Drawing conclusions from an experiment (CCEA)

A conclusion identifies what has been learned from the investigation and may agree or disagree with the hypothesis made during planning.

For data to be considered reliable, repeats must be carried out.

Repeating a scientific investigation makes it more reliable.

When analysing a set of results or graph, an anomalous result can be identified as one that does not follow the trend or lie on the line of best fit.

Once identified, anomalous results can be removed and repeated.

Anomalous results can occur due to:

• human error
• an inadequately controlled variable
• the use of inappropriate measuring equipment

It is important to address anomalous results as they can make a conclusion unreliable.

Scientific arguments are based on evidence gathered during an investigation.

Evidence can be used to produce an explanation.

Data often allows more than one possible explanation. Different scientists can have different explanations about the same evidence collected.