Question detail
A student records five reaction-time results. Explain how to calculate the mean reaction time.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
The human nervous system
Question
A student records five reaction-time results. Explain how to calculate the mean reaction time.
Answer
Add the five reaction-time results together, then divide the total by five. This calculation of mean values should use valid repeated results; if there is an obvious anomalous result, it should be identified and a decision made about whether to exclude it before calculating the mean.
Explanation
This answer focuses on the mathematics and data-analysis part of a safe and valid practical design for reaction time. Repeats make the investigation more reliable, control variables help keep it valid, and calculation of mean values gives a representative reaction-time result from the repeated trials.
Common mistake
Ignoring Control Variables
Students often forget to identify and control variables that could affect the outcome of their reaction-time investigations.
Ensure to list all potential variables and explain how you will keep them constant throughout the experiment.
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