IB Biology Skills: Accuracy

The video tutorial covers the concept of accuracy in IB Biology, using analogies like Robin Hood's archery to explain how experimental results should be close to true values. It discusses systematic errors, their causes, and how they affect accuracy. Methods to improve accuracy, such as calibration and correct instrument use, are detailed. The impact of environmental factors and instrument resolution on accuracy is also explored. A sample exam question is analyzed to illustrate how accuracy is assessed in practical investigations.

What does accuracy in scientific experiments refer to?

• The precision of the measurements

• The variety of instruments used

• The closeness of results to the true value

• The number of times an experiment is repeated

What is a systematic error?

• An error that occurs randomly

• An error that is consistently in the same direction

• An error that is unpredictable

• An error that is due to human mistakes

How can systematic errors be reduced?

• By repeating the experiment multiple times

• By using more advanced instruments

• By calibrating instruments and using them correctly

• By increasing the sample size

Why is calibration important in experiments?

• It increases the speed of the experiment

• It reduces the cost of the experiment

• It helps in obtaining accurate measurements

• It ensures the instruments are new

What is the effect of environmental factors on experimental accuracy?

• They improve the accuracy

• They only affect the reliability

• They can cause systematic errors

• They have no effect

How can temperature changes affect enzyme experiments?

• They have no effect on enzymes

• They can alter the enzyme's activity

• They make the enzyme more stable

• They only affect the pH level

What does the resolution of an instrument refer to?

• The cost of the instrument

• The speed at which it measures

• The ability to distinguish between similar values

• The size of the instrument

Why is using a measuring cylinder more accurate than a beaker?

• It is made of better material

• It has smaller increments

• It is easier to handle

• It is larger in size

What is the role of a pipet in measuring accuracy?

• It is less accurate than a beaker

• It provides a rough estimate

• It offers high precision measurements

• It is used for mixing solutions

How can you assess the accuracy of experimental results?

• By asking other students

• By repeating the experiment

• By using more instruments

• By comparing with theoretical values