Experiment 1: Measurements and Error Analysis

Laboratory Report

Sang Keon Park, Kyla Nicole Ponce, Charisse Mae Pondoc,

Zyd Puga, Margritte Chloe Ritumalta

Department of Biological Sciences

College of Science, University of Santo Tomas
España, Manila Philippines

Abstract establishing significant relationships. Not

Statistical measures are used in organizing
data and carrying out processes that are
important in drawing out conclusions,
showing relationships, or producing desired
outcomes. In this experiment, descriptive
statistics, graphical and error analysis, and
standard measurement were used to describe
the calamansi and coin samples and the
thumb of five randomly selected family
members. Results of the experiment show
that measures of central tendency and
variability may be unique but are affected by
outliers, but the low variance and standard
deviation indicates almost uniformity in
diameter for the calamansi samples. The
graphical and error analysis, having a percent
error of 0.003%, shows high accuracy, and
this error may be caused by systematic and/or
random factors. Results in using ancient
standard measurement, such as the rule of the
thumb, affects the accuracy of the
measurement, shown by having an average of
0.74 inches which is distant from the standard
measurement of an inch.
1. Introduction
limited to the field of science and physics,
statistical tools assist in carrying out the
mechanisms or processes crucial in
producing the desired outcomes. Descriptive
statistics quantitatively summarizes or
describes the characteristics and relationships
between the variables being studied[1], such
include mean (Measures of Central
Tendency), frequency (Measures of
Frequency), variance (Measures of
Variation), and percentile ranks (Measures of
Position). Graphical and error analysis are
often utilized in research discussions to better
understand their collected data and to
accurately measure and document errors in
the data. These statistical tools measure out a
variety of data ranging from sensory
characterization of ultra-pasteurized milk[4] ,
sensory evaluation of strawberry fruit [11] , to
exploring consumer product profiling
techniques[10]. In this experiment, students
aim to describe data by means of obtaining
measures of mean, variance, and standard
variation, and to utilize graphical and error
analysis in order to describe their coin and
calamansi samples.

In the pursue of research, statistical measures

are often utilized to organize raw data when
drawing out accurate conclusions or
2. Theory

Hypothetically, when utilizing statistical

tools, it is ideal that the set of data is close to
the “true value” or the mean. Additionally,
the best set of data are those that are closely
clustered together around the mean value and
yields a 0% error. In this experiment, the
following equations were used:
• Circumference: perimeter of a
geometric figure
𝐶 = 𝜋𝑑
• Variance: measures how spread out
the data values are from the average
value
2
∑(𝑑 − 𝑑)2
𝜎 =
10
• Percent (%) Error: describes
discrepancy between experimental
value and the theoretical value
Figure 1: Experimental set-up for Descriptive
Statistics using 10 calamansi measured with
string, then by ruler in cm
Graphical and Error Analysis. Diameter of
each five Philippine coins with different
denominations were measured using a ruler.
Given the acquired measurements of their
diameters, circumference, and area as well as
the squared diameter were calculated.
Diameter versus circumference and area of
the coin vs square diameter were plotted in a
graph (separately) including the equation of
the best-fit line where the slope of the line
represents the value of the p. Percent error for
each were also determined.

𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

%𝐸 =
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

3. Methodology

Descriptive Statistics. Ten calamansi was

prepared by one student. A piece of string
was used to measure the circumference of
each calamansi. The length of the string
encircled around the calamansi was then
measured by means of a ruler. Given the
length measurement of each calamansi, the
diameter was computed. Out of the 10
Figure2: Experimental set-up for Graphical
measurements the range of the diameters of
and Error Analysis using coins with different
the calamansi samples was determined as
denominations measured in Inch by a ruler.
well as the mean diameter. Variance and
standard deviation were also determined. Standard. Five family members were
randomly selected and had their thumbs
measured in inches using a ruler. Data
gathered was tabulated.
4. Results and Discussion
Descriptive statistics have been widely used
in correlating variables which involve
measures of central tendency and variability
which are conjoined to identify distribution
of sample values and feasible estimates[6].
With this, circumference of calamansi was
measured which has an average diameter of
2.61cm and has a diameter range- the
difference between the lowest and highest
sample value- of 0.45cm (Appendix A)
which denotes a minimal variability in the
sample values of calamansi and its mean
(s=0.14cm, s²=0.02cm). Furthermore, values
acquired from the measures of central
tendency and variability may be unique yet
may also be affected by outliers- values
which are extremely high or low[6].
Consequently, graphical and error analysis
were done using the diameter of available
coins (Appendix B) which is being compared
to its circumference and area, as seen in
figure 1 (y= 3.1417x - 1.82x10⁻⁴) and figure
2 (y= 0.7854x - 3.22x10⁻⁵), respectively and
both have a percent error 0.003% which
shows high accuracy with respect to the
accepted diameter values given by the
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
These errors may be due to systematic factors
which involve calibration of instrument[9] and
random factors such as the instrument being
used, the environment or human errors as
well as the consideration of the number of
significant figures to be used implies the
uncertainty of measurements[9] and is one of
the reason why an equal percent error for both
data sets were observed which is in contrast
with initial hypothesis of having a higher
percent error with the data sets comparing
area of the coin with its squared diameter due
to the nature of squaring which yields a
positive and further value from the
scientifically accepted value[5].
Furthermore, rule of thumb has been widely
used as an ancient standard measurement for
an inch is a very practical yet inaccurate way
of measuring given that the size and shape of
the hand varies per gender, age and height[7]
thus, affects the certainty of measurement,
which is vividly seen in Appendix C, wherein
discrepancies between the measured thumb
width yielded an average of 0.74 inches
which is considerably distant from the
standard measurement of an inch.
5. Conclusion
This experiment aims to utilize graphical and
error analysis with coin and calamansi and
describe given data through mean, variance
and standard deviation. In the first
experiment using calamansi, the average
diameter measurement of the calamansi was
2.61 cm, with a variance of 0.02 cm and a
standard deviation of 0.14 cm. These low
variances and standard deviations show that
the obtained diameter values are not far from
each other, indicating that the average
diameter of calamansi is close to uniformity.
From the experiment using the coin,
calculated experimental p values and the
accepted p values from both graph of
circumference versus diameter and the area
versus square of diameter have 0.003% error.
Result exhibits that the error between the
accepted and the experimental value is very
small, therefore measurement accuracy is
high.
Modern people mostly use tools to measure
something. Measurements based on body
parts are no longer used as a standard of
measurement. Measuring methods using
body parts are practical but strongly
influenced by various factors compared to
precise instruments. To discover accurate
measurements of length rather than an
estimation, it is more accurate to use accepted
properties of standard such as meter, inch,
feet or mile than a measurement method
using a body part.
6. Applications
In interpreting the results of your statistical
