Question when doing a simple investigative experiment .

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In conducting a simple investigative experiment, it is generally beneficial to have a spread of variables, such as mass, rather than keeping them similar. A diverse range of masses can enhance data variability and provide more comprehensive insights. The specific advantages and disadvantages of this approach depend on the experiment's objectives, which need to be clarified for tailored advice. Increasing the number of sample points and varying the distance between values can also help achieve a desired data spread. Ultimately, understanding the experiment's goals is crucial for determining the best variable management strategy.
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question when doing a simple investigative experiment...

should such variables as mass be similar to each other? what would be the advatages? disadvantages?

I said that the masses really shouldn't be similar...you're trying to get a data spread and you want your masses to not be similar but evenly spread...How right or wrong am I?

THX :)
 
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Can you please be a little more specific? Variables depend on what kind of experiment you performed, because in some cases, things like mass are not inconsiquential. Can you go into a bit more detail about your experiment?

- harsh
 
We don't know what your experiement is, but generally if you want a data spread you (a) increase the number of sample points and (b) increase/decrease the distance (call it distance, span or delta...whatever) between successive values as desired.

So if you want a spread in mass, you could just add more mass...or to be more precise, add more weight (since you can't determine mass accurately anyway :-p). Oh well, that's perhaps the most hopeless advice I can give you under the circumstances.

Advantages/Disadvantages? We don't know that until we know the objective of your investigation.

Cheers
 
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