P3.1—Successful collection of data and observations

Good practical data are sufficient, relevant and traceable to the apparatus used. Follow the method, record subtle qualitative changes and read scales at eye level where appropriate.

Choose apparatus whose range and resolution fit the quantity: a burette for a titration volume, a pipette for a fixed aliquot, a measuring cylinder for less precise transfer and a thermometer for temperature change.

During a titration, record the initial and final burette readings and note colour changes at the endpoint rather than writing only the final titre.

More readings do not repair a method that measures the wrong variable; quantity and quality must match the objective.