Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Validity is whether a method produces results which test the hypothesis.
About Validity
- A valid experiment is one which tests the hypothesis posed.
- An invalid experiment would be one which does not test the hypothesis.
- An experiment may be made invalid by not using control variables as they may affect the results instead of the independent variable.
- A conclusion may also be valid or invalid depending on whether the conclusion fits the results that were given.
Examples
Valid Experiment
- Hypothesis - The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring.
- Method - Attach different known weights to the spring and measure the extension of the spring.
Invalid Experiment
- Hypothesis - The extension of a spring is directly proportional to the force applied to the spring.
- Invalid Method 1 - Attach different known weights to an elastic band and measure the extension of the elastic band.