Identifying Sources of Error - ACT Science
Card 1 of 30
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
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The factor deliberately changed by the experimenter. The cause being tested in the experiment.
The factor deliberately changed by the experimenter. The cause being tested in the experiment.
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What is a source of error when a sensor has low resolution (large smallest scale division)?
What is a source of error when a sensor has low resolution (large smallest scale division)?
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Quantization/rounding uncertainty from limited resolution. Cannot read values between scale markings precisely.
Quantization/rounding uncertainty from limited resolution. Cannot read values between scale markings precisely.
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Identify the sampling error if fish are counted only near the shoreline to estimate the whole lake population.
Identify the sampling error if fish are counted only near the shoreline to estimate the whole lake population.
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Selection bias (nonrepresentative sampling region). Shoreline fish don't represent whole lake.
Selection bias (nonrepresentative sampling region). Shoreline fish don't represent whole lake.
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Identify the error source if a researcher rates outcomes more favorably for the treatment group they support.
Identify the error source if a researcher rates outcomes more favorably for the treatment group they support.
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Observer bias (lack of blinding). Unconscious bias toward preferred hypothesis.
Observer bias (lack of blinding). Unconscious bias toward preferred hypothesis.
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Identify the error source if lengths are recorded only to the nearest $1,\text{cm}$ using a coarse ruler.
Identify the error source if lengths are recorded only to the nearest $1,\text{cm}$ using a coarse ruler.
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Instrument resolution limitation (rounding uncertainty). Coarse scale limits measurement precision.
Instrument resolution limitation (rounding uncertainty). Coarse scale limits measurement precision.
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What does it suggest if a best-fit line systematically misses points in a curved pattern?
What does it suggest if a best-fit line systematically misses points in a curved pattern?
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Model mismatch (nonlinear relationship fitted as linear). Wrong mathematical model for the actual relationship.
Model mismatch (nonlinear relationship fitted as linear). Wrong mathematical model for the actual relationship.
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Identify the most likely cause if one data point is extreme and contradicts all repeats taken the same way.
Identify the most likely cause if one data point is extreme and contradicts all repeats taken the same way.
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Procedural mistake or transient disturbance (outlier). Single anomaly suggests measurement error occurred.
Procedural mistake or transient disturbance (outlier). Single anomaly suggests measurement error occurred.
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What is a transcription error in recording results?
What is a transcription error in recording results?
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Copying or entering data incorrectly from source to table. Writing down wrong numbers from original data.
Copying or entering data incorrectly from source to table. Writing down wrong numbers from original data.
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Identify the error source if a table lists $0.52$ but the lab notebook shows $0.25$ for the same trial.
Identify the error source if a table lists $0.52$ but the lab notebook shows $0.25$ for the same trial.
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Transcription/data entry error. Numbers don't match between original and final records.
Transcription/data entry error. Numbers don't match between original and final records.
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Identify the calculation error if $3.0\times 10^2$ is recorded as $3.0\times 10^3$ in the results.
Identify the calculation error if $3.0\times 10^2$ is recorded as $3.0\times 10^3$ in the results.
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Exponent/place-value error in scientific notation. Wrong power of ten changes value dramatically.
Exponent/place-value error in scientific notation. Wrong power of ten changes value dramatically.
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Identify the error: Misreading $2 \times 10^{-3}$ as $2 \times 10^{3}$.
Identify the error: Misreading $2 \times 10^{-3}$ as $2 \times 10^{3}$.
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Error: Incorrect scientific notation. Sign error changes value by factor of million.
Error: Incorrect scientific notation. Sign error changes value by factor of million.
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What error occurs when assuming linearity in non-linear data?
What error occurs when assuming linearity in non-linear data?
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Error: Model misfit. Linear models don't fit curved relationships well.
Error: Model misfit. Linear models don't fit curved relationships well.
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Identify the error: Mixing up dependent and independent variables.
Identify the error: Mixing up dependent and independent variables.
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Error: Incorrect variable identification. Wrong variable assignment affects analysis.
Error: Incorrect variable identification. Wrong variable assignment affects analysis.
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What error arises from extrapolating data beyond the range?
What error arises from extrapolating data beyond the range?
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Error: Unreliable predictions. Patterns may not continue outside observed range.
Error: Unreliable predictions. Patterns may not continue outside observed range.
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What error occurs when ignoring range in data comparison?
What error occurs when ignoring range in data comparison?
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Error: Misleading conclusions. Range shows data spread; ignoring it hides variability.