analysis, it is crucial to understand what those
values mean. For example, variance refers to
the spread of a data set, it is a measurement
used to identify how far each number in the
data set is from the mean. A small variance
indicates that the data points are very close to
the each other and are clustered around the
mean. On the other hand, a zero variance
indicates that all the data values are identical.
Percent (%) error defines the discrepancy
between the experimental value and the
theoretical value. It was found that the
Experimental Value of pi in both activity A
and B are 3.1417 and 3.14162, respectively.
Yielding a 0% error, indicating that the
accepted and experimental p values are
identical, thus a high measurement accuracy.
There is an existing set of accepted standard
measurements, as set by the U.S. National
Bureau of Standards. These relevant
measurements (few examples include Meter,
Kilogram, Kelvin, Celsius) are identified by
properties which include accuracy, precision,
error of measurement, magnitude, identity,
equal intervals, etc.
7. References
[1]Ali, Z., & Bhaskar, Sb. (2016). Basic
statistical tools in research and data analysis.
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, 60(9), 662.
https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5049.190623
[2]Astin, A.V. (1968). Standards of
Measurement. Scientific American, 218(6),
50-63. doi: 10.2307/24926255
[3]Bacig, T. (n.d.) Rule of Thumb. Retrieved
from
https://www.d.umn.edu/~tbacig/mindmath/
mathles1b.html#:~:text=1.,the%20length%2
0of%20your%20thumb
[4]Chapman, K. W., Lawless, H. T., & Boor,
K. J. (2001). Quantitative Descriptive
Analysis and Principal Component Analysis
for Sensory Characterization of
Ultrapasteurized Milk. Journal of Dairy
Science, 84(1), 12–20.
doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(01)74446-3
[5]Chemistry LibreText Library. (2020).
Propagation of Error. Retrieved from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Ana
lytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(
Analytical_Chemistry)/Quantifying_Nature/
Significant_Digits/Propagation_of_Error
[6] Ennos, R. & Johnson, M. L. (2018).
Statistical and Data handling Skills in
Biology. Pearson Education Limited.
[7]Frothingham, S. (2019, August 7). What’s
the Average Hand Size for Men, Women, and
Children? Healthline; Healthline Media.
https://www.healthline.com/health/average-
hand-size#hand-size-vs-height
[8]Griggs, J.A. (2017). Factors Affecting
Accuracy and Precision in Measuring
Material Surfaces, Fractal Analysis -
Applications in Physics, Engineering and
Technology, Fernando Brambila,
IntechOpen, DOI:
10.5772/intechopen.68189.
[9]Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Accuracy, Mean 2.61 cm
Precision, and Significant Figures. Retrieved Variance 0.02 cm
from Standard Deviation 0.14 cm
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/physics/c
hapter/1-3-accuracy-precision-and- Appendix B
significant-figures/ Circumference Diameter Area
(cm) (cm) (cm2)
[10]Moussaoui, K. A., & Varela, P. (2010). Coin 2.0106
Exploring consumer product profiling 5.0265 cm 1.6 cm
1 cm2
techniques and their linkage to a quantitative Coin 3.1416
6.2831 cm 2.0 cm
descriptive analysis. Food Quality and 2 cm2
Preference, 21(8), 1088–1099. Coin 4.1548
7.2257 cm 2.3 cm
doi:10.1016/j.foodqual.2010.09.005 3 cm2
Coin 4.9087
7.8540 cm 2.5 cm
[11]Shamaila, M., Powrie, W. D., & Skura, 4 cm2
B. J. (1992). Sensory Evaluation of Coin 5.7256
8.4823 cm 2.7 cm
Strawberry Fruit Stored under Modified 5 cm2
Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) by Experimental Value
Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. Journal of of  from graph of
3.1417
Food Science, 57(5), 1168–1184. circumference versus
diameter
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.1992.tb11290.x
Accepted value of  3.1416
[12]Sharp, D. B. (1999). Measurement % error 0.003%
standards. The Measurement, Experimental Value
of  from graph of
Instrumentation, and Sensors Handbook, JG 3.14162
Area versus square of
Webster, ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, 5-1.
diameter
Retrieved from
Accepted value of  3.1416
http://www.autex.spb.su/download/wavelet/
% error 0.003%
books/sensor/CH05.PDF
Appendix C
Appendix A
Participant Width of Thumb
Sample Circumference Diameter (Inches)
1 8.4 cm 2.67 cm 1 0.9
2 7.4 cm 2.36 cm 2 0.4
3 7.5 cm 2.39 cm 3 0.9
4 8.4 cm 2.67 cm 4 0.8
5 7.8 cm 2.48 cm 5 0.7
6 9.0 cm 2.86 cm
7 8.1 cm 2.58 cm
8 8.4 cm 2.67 cm
9 8.3 cm 2.64 cm
10 8.7 cm 2.77cm
Range 0.5 cm