3.3.2 Evaluating Experimental Methods

• What does accuracy in experimental methods refer to?

  Closeness to true values
• What does validity in experimental methods mean?

  Measures intended purpose
• High precision means the measurements are nearly identical each time the experiment is repeated.
• What is the role of reliability in experimental design?

  Ensure consistent outcomes
• What does accuracy in experimental methods ensure?

  Closeness to true values
• The closeness of measured values to true values is called accuracy
• Factors that restrict the applicability of an experiment are called limitations
• Systematic errors reduce the accuracy
• Calibrating equipment regularly can help minimize errors.
• Replicability is a key indicator of data reliability.
• Evaluating experimental methods allows researchers to improve the experimental design.
• The aspect of validity ensures that the experiment measures what it is intended to measure.
• What are limitations in an experiment?

  Boundaries of experimental results
• High precision in an experiment means the measurements are highly repeatable
• Order the strategies to minimize errors in experimental methods:

  1️⃣ Calibration

  2️⃣ Improved Measurement

  3️⃣ Controlled Environment

  4️⃣ Replication
• Factors influencing data reliability include measurement techniques, calibration, and environmental conditions
• Order the steps to improve experimental accuracy, precision, and reliability:

  1️⃣ Calibration of Equipment

  2️⃣ Multiple Measurements per Trial

  3️⃣ Controlled Temperature
• Evaluating experimental methods aims to improve the reliability of results.
• A reliable experiment produces the same results consistently.
• What does high accuracy in measurements indicate?

  Closeness to real values
• A valid experiment measures what it is intended to measure
• Precision describes how consistent or repeatable the measurements are
• High precision means the measurements are very similar each time the experiment is repeated.
• The ability of an experiment to produce the same results consistently is called reliability
• Match the type of error with its impact:

  Systematic Errors ↔️ Reduce accuracy

  Random Errors ↔️ Reduce precision

  Experimental Errors ↔️ Affect accuracy and precision
• Errors introduced by equipment or procedures are called experimental errors.
• Data reliability refers to its consistency and stability over time
• Evaluating experimental methods involves identifying sources of error
• A reliable experiment produces the same outcome when repeated under the same conditions.
• An experiment is valid if it measures what it is intended to measure
• What does accuracy in an experiment measure?

  Closeness to true values
• What strategy addresses systematic errors in an experiment?

  Calibration
• What does consistency in data indicate about reliability?

  Values are similar across measurements
• Improving accuracy in experimental design involves calibrating equipment regularly.
• Evaluating experimental methods involves identifying potential sources of error and uncertainty
• Precision in experimental methods describes how consistent or repeatable the measurements are
• Limitations in experimental methods are factors that restrict the scope or applicability
• What is the purpose of evaluating experimental methods?

  Improve experimental quality
• Accuracy in measurements refers to their repeatability.

  False
• Reliability in experimental methods ensures consistent results