Error: Misleading conclusions. Range shows data spread; ignoring it hides variability.
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Identify the error: Using $1.0 \times 10^3$ instead of $1.0 \times 10^6$.
Identify the error: Using $1.0 \times 10^3$ instead of $1.0 \times 10^6$.
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Error: Incorrect order of magnitude. Wrong power of 10 changes value by factor of 1000.
Error: Incorrect order of magnitude. Wrong power of 10 changes value by factor of 1000.
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Identify the error: Mislabeling axes on a graph.
Identify the error: Mislabeling axes on a graph.
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Error: Misinterpretation of data. Wrong labels make data uninterpretable.
Error: Misinterpretation of data. Wrong labels make data uninterpretable.
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Identify the error: Confusing precision with accuracy.
Identify the error: Confusing precision with accuracy.
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Error: Precision is not accuracy. Precision is consistency; accuracy is correctness.
Error: Precision is not accuracy. Precision is consistency; accuracy is correctness.
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What error arises from using a small sample size?
What error arises from using a small sample size?
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Increased variability. Small samples have less reliable estimates.
Increased variability. Small samples have less reliable estimates.
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What error arises when ignoring systematic errors in measurement?
What error arises when ignoring systematic errors in measurement?
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Bias in results. Systematic errors create consistent bias in all measurements.
Bias in results. Systematic errors create consistent bias in all measurements.
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What is the definition of a systematic error in an experiment?
What is the definition of a systematic error in an experiment?
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A consistent bias that shifts results in one direction. Creates reproducible deviation from true values.
A consistent bias that shifts results in one direction. Creates reproducible deviation from true values.
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Identify the most likely cause if one data point is extreme and contradicts all repeats taken the same way.
Identify the most likely cause if one data point is extreme and contradicts all repeats taken the same way.
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Procedural mistake or transient disturbance (outlier). Single anomaly suggests measurement error occurred.
Procedural mistake or transient disturbance (outlier). Single anomaly suggests measurement error occurred.
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What is a transcription error in recording results?
What is a transcription error in recording results?
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Copying or entering data incorrectly from source to table. Writing down wrong numbers from original data.
Copying or entering data incorrectly from source to table. Writing down wrong numbers from original data.
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Identify the error source if a table lists $0.52$ but the lab notebook shows $0.25$ for the same trial.
Identify the error source if a table lists $0.52$ but the lab notebook shows $0.25$ for the same trial.
Tap to reveal answer
Transcription/data entry error. Numbers don't match between original and final records.
Transcription/data entry error. Numbers don't match between original and final records.
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Identify the calculation error if $3.0\times 10^2$ is recorded as $3.0\times 10^3$ in the results.
Identify the calculation error if $3.0\times 10^2$ is recorded as $3.0\times 10^3$ in the results.
Tap to reveal answer
Exponent/place-value error in scientific notation. Wrong power of ten changes value dramatically.
Exponent/place-value error in scientific notation. Wrong power of ten changes value dramatically.
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Identify the error source if a graph’s $y$-axis is labeled $\text{mL}$ but the data were measured in $\text{L}$.
Identify the error source if a graph’s $y$-axis is labeled $\text{mL}$ but the data were measured in $\text{L}$.
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Unit mismatch (systematic scaling error). Scale doesn't match actual measurement units.
Unit mismatch (systematic scaling error). Scale doesn't match actual measurement units.
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What is the definition of a random error in an experiment?
What is the definition of a random error in an experiment?
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Unpredictable variation that causes scatter around a true value. Reduces precision but doesn't bias the average.
Unpredictable variation that causes scatter around a true value. Reduces precision but doesn't bias the average.
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What is the definition of precision in measurement?
What is the definition of precision in measurement?
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Closeness of repeated measurements to each other. Repeatability, not necessarily correctness.
Closeness of repeated measurements to each other. Repeatability, not necessarily correctness.
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Which type of error is indicated when all measurements are tightly clustered but far from the accepted value?
Which type of error is indicated when all measurements are tightly clustered but far from the accepted value?
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Systematic error (high precision, low accuracy). Consistent offset from true value indicates bias.
Systematic error (high precision, low accuracy). Consistent offset from true value indicates bias.
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Which type of error is indicated when measurements are widely scattered around the accepted value?
Which type of error is indicated when measurements are widely scattered around the accepted value?
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Random error (low precision, potentially accurate on average). Scatter without consistent bias indicates random variation.
Random error (low precision, potentially accurate on average). Scatter without consistent bias indicates random variation.
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