Errors in Experimentation

Question 1

Systematic errors

Answer 1

• errors in the experiment’s design itself
• hence, when unchecked, can be repeatable (like getting the formula wrong for a math question)
• can be in tools (e.g. the scale is not properly marked/measured.)
• or could be the variables and inconsistency (e.g. IF All the flasks were boiled beforehand in Pasteur’s experiment??)

Question 2

Random errors

Answer 2

• bc of unpredictable variations or changes in experimental conditions
• can be environmental (e.g. the temperature outside, so certain experiments need to be in a room with controlled temp)
• can also be human error (e.g. math/estimation errors, or general observation errors)

Question 3

How to solve random errors

Answer 3

Statistical analysis
- get more data, the closer you are to the true value.
- e.g. if the temperatures fluctuate in the environment, affecting the experiment’s outcome, then get a series of data from different times/when the temperature fluctuates. (ig depends on the experiment)

Question 4

Blunder/Human Error

Answer 4

• usually due to carelessness
• e.g. incorrect data recorder or formula not applied well
• solved via

Question 5

How to solve human error?

Answer 5

• Through caution