To avoid the variety in subjective ( equivocal ) interpretation of quantifying terms such as `` green '' , `` hot '' , `` large '' , `` considerable '' , and `` negligible '' , scientists strive , where possible , to eliminate human senses by use of standartized measuring tools ( meter stick , stopwatch , thermometer , etc ) and mechanical\/electronic measuring instruments ( spectrometer , voltmeter , timer , oscilloscope , gravimeter , etc ) for performing the actual measuring process , eliminating much of the perceptive variability of individual observers . To avoid the variety in subjective ( equivocal ) interpretation of quantifying terms such as `` green '' , `` hot '' , `` large '' , `` considerable '' , and `` negligible '' , scientists strive , where possible , to eliminate human senses by the use of standardized measuring tools like meter sticks , stopwatches , thermometers , electromechanical measuring instruments , spectrometers , voltmeters , timers , oscilloscopes , and gravimeters . This eliminates much of the perceptive variability of individual observers .