Validity, accuracy and reliability

Cards (14)

Reflecting on results 
Consider the validity of the method
Consider the conclusive nature of the method
Valid method 
Fairly tests the hypothesis so that the only factor that affects the results is the independent variable
Accuracy of results 
How correct or true the measurements are
Reliability of results 
How similar the results are for trials of the same test
Identifying reliable results 
1. Conducting multiple trials
2. Comparing measurements
Reliable method 
Correcting the variables each time
Using appropriate equipment
Reliable method 
Increases the reliability of the results
Types of errors in experiments
Human errors
Random errors
Systematic errors
Human errors 
Mistakes, e.g. incorrectly reading the scale
Random errors 
Unpredictable occurrences, e.g. stopping a stopwatch too early or too late
Systematic errors 
Occur because of the way an experiment is designed or due to problems with equipment, e.g. a measurement being too high
Evaluating investigations 
Accuracy
Reliability and validity
Reliability- how similar results of each trial are
accuracy- how correct or true the measurements are
validity- fairly test hypthesis so the only factor that affects the results is the independent variable
if the method is followed correctly each time, the variables are controlled and the equipment used is appropriate then the reliability of the results is increased