Biology Skills: Accuracy

The video tutorial covers the concept of accuracy in scientific experiments, focusing on how close experimental results are to the true value. It explains systematic errors, which are consistent, reproducible errors in the same direction, often due to measurement issues. The tutorial provides examples, such as Robin Hood's archery, to illustrate these errors. It discusses methods to improve accuracy, including calibration and correct instrument use, and highlights the importance of instrument resolution. The video also includes sample exam questions to test understanding of accuracy in practical investigations.

What does accuracy in scientific experiments refer to?

• The number of times an experiment is repeated

• The variety of instruments used in an experiment

• The speed at which an experiment is conducted

• How close the experimental results are to the true value

What is a systematic error?

• An error that occurs randomly

• A repeated error that is consistently in the same direction

• An error that affects only one measurement

• An error that is easily corrected by repeating the experiment

How can systematic errors be reduced?

• By conducting experiments in different locations

• By increasing the sample size

• By using more complex instruments

• By calibrating instruments and using them correctly

What is the purpose of calibrating a pH meter?

• To ensure it measures pH values accurately

• To increase the speed of pH measurement

• To reduce the size of the pH meter

• To make it compatible with all types of solutions

Why is it important to use instruments with higher resolution?

• To make the experiment more complex

• To save time during measurements

• To distinguish between similar values more accurately

• To reduce the cost of experiments

What is parallax error?

• An error caused by faulty equipment

• An error due to incorrect angle of viewing

• An error that occurs when data is recorded incorrectly

• An error that happens when experiments are conducted outdoors

How can environmental interactions affect experimental accuracy?

• They can cause systematic errors by altering conditions

• They make experiments more interesting

• They help in achieving faster results

• They ensure the experiment is more reliable

What should Donna do to assess the accuracy of her blood cell size estimation?

• Compare her results to scientific literature

• Repeat the experiment multiple times

• Compare her results with other students

• Use a different microscope

What is the difference between accuracy and reliability?

• Accuracy is about cost; reliability is about time

• Accuracy is about using advanced tools; reliability is about using simple tools

• Accuracy is about speed; reliability is about precision

• Accuracy is about closeness to true value; reliability is about consistency

Why is it important to compare experimental results to scientific literature?

• To ensure the results are consistent with established knowledge

• To make the experiment more complex

• To reduce the cost of the experiment

• To increase the number of variables in the experiment