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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of data?
Which of the following is an example of quantitative data?
What type of data is described in words?
First-hand data is data that you or your team personally _____.
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What is a mistake that can be avoided in data collection?
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What is parallax error?
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Errors always exist in measurements.
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How can the accuracy of your data be improved?
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What should be done to find an average?
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In science, most measurements use ____ or SI units.
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What is one effect of repeated practice in reaction time experiments?
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What is a key consideration when using second-hand data?
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Study Notes
Data Overview
- Data consists of observations and measurements for describing phenomena.
- Two main types of data:
- Quantitative: Numerical measurements (e.g., temperature, height, coordinates).
- Qualitative: Descriptive data not reducible to numbers (e.g., color of eyes, rock types).
Types of Data by Methods
- First-hand data: Collected directly by the researcher through experiments or surveys.
- Second-hand (secondary) data: Obtained from existing sources like the internet, books, or expert interviews.
Data Collection Challenges
- Mistakes: Avoidable by care (e.g., spillages, using wrong equipment).
- Errors: Unavoidable variations in measurements (e.g., instrument misreading).
Common Forms of Error
- Parallax error: Variance in readings due to viewing angles.
- Reading error: Estimation required when measurements fall between device markings.
- Instrument error: Faulty instruments leading to incorrect readings due to temperature changes.
- Human reflex: Individual differences in reaction times affecting measurements.
- Zero error: Instruments must read zero when unoccupied; correction (taring) ensures accurate readings.
Improving First-Hand Data
- Errors are inherent; repeated measurements can reduce their impact.
- Calculating averages helps eliminate outliers and refine data accuracy:
- Remove outliers.
- Sum remaining measurements.
- Divide by the number of valid measurements.
Understanding Uncertainty
- Scientists represent error margins using ± (plus or minus).
- Error is typically half the smallest division of the measuring instrument.
Standard Units of Measurement
- Length: metres (m)
- Mass: kilograms (kg)
- Liquid volume: litres (L)
- Time: seconds (s)
- Temperature: degrees Celsius (°C)
- Weight and force: newtons (N)
- Energy: joules (J)
Reaction Time Experiment
- Conduct trials using online reaction time tests to measure personal response times.
- Importance of repeating trials for consistent results and identifying trends.
Description vs. Explanation
- Describing: Outlining characteristics observed during trials.
- Explaining: Providing insights into how and why changes occur, emphasizing the relationship between practice and performance improvements.
Evaluating Second-Hand Data
- Assess the accuracy of second-hand data by checking the age and credibility of sources.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of scientific data, including the distinction between quantitative and qualitative types. This quiz covers observational measurements and their relevance in scientific research. Test your understanding of these critical concepts in Chapter 1.
