Cambridge O Level Chemistry · Syllabus 5070 · Experimental Techniques and Chemical Analysis
Error and Improvement
What is Error and Improvement?
The evaluation stage of an investigation. A random error scatters results either side of the true value and its effect is reduced by repeating and averaging; a systematic error shifts every result the same way and repeating cannot remove it; a limitation is a restriction of the method itself rather than a fault in carrying it out; and a mistake is simply something done wrongly. A creditworthy improvement names the specific problem it addresses and changes the method or apparatus so that problem no longer arises.
This definition is part of the Experimental Techniques and Chemical Analysis chapter in Cambridge O Level Chemistry.
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