Peer Review The evaluation of a scientific report by other scientists who are experts in the same area (peers). They go through it bit by bit, examining the methods and data, and checking it's all clear and logical.

Valid Result A result that answers the question it was intended to answer.

Variable A quantity that has the potential to change.

Variable A quantity that has the potential to change.

Independent Variable The variable that you change in an experiment.

Dependent Variable The variable that you measure in an experiment.

Discrete Data Data that can only take certain values.

Continuous Data Data that can have any value on a scale.

Categoric Data Data that can be sorted into categories.

Ordered/Ordinal Data Categoric data where the categories can be put in order.

Precise Result A result that can be consistently reproduced in independent experiments.

Anomalous Result A result that doesn't fit in with the pattern of the other results in a set of data.

Precise Result A result that can be consistently reproduced in independent experiments.

Correlation The relationship between two values.

Correlation The relationship between two values.

Valid Result A result which answers the question it was intended to answer.

Accurate Result A result that is close to the true answer.

Precise Result A result that can be consistently reproduced in independent experiments.

Model A simplified picture of what's physically going on.

Prediction/Hypothesis A specific testable statement, based on a theory, about what will happen in a test situation.

Peer Review Where a scientific report is sent out to peers (other scientists) who examine the data and results, and if they think that the conclusion is reasonable it's published.

Variable A quantity that has the potential to change, e.g. weight, temperature, concentration.

Prediction/Hypothesis A specific testable statement, based on a theory, about what will happen in a test situation

Precise Result A result that is really close to the mean.

Random Error A difference in measurement caused by an unpredictable factor, e.g. human error.

Repeatable Result A Result that can be repeated by the same person using the same method and equipment.

Reproducible Result A result that can be consistently reproduced in an independent experiment.

Valid Conclusion A conclusion that answers the original question.

Accurate Result A result that is really close to the true answer.

Variable A quantity that has the potential to change, e.g. weight, temperature, concentration.

Independent Variable The variable you change in an experiment.

Dependent Variable The variable you measure in an experiment.

Control Group A group in a study that is treated in exactly the same way as the experimental group, apart from the factor you're investigating.

Placebo A dummy pill or injection that looks exactly like the real drug, but doesn't contain the drug.

Sample size The number of samples in the investigation, e.g. the number of people in a drug trial