In this video, we will see how to discuss errors and possible improvements.
We will talk about the source and the effects of the error, the significance of the error,
and possible improvements. This section is marked under the evaluation criterion.
The key here is to discuss errors in and possible improvements to the method
and not mistakes you made while carrying out the experiment.
An example of an error in the method would be using a measuring tape where the smallest
scale division is 10 centimeters. An improvement would be to use a measuring tape with a more
precise scale division, for example 1 centimeter. On the other hand, a mistake during the experiment
would be you reading the measuring tape incorrectly when finding a height or distance.
Let's see how the discussion of errors and improvements looks like in the example IA.
There are different ways to do this. I prefer to use a table for clarity.
First, I describe the source and the effects of the error, so I basically say what the error is
and how it affects the data. Then I explain the significance of the error, low, medium,
or high significance, justifying the level of significance. Finally, I discuss possible
improvement. Let me also show you the third error that I discuss in the example IA.
The number and types of errors that you will discuss depends on your investigation. However,
I recommend that you try to talk about at least two possible errors and improvements.
If you really think that there are no errors in your method, please be sure to fully justify this.
This also means that your method strength section will be longer. This completes step 7,
action 4. Now you know how to discuss errors in and possible improvements to your method.
In the next video, we will talk about how to discuss possible extensions.