Physics: How Science Works

• What is accuracy in measurement?

  Close to the true value
• What does calibration involve?

  Establishing relationship between measurements and standards
• How can you check if a thermometer is calibrated correctly?

  Place it in melting ice to check zero
• What is data?

  Collected information, qualitative or quantitative
• What is measurement error?

  Difference between measured and true value
• What are anomalies in data?

  Values not part of random uncertainty variation
• What causes random error?

  Unpredictable variations in measurements
• How can random errors be reduced?

  By making more measurements and averaging
• What is systematic error?

  Consistent difference from the true value
• What should you do if a systematic error is suspected?

  Repeat data collection with different techniques
• What is zero error?

  False reading when true value is zero
• What is valid evidence?

  Data shown to be valid
• What defines a fair test?

  Only the independent variable affects the dependent variable
• What is a hypothesis?

  A proposal to explain facts or observations
• What is an interval in measurements?

  Quantity between readings
• What does precision in measurements indicate?

  Little spread about the mean value
• What is a prediction?

  Statement suggesting future outcomes
• What does range refer to in measurements?

  Maximum and minimum values of variables
• What does repeatable mean in measurements?

  Same results by the original experimenter
• What does reproducible mean in measurements?

  Same results by different experimenters or methods
• What is resolution in measurement?

  Smallest change that gives a perceptible reading
• What is a sketch graph?

  Line graph showing relationship without points
• What is the true value in measurement?

  Value obtained in an ideal measurement
• What is uncertainty in measurement?

  Interval within which true value lies
• How can uncertainty be expressed?

  In terms of spread of values obtained
• What is validity in an investigative procedure?

  Suitability to answer the question asked
• What is a valid conclusion?

  Supported by valid data and sound reasoning
• What are variables?

  Physical, chemical, or biological quantities
• What are categoric variables?

  Variables with values that are labels
• What are continuous variables?

  Variables that can be measured or counted
• What is a control variable?

  Variable kept constant to monitor effects
• What is a dependent variable?

  Variable measured for changes in independent variable
• What is an independent variable?

  Variable changed or selected by the investigator