1.4.

NOS
Experimental design- accurate
quantitative measurements in
osmosis experiments are
essential.
The note blank templates are available here.
 Quantitative and Qualitative Data
When performing an investigation, a scientist will record both quantitative and qualitative data.

Quantitative: data that is in the form of a *number* Qualitative: data that is descriptive using words and
obtained in a count or measurement. is open to interpretation
“The cube is is
blue with a
“The cube is yellow edge”
4.35 cm long”
Even Quantitative Data has Uncertainty
All measurements have uncertainties . The uncertainty of a stated measurement is the range of confidence
around the measured value such that the measured value is likely not to lie outside this stated interval.

To measure the volume of

liquid in this graduated
cylinder, you must
mentally subdivide the
distance between the 21
and 22 mL marks and then
make a reading (estimate)
at the bottom of the
meniscus.
Even Quantitative Data has Uncertainty
The uncertainty of a measurement
device is one half of the smallest
measurement possible with the
device. To determine uncertainty:
● Find the smallest increment of
measurement on the Smallest increment of measurement = 1 mL
measurement device
● Divide it by two Divide by two = 0.5 mL
● Round UP to the first non-zero
Uncertainty = ± 0.5 mL
number
Even Quantitative Data has Uncertainty

21.6 mL ± 0.5 mL
Certain Estimate

The bottom of the meniscus in this case clearly lies between the 21 and 22 markings, meaning the
liquid volume is certainly greater than 21 mL but less than 22 mL. The meniscus appears to be a bit
closer to the 22-mL mark than to the 21-mL mark, and so a reasonable estimate of the liquid’s
volume would be 21.6 mL. In the number 21.6, then, the digits 2 and 1 are certain, but the 6 is an
estimate. Some people might estimate the meniscus position to be equally distant from each of the
markings and estimate the tenth-place digit as 5, while others may think it to be even closer to the
22-mL mark and estimate this digit to be 7.

Measurements can have only ONE estimated digit.

Measured quantities have an
associated uncertainty.

Smallest increment of Smallest increment of

measurement = 1 mL measurement = 0.1 mL

Divide by two = 0.5 mL Divide by two = 0.05 mL

Uncertainty = ± 0.5 mL Uncertainty = ± 0.05 mL

Measurement = 4.7 mL ± 0.5 mL Measurement = 4.71 mL ± 0.05 mL

Certain of 4 mL Certain of 4.7 mL
Estimating an additional 0.7 mL Estimating an additional 0.01 mL
Measurement likely falls within 0.5 mL of 4.7 mL Measurement likely falls within 0.05 mL of 4.71 mL
Significant Digits
All of the numbers in a measurement, including the estimated last digit, are called
significant digits. The number of significant digits will depend on the uncertainty of the
measurement tool.

Smallest increment of measurement = 1 cm Smallest increment of measurement = 0.1 cm

Divide by two = 0.5 cm Divide by two = 0.05 cm
Uncertainty = ± 0.5 cm Uncertainty = ± 0.05 cm
Measurement = 2.3 cm ± 0.5 cm Measurement = 2.35 cm ± 0.05 cm
Certain of 2 cm This measurement has Certain of 2.3 cm This measurement has
Estimating an additional 0.3 cm 2 significant digits Estimating an additional 0.05 cm 3 significant digits
Measurement likely falls within 0.5 mL of 2.3 cm Measurement likely falls within 0.05 mL of 2.35 cm
Measured values can be ACCURATE and/or PRECISE

Accuracy: how close to a standard or

known value a measurement is. A
measurement is considered accurate if it
yields a result that is very close to the true
or accepted value.

Precision: how close two or more

measurements are to each other.
Measurements are said to be precise if
they yield very similar results when
repeated in the same manner.
Repeated Measurements are used to
Determine if Measurements are Precise
Repeated measurements (AKA multiple trials) allows one to see if the results
of each measurement show precise. Consistent findings reinforce the strength
of the conclusion.
As a general rule, an
investigation should have
no fewer than 5 trials. The
trials serve as repeated
measures to determine the
precision of the data.
IB Biology Connections
Measurement skills are important for the following IB
Biology practicals:
◎ Estimating osmolarity of tissue samples (1.4.S1)
◎ Testing variables that affect enzyme activity (2.5.S1)
◎ Using a respirometer to test respiration rates (2.8.S1)
◎ Measuring pigments using chromatography (2.9.S3)
◎ Testing photosynthesis rates (2.9.S2)
◎ Measuring transpiration using potometers (9.1.S2)