GCSE Science

AQA Science: Glossary - Fair Test

A fair test is one in which only the independent variable has been allowed to affect the dependent variable.

e.g. A fair test can usually be achieved by keeping all other variables constant.

e.g. Fran and Federico are investigating how the electrical resistance of wires changes with length. Unfortunately both of them let the current get too high for shorter wires, which dramatically increases their temperature. Since temperature affects resistance (in addition to the length), it is not a fair test.

  1. Identify the independent and dependent variables in their investigation.
  2. Explain why their experiment is not a fair test.
  3. What could they do to make it a fair test?

Accuracy
Calibration
Data
Errors*
Evidence
Fair test
Hypothesis
Interval
Precision
Prediction
Range
Repeatable
Reproducible
Resolution
Sketch Graph
True Value
Uncertainty
Validity
Valid Conclusion
Variables*
* These terms have a number of related items.

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