§-Quick questions
NSWInvestigating ScienceModule 5: Scientific Investigations
Quick questions on Reliability, validity, accuracy and precision: HSC Investigating Science Module 5
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is threats to validity?Show answer
Confounding variables, sampling bias, measurement instruments that do not measure what is claimed.
What is threats to reliability?Show answer
Random error, inconsistent technique, unstable equipment.
What is threats to accuracy?Show answer
Systematic error, calibration drift, observer bias.
What is threats to precision?Show answer
Random error, low-resolution instruments, careless technique.
What is q1?Show answer
A school weather station records daily maximum temperature for one term. Repeated readings on the same calm day give 22.1, 22.2, 22.1, 22.2 degrees C, but the regional Bureau of Meteorology station 2 km away records 24.5 degrees C. Identify which of reliability, validity, accuracy and precision are satisfied, and which are not.
What is q2?Show answer
A clinical trial reports a mean blood pressure reduction of 3 mmHg with error bars of plus or minus 5 mmHg, with 40 participants. Discuss whether this result is reliable and whether it supports the trial's claim. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
An NSW EPA report compares three air-quality monitoring methods at a single industrial site. (a) Define accuracy and precision. (b) Identify which property is improved by collocating duplicate monitors.
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