Document Type
Publication - Article
Introducing Experimental Uncertainty using Digital Blood Glucose Meters
Department
Physics & Engineering
Date of Activity
11-30-2025
Abstract
We introduce experimental uncertainty using digital instruments, rather than reinforcing the belief that experimental uncertainty comes from "human error" in reading old analog lab equipment. We introduce the use of standard deviation and standard error to understand the variation that must be expected in repeated measurements of blood glucose meters. Students learn that experimental uncertainty can be quantified and therefore statistical variations in measurements can be taken in stride by patients and practitioners in terms of the weekly average and that 32% of readings are expected to be "off" by more than one standard error.
Recommended Citation
Laing, W Blake and Mumford, Reid, "Introducing Experimental Uncertainty using Digital Blood Glucose Meters" (2025). Achieve. 2293.
https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/achieve/2293