Scientific Inquiry & Understanding Flashcards

A scientist repeats an experiment five times and gets results that are close together but far from the true value. This describes data that is:

Answer: Precise but not accurate

Precision refers to the consistency of repeated measurements, while accuracy refers to closeness to the true value.

When graphing experimental results, placing the independent variable on the x-axis is important because:

Answer: The independent variable is the one the experimenter controls and changes

The independent variable is placed on the x-axis because it is the variable the experimenter deliberately manipulates.

A student measures the boiling point of water at sea level and obtains 99.4°C instead of 100°C. This error is most likely due to:

Answer: Systematic error from an incorrectly calibrated thermometer

A consistent offset from the true value suggests a systematic error, often caused by faulty or uncalibrated equipment.

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which of the following is a controlled variable?

Answer: Amount of water each plant receives

Controlled variables are kept constant to ensure only the independent variable affects the results; water amount must remain the same for all plants.

A hypothesis must be:

Answer: A testable prediction about the relationship between variables

A hypothesis is a testable, falsifiable prediction that can be investigated through experimentation.

Which action best reduces random error in an experiment?

Answer: Increasing the number of trials and averaging results

Repeating trials and calculating the mean reduces the impact of random fluctuations on results.

The peer review process in science primarily serves to:

Answer: Detect errors and evaluate the validity of research before publication

Peer review involves expert evaluation of research methodology and conclusions to maintain scientific standards.