Recording results in tables

The rules

1. Draw ruled lines with a border.

2. Independent variable in the first column, dependent variable in the next columns.

3. Full headings with units in the heading only: 'Temperature / °C', 'Time for colour to disappear / s'.

4. Columns for each repeat and then a mean column.

5. Each column to the same number of decimal places, set by the instrument.

6. IV values in a logical order (increasing).

Raw data and calculated values both need headings; for a calculated value with no unit (such as RQ or a ratio) say so.

Raw data and calculated data

The January 2024 Unit 6 report says tables 'should only have headings with units for raw data' when asked to record raw data. A heading such as RQ is a calculated value, not raw data. When planning, list what you will actually measure (volumes, times, lengths) as raw data, then add processed columns (rate, mean, percentage change).

A well-set-out CP4 table: IV first, repeats, mean, then a calculated rate

Checking a table in the exam

Exam questions often show a student's table and ask you to criticise it. Look for: missing units, units in cells, inconsistent decimal places, a reading recorded to more precision than the instrument allows, a mean calculated wrongly, an anomaly included in the mean, the IV not in the first column.

Worked example

A student records masses as '2.5 g, 2.47 g, 2.6 g' in one column headed 'Mass'. Give two improvements.

1. Units belong in the heading: 'Mass / g'.
2. All values to the same decimal places, set by the balance: 2.50, 2.47, 2.60.

Answer: Put the unit in the heading ('Mass / g') and record every value to 2 decimal places.

Check yourself

1. Which variable goes in the first column of a results table?
   • The independent variable
   • The dependent variable
   • The mean
   • A controlled variable
   Show answer

   The independent variable. IV first, then the DV readings.

2. Which column heading is set out correctly?
   • Volume of gas
   • cm³
   • Volume of gas / cm³
   • Volume of gas cm³ / 5 min
   Show answer

   Volume of gas / cm³. Quantity, solidus, unit.

3. A column reads 12.5, 13, 12.75. What is wrong?
   • Values are not given to the same number of decimal places
   • The values are too large
   • There is no mean
   • The values are in order
   Show answer

   Values are not given to the same number of decimal places. Inconsistent decimal places: record all to the instrument's precision.

4. When asked for a table of raw data from a respirometer, why is 'RQ' not a suitable column heading?
   • RQ has units
   • RQ cannot be calculated
   • RQ is the independent variable
   • RQ is calculated from the raw readings, not measured directly
   Show answer

   RQ is calculated from the raw readings, not measured directly. The January 2024 Unit 6 report made this point.

5. Repeat readings in a table are 62, 66 and 64 s. What value should go in the mean column?
   Show answer

   64 s. (62 + 66 + 64) / 3 = 64 s.

6. A ruler reads to the nearest mm. Which recorded length is given to too many significant figures?
   • 23 mm
   • 24 mm
   • 19 mm
   • 23.46 mm
   Show answer

   23.46 mm. A ruler cannot measure hundredths of a mm.

Practise with instant feedback Print this lesson

Sources

• Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Biology specification (XBI11/YBI11, first teaching 2018): Unit 3, Unit 6 and Appendix 6 mathematical skills
• Pearson Examiners' Report WBI13/01, January 2025
• Pearson Examiners' Report WBI16/01, January 2024

Last updated 8 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.