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GCSE Combined Science · key term
An unpredictable variation between readings that causes results to scatter.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.7.1.6 · Paper 3, Paper 4
Revise: Required Practical 14: Force, Mass and AccelerationReaction time varies when starting the stopwatch and recording laps, producing random error. Repeated runs and mean readings reduce its influence. Light gates linked to a data logger can improve timing by removing the need to press a button as the trolley passes each mark.
Specification WS1.2e, WS1.3h · Biology Paper 1, Biology Paper 2, Chemistry Paper 1, Chemistry Paper 2, Physics Paper 1, Physics Paper 2
Repeats and a mean reduce the influence of random errors; they do not correct a systematic error.
Repeating measurements and calculating a mean reduces the effect of random errors, but does not remove systematic errors.
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An unpredictable variation in measurements that causes readings to differ.
Unpredictable differences, such as variation in starting and stopping a stopwatch, produce random errors. Repeat measurements at each setting and calculate a mean to reduce their influence. Look at the spread as well: closely grouped repeats give more confidence than widely scattered readings.
Variation in a measurement caused by small, unpredictable effects, producing differences between repeated readings.
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science
Unpredictable variation in measurements that causes readings to scatter above and below their expected value.
Revise: Evaluating Data and Drawing ConclusionsA random error causes unpredictable variation between readings. In the lamp investigation, slight changes in the sensor's position or fluctuating background light could make some readings higher and others lower. This increases scatter and reduces precision.
