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Analyzing Anomalous Data

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Analyzing Anomalous Data

A coastal science team tests how water temperature affects the time taken for an effervescent tablet to dissolve. Use the results below to identify unusual readings and decide what the evidence supports. Show calculations where needed.

Investigation results

Each trial used the same tablet and 200 mL of water. Dissolving time was measured in seconds.

Water temperature (°C)

Trial 1 (s)

Trial 2 (s)

Trial 3 (s)

184

179

181

126

129

127

112

1.Which result is the clearest candidate for an anomalous value? Select one result and give its temperature and trial number.

2.Explain why that result stands out in relation to the other trials at 40°C and the overall pattern in the results.

3.Calculate the mean dissolving time at 40°C using all three trials. Show your working and give the mean to one decimal place.

4.Recalculate the 40°C mean without the suspected anomaly. What does this comparison show about the effect of the unusual result?

5.Choose the most scientifically responsible next step after noticing the 112 s result.

Change 112 s to 65 s so the results match.
Delete it immediately and do not mention it.
Check the original record and equipment, repeat the trial if possible, and report how the value was handled.
Keep it but claim it proves temperature has no effect.

Investigate before deciding

A result can be unusual without being an error. Scientists should check evidence and record decisions transparently rather than removing inconvenient data automatically.

6.Match each possible check to what it could help reveal.

A. Inspect the stopwatch record
B. Check the water bath thermometer
C. Ask whether the tablet was fully submerged
D. Repeat the 40°C trial

2. Whether the actual water temperature differed from the recorded temperature
4. Whether a similar result can be reproduced
3. Whether the procedure differed for this trial
1. Whether the time was copied incorrectly

7.True or false? A result that does not fit the expected pattern must be excluded from the data set.

TrueFalse

8.A repeat at 40°C gives 67 s, and the team confirms the 112 s entry was a transcription error: the original stopwatch record says 62 s. What should the team do with the mistaken value, and what should it record?

9.The team cannot find a recording mistake or equipment fault. A repeat gives 109 s, while another gives 68 s. What is a reasonable interpretation and next action?

10.Complete the first conclusion sentence: “The results generally suggest that as water temperature increases, dissolving time .”

11.Complete the second conclusion sentence: “The 112 s result at 40°C should be because .”