Uncertainty, Error, and Confidence | Process of Science | Quiz

When scientists report uncertainty in their data, they are

expressing concern over whether their data are correct.

stating that they do not know what their research means.

quantifying the degree of error and variability present in the data.

suggesting that others should not trust their conclusions.
The picture below provides an example of

high accuracy, high precision.

high accuracy, low precision.

low accuracy, high precision.

low accuracy, low precision.
Karl Pearson proposed that uncertainty in scientific measurements

is primarily due to instrument error.

is avoidable in most circumstances.

is the cause of poor science.

is inherent in nature.
The difference between statistical error and systematic error is best described by which of the following?

Statistical error is due to an introduced bias, while systematic error is due to random fluctuations.

Statistical error is due to random fluctuations, while systematic error is due to an introduced bias.

Statistical error can be eliminated, while systematic error cannot.

Statistical error is due to statistics, while systematic error is due to the system.
Increasing the number of measurements of a value generally increases the confidence one has in that value.

true

false
When scientists report error in their data, they are

presenting the probability that their research will turn out to be wrong.

admitting that their research is wrong.

detailing the mistakes that they have made.

quantifying the variability associated with their measurements.
When a confidence interval is reported with a measurement, what does it indicate?

the probability that a similar result will be found if a study is repeated

the probability that the researcher has found the exact value of an individual measurement

the reasons that the researchers should be confident in their data

the level to which a reader can be confident in the author's conclusions
The efforts scientists make toward minimizing and measuring error in their research are generally referred to as

confidence assurance.

error propagation/minimization.

quality assurance/quality control.

replication.