Variables
What is the independent variable in an experiment?
The variable that is intentionally changed by the experimenter.
What does reliability mean in an experiment?
Reliability means the experiment gives consistent results when repeated.
What is accuracy in science?
How close a measurement is to the true or accepted value.
What is pseudoscience?
Beliefs or practices that appear scientific but lack evidence or proper scientific methods.
What does ‘C’ stand for in the CRAAP test?
Currency (how recent or up-to-date the information is).
What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.
How can repeating an experiment improve its reliability?
It helps confirm that results are consistent and not just due to chance.
How can using better equipment improve accuracy?
Better equipment reduces errors and gives measurements closer to the true value.
Give an example of a pseudoscientific product or claim.
Power balance bands improve strength and balance through a ‘hologram.’
Why is relevance important when selecting a source?
The information should directly address your research question or task.
What are controlled variables and why are they important?
Variables kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure a fair test.
What is one way to check reliability using data?
Compare results across multiple trials to see if they are similar.
What is the difference between accuracy and precision?
Accuracy is closeness to the true value, precision is consistency among repeated measurements.
Name one characteristic of pseudoscience.
Lacks testable or repeatable evidence and ignores contradictory data.
How can you assess a source’s authority?
Check the author’s credentials, qualifications, and association with reputable organisations.
In an experiment testing the effect of light on plant growth, name the independent, dependent and two controlled variables.
Independent: Amount of light; Dependent: Plant growth; Controlled: Type of plant, amount of water.
Why might two groups get different results in the same experiment?
Differences in methods, equipment, or uncontrolled variables can affect reliability.
Give an example of a cause of inaccurate data in an experiment.
Using a faulty or uncalibrated measuring instrument.
How can pseudoscience mislead people?
It often uses scientific language or testimonials to make false claims, leading people to trust or buy ineffective products.
Give an example of a source that fails the accuracy test, and explain why.
A blog with no evidence or references, making unsupported claims—it's not accurate because it isn’t based on facts or research.
Explain how poor identification of variables can affect the validity of an experiment.
If variables are not correctly identified or controlled, results may be affected by other factors, making it unclear what caused the outcome.
Describe two ways to increase reliability in a scientific investigation.
Repeat the experiment several times; ensure procedures and measurements are consistent.
How could you improve the accuracy of data collected for a science experiment?
Calibrate instruments, use proper measurement techniques, and check for systematic errors.
How would you investigate whether a claim is pseudoscientific?
Look for scientific research, peer-reviewed evidence, testability, repeated results, and use of the scientific method.
How does using the CRAAP test help avoid unreliable or pseudoscientific sources?
It helps identify sources that are current, relevant, authoritative, accurate, and have a clear purpose—filtering out unreliable or false information.