plant. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

    <p>The pH of the solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a 'hypothesis' in a scientific experiment?

    <p>To predict the outcome of the experiment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of error is caused by faulty equipment or a faulty measurement technique?

    <p>Systematic error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the formula to calculate the percentage change of a numerical data set?

    <p>(New value - Old value) / Old value x 100</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Understanding Cognitive Verbs

    • Identify: recognize and name something
    • Describe: provide a detailed account of something
    • Explain: provide reasons or causes for something
    • Predict: forecast or prophesy something
    • Compare: identify similarities and differences between two or more things
    • Justify: provide a valid reason or excuse for something
    • Evaluate: assess or judge the quality or value of something

    Understanding Data Types

    • Quantitative data: numerical data that can be measured and compared
    • Qualitative data: non-numerical data that describes characteristics or qualities

    Measuring Equipment

    • Different measuring equipment is used under different conditions
    • Knowledge of which equipment to use in various situations is essential

    Accuracy and Precision

    • Accurate: close to the true value
    • Precise: consistent and reliable, but not necessarily accurate

    Variables in Experiments

    • Independent variable: changed by the experimenter to observe its effect
    • Dependent variable: affected by the independent variable
    • Controlled variable: kept constant to ensure a fair test

    Controlled Variables and Experimental Control

    • Controlled variables: variables that are kept constant to ensure a fair test
    • Experimental control: a variable that is intentionally changed by the experimenter

    Fair Test

    • A fair test is an experiment where only one variable is changed at a time

    Hypothesis

    • A hypothesis should be written in the "if, then, because" format
    • It correctly links independent and dependent variables

    Errors in Measurement

    • Random errors: unpredictable and uncontrollable errors
    • Systematic errors: predictable and controllable errors
    • Reasons for errors: human error, equipment limitations, and environmental factors
    • Minimizing errors: using multiple measurements, improving equipment, and controlling environmental factors

    Data Analysis

    • Calculating mean, median, mode, and percentage change of a numerical data set
    • Reading, analyzing, and evaluating data from a figure

    Drawing Scientific Figures

    • A scientific figure should be accurately and clearly drawn

    Validity and Reliability

    • Validity: how well a measurement measures what it's supposed to measure
    • Reliability: how consistent the measurement is

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of scientific research methods, including cognitive verbs, data types, measuring equipment, and variable definitions. Learn to distinguish between different concepts and apply them to scientific experiments.

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