Improving investigations

• To improve an investigation mention accuracy, more repeats, validity, reducing errors
• Reproducibility = someone else to do the test with the same method
• repeatability = you repeat the experiment and get the same results with the same method
• to calculate a mean identify and discard anomalies
• Have control variable for validity
• Systematic error - These cause readings to differ from the true value by a consistent amount each time a measurement is made. Sources of systematic error can include the environment, methods of observation or instruments used. Systematic errors cannot be dealt with by simple repeats
• human error- Human error is a significant factor that can affect the accuracy and precision of measurements in physics. It refers to mistakes or inaccuracies that occur due to the person performing the experiment or measurement.
• zero error -Any indication that a measuring system gives a false reading when the true value of a measured quantity is zero, eg the needle on an ammeter failing to return to zero when no current flows. A zero error may result in a systematic uncertainty.
• random error- Random errors are due to things you have no control over, such as a change in room temperature whilst you were collecting the results. Repeating your measurements and finding a mean will reduce the effect of random errors.
• accuracy is how close the answer is to the perfect answer - focus on inaccuracies that take you away from the perfect answer such as errors
• reliability is the extent to which the test measures what it is supposed to - focus on discarding anomalies and calculating a mean , repeatability and reducibility