Measuring Device - Essay Sample

Introduction

Generally, an instrument or a measuring device is a term commonly used among researchers to define the measurement device in use for example questionnaires, test, and survey among others. Choosing the right measuring device is critical to the success of any experiment especially in quantitative experiment design. This experiment is based mainly on comparing the accuracy of two different types of dial hydrometers to monitor the salinity of zoo aquatic: Instant ocean hydrometer and coralife deep six hydrometers.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Answer 1

In measuring the water temperature using a digital temperature, the precision and accuracy of the thermometer are the prime factors that impact the measurement taken in addition to the technique used. The calibration in most thermometers is for the importance of reading correctly the temperature of the liquid being measured. True and correct value can be read correctly when the entire mercury column is immersed in water. This is impractical to be repeated in every measurement made thus to ensure accuracy, the bulb in the thermometer should at least be covered with the solution being measured whenever measurements are taken. For precision purposes, the water or liquid being measured should be mixed thoroughly and appropriately to make certain of a uniform temperature relative to volume also the digital thermometer should be long enough all through to maintain the thermal equilibrium. For accurate data concerning temperature change, inaccuracy error can be reduced by using the same thermometer to take both temperature readings (University of the West Indies, 2009).

Answer 2

In my profession, there are various measuring devices used for example pH meters and thermometers. There are several methods of measuring the PH values including PH or indicators papers though among all the pH meters are the most accurate and most widely used. Without calibration, pH meter may be difficult to use though with proper calibration, pH meter is more accurate other than the other measurements methods of PH. I think pH meters are good enough for their intended use as they are more accurate, reliable, efficient, sustainable and also the come in various forms, levels of sophistication and size basing on one's needs (Lehman, 2017).

Answer 3

In most data analysis phase of a survey, there exists a margin of error mostly 0.05 (confidence interval of 95%). This means that the accuracy of the survey result is 95% plus or minus 0.03. The same applies to the fundamentals of polling. The additional plus or minus 0.02 in the results provided is for eliminating the sampling, measurement, coverage and non-response errors and increase chances of results accuracy thus certain (Roper center, 2019).

Conclusion

The accuracy of the data to be collected directly depends on the experiment design (validity of the research method) and the sensitivity of the measuring instrument used. The research results can only be accurate if the actual value of the quantity being measured is close to the value obtained (+0.5 or -0.5) and also the results can be substantiated in secondary sources. Both the validity and reliability of the measuring device is essential to the accuracy of the data collected (HSC CoWorks, 2019).

References

HSC CoWorks. (2019). A Detailed Explanation on Accuracy, Validity & Reliability. Retrieved from; https://hsccoworks.com.au/a-detailed-explanation-on-accuracy-validity-reliability

Lehman, C. (2017). Advantages of Using a pH Meter. Retrieved from; https://sciencing.com/advantages-of-using-a-ph-meter-12160525.html

Roper center. (2019). Polling Fundamentals. Retrieved from; https://ropercenter.cornell.edu/polling-and-public-opinion/polling-fundamentals

University of the West Indies-Department of Chemistry. (2009). Accuracy and precision in the measurement of temperature. Retrieved from; http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm/lab_manuals/c10expt6.html