Liphook KS3 KS4 Working Scientifically Glossary

How close a measurement is to the true value.

• accuracy
• y-axis
• validity
• valid conclusion
• trend

A result that does not fit the pattern shown by other results. The value is outside of the variation expected by random uncertainty.

• anomalous
• zero error
• variable
• valid results
• true value

A value that best represents a set of data. There are three types: the mean, the median and the mode.

• average
• accuracy
• volume
• validity
• uncertainty

A graph that is drawn when one of the data sets is discontinuous (discrete) or categoric data.

• bar chart
• anomalous
• x-axis
• variable
• valid conclusion

An inclination, predisposition or prejudice toward something. This can mean an experiment is carried out or results are interpreted in an unfair way, or a sampled population is not representative of the general population.

• bias
• average
• y-axis
• volume
• valid results

Data that does not have numerical values. The values are labels, e.g. names of plants or types of material.

• categoric data
• bar chart
• zero error
• x-axis
• validity

An explanation of what was learned from an investigation. It may agree or disagree with the hypothesis.

• conclusion
• bias
• accuracy
• y-axis
• variable

Data that can take any value within a range. It is measured on a scale. For example, height or time.

• continuous data
• categoric data
• anomalous
• zero error
• volume

A variable that may, in addition to the independent variable, affect the outcome of the investigation. It must be kept constant.

• control variable
• conclusion
• average
• accuracy
• data

The link between two sets of data. For example, when one value increases as the other increases.

• correlation
• continuous data
• bar chart
• anomalous
• ethical