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Paper 2 H - SAMPLE SET 1 Q6

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 with the bottom of the ruler level with the thumb of Student A.
  3. Student B drops the ruler.
  4. Student A catches the ruler and records the distance, as shown in Figure 7.
  5. Steps 1 to 4 were then repeated.
6.1) Suggest two ways the students could improve the method to make sure the test would give valid results. [2 marks]
1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________

Table 3 shows Student A’s results
6.2) ​What is the median result? [1 mark] Tick one box.
6.3) The mean distance the ruler was dropped is 116 mm.
Calculate the mean reaction time. [3 marks]
​Use the equation:
​Give your answer to 3 significant figures
Mean reaction time = _____________ s

6.4) The students then measured Student A’s reaction time using a computer program.
This is the method used.
  1. The computer shows a red box at the start.
  2. As soon as the box turns green the student has to press a key on the keyboard as fast as possible.
  3. The test is repeated five times and a mean reaction time is displayed.

Student A’s mean reaction time was 110 ms.
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. [2 marks]
1. ________________________________________
2. ________________________________________

6.5) A woman has a head injury.
Her symptoms include:
  • finding it difficult to name familiar objects
  • not being able to remember recent events.

Suggest which part of her brain has been damaged. [1 mark]

6.6) A man has a head injury.
He staggers and sways as he walks.
Suggest which part of his brain has been damaged. [1 mark]

​​​​​​​​​(Total for Question 6 = 10 marks)