Experimental results and reliability/ validity

[ASidd]

Validity of the experiment:
Our experimental procedure tested the hypothesis and found the concentration of sulfate ions in the fertilizer. Thus it appears to be valid. However this meant that; we assume each step of the procedure was perfect e.g. the entire sulfate was precipitated and accounted for, there were no material losses, only the sulfate precipitated with the barium and there were no other interfering substances etc. but this is not possible.

So the experimental procedure was invalid because there are high chances of errors.

I am confused how the above is about the validity of the experiment? should it not come under reliability?

 

[nate808]

I would like to address the concerns raised in the forum post and clarify the difference between validity and reliability in an experiment.

Validity refers to the accuracy and soundness of a study or experiment. It is about whether the experiment actually measures what it is intended to measure. In this case, the experiment is testing the concentration of sulfate ions in the fertilizer. The results of the experiment will be valid if the procedure accurately measures the sulfate ions in the fertilizer.

On the other hand, reliability refers to the consistency and reproducibility of the results. It is about whether the experiment can be repeated and produce similar results. In this case, the experiment would be reliable if the same procedure is followed and the results are consistent.

In regards to the concerns raised in the forum post, they are more related to the reliability of the experiment rather than its validity. The possibility of errors in the procedure and the presence of interfering substances can affect the reliability of the results. This means that if the experiment is repeated, it may not produce the same results due to these factors.

To ensure the validity and reliability of an experiment, it is important to carefully design the procedure, control for any potential errors or interfering substances, and replicate the experiment multiple times to confirm the results. In this way, we can have confidence in the validity and reliability of the experiment.

In conclusion, validity and reliability are both important aspects of an experiment. While validity focuses on whether the experiment measures what it intends to measure, reliability focuses on the consistency and reproducibility of the results. It is crucial for scientists to consider both aspects in order to draw accurate and reliable conclusions from their experiments.