Practical assessment skills
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Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
P5.1Defining the experimental problem
Identify a safe and efficient procedure, steps, suitable apparatus, risks, independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variables, aim and prediction in words or as a predicted graph.
P5.2Planning methods and apparatus
Describe the full method, apparatus arrangement, labelled diagrams, measuring instruments, volumes, concentrations, risk precautions, variation of independent variable, measurement of dependent variable, controls, result tables and how data will be used to reach a conclusion.
P5.3Standard laboratory practice in plans
Use standard quantitative practice such as making standard solutions, weighing by difference, achieving titration concordancy, heating to constant mass and taking extra readings near an inflection point.
P5.4Dealing with data
Identify calculations and presentation needed to draw conclusions; calculate mean, percentage, percentage gain or loss, percentage error and quantities from raw data; plot graphs, find y = mx + c values, choose axes and use correct significant figures.
P5.5Conclusions from experimental evidence
Draw conclusions with detailed key features of data and analysis; judge whether data support the conclusion or prediction; give scientific explanations; make further predictions and suggest improvements.
P5.6Evaluation, reliability, validity and confidence
Identify anomalies and possible explanations; judge replication, data range, variable control and method weaknesses; explain effects of concentration or condition changes and apparatus misuse; judge reliability, trustworthiness, quality of data, validity and confidence in conclusions.