Re: [Phys-l] experimentation 101

["LaMontagne, Bob" <RLAMONT@providence.edu>]

Given what the meter stick is capable of measuring if used correctly and the scattered results reported, I would ask if the results make any sense and if hallway should be measured again.

Bob at PC

________________________________________
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of John Denker [jsd@av8n.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 2:48 PM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: [Phys-l] experimentation 101

Here is an interesting question (not original with me):

> A group of students are told to use a meter stick to find the length of a hallway.
> They take 6 independent measurements (in cm) as follows: 440.2, 421.7, 434.5,
> 492.5, 437.2, 428.9  What result should they report?  Explain your answer.

So, the actual questions for today are:

  a) What result would you expect your students to report?
   What explanation(s) would they give?

  b) What result would *you* report in this situation?
   What explanation would you give?


As you might imagine, I have an opinion about this, which I will post
shortly, but perhaps some folks would enjoy taking a whack at these
questions, without any bias from me.
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