SCIENCE KEY WORDS HOW SCIENCE WORKS

Accurate A measurement result is accurate if it is close to the true value.

Anomalies These are values in a set of results which do not fit a pattern.
Bar chart This is used to display data if the independent variable is categoric.
Categoric Categoric variables have values that are labels e.g. names of plants, types of
variable material.
Conclusion Describing what has been found out using the results of an investigation.
Continuous Continuous variables have a range of values that can be measured.
variable
Control This is any other variable that may affect the outcome of the investigation. These
variable have to be controlled carefully so that they do not affect the measurements made.
Correlation Relationship (link) between the independent and dependent variable.
Data Information, either qualitative or quantitative, that has been collected.
Dependent The variable that is measured in an investigation.
variable
A fair test is one in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect
Fair test
the dependent variable.
Hypothesis A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations.
Independent The variable that is changed in an investigation (remember I control the
variable Independent variable).
Interval The quantity between measurement readings.
Line graph This is used to display data if the independent variable is continuous.
Precision Precise measurements are ones which are close to the mean.
A prediction is a statement suggesting what will happen in the future, based on
Prediction
observation, experience or a hypothesis.
Random These cause readings to be spread about the true value. The effect of random
error errors can be reduced by repeating measurements and calculating a new mean.
The maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent variables. It is
Range important to have a large range so that you can identify trends and patterns in
results.
A reliable measurement is one that consistently remains the same after several
Reliable
repeats.
A measurement is repeatable if the investigation is repeated using the same method
Repeatable
and equipment and obtains the same results.
A measurement is reproducible if the investigation is repeated by another person, or
Reproducible
by using different equipment or techniques, and the same results are obtained.
This is the smallest change in the quantity being measured of a measuring
Resolution
instrument that gives a noticeable change in the reading.
Risk Identifying hazards in an investigation and describing how to control them.
assessment
A line graph showing the shape of the relationship between two variables without
Sketch graph
plotting points.
Systematic These cause readings to differ from the true value due to the environment, methods of
error observation or instruments used. They cannot be dealt with by repeating measurements.
Valid The data from the investigation is reliable and answers the question being asked.
Variables Things that can be changed in an investigation.
Zero Error A systematic error caused by equipment that is not calibrated properly.