Two students investigated reflex action times - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 6
Two students investigated reflex action times.
This is the method used.
1. Student A sits with her elbow resting on the edge of a table.
2. Student B holds a ruler... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Two students investigated reflex action times - AQA - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Suggest two ways the students could improve the method to make sure the test would give valid results.
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Answer
Drop the ruler from the same height each time to ensure consistency.
Ensure that the ruler drops without any external force being applied.
Step 2
What is the median result?
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Answer
The median result is 117.
Step 3
Calculate the mean reaction time.
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Answer
Given the mean drop distance of 116 mm, we convert this to centimeters (1.16 cm). Using the formula:
reactiontimeins=4901.16≈0.00237s
Rounded to three significant figures, the mean reaction time is 0.00237 s.
Step 4
Using a computer program to measure reaction times is likely to be more valid than the method using a dropped ruler. Give two reasons why.
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There is no indication beforehand when the colour will change, making it less predictable.
Measurement of time using the computer program is more precise compared to the variability in manually catching the ruler.
Step 5
Suggest which part of the brain has been damaged.
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The part of the brain that has likely been damaged is the cerebral cortex.
Step 6
Suggest which part of the brain has been damaged.
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The part of the brain that is likely damaged is the cerebellum.
