Calculation errors in lab or data entry - can I fix those for the report?

[robert zellmer]

I've been asked a number of times whether one can fix
calculation errors made in the lab and recorded in the
notebook.

Yes.  For mistakes in calculated numbers which are in the
notebook you can correct those for the report.  This is not
academic misconduct.

Any data or observations made in the lab and notebook can
NOT be changed.  Even if you know you used a pipet which
measures volumes to 2 decimal places, if you forget those
decimal places in the notebook you can not change it for the
report.

Also, a reminder.  You MUST record ALL measurements and
observations made in lab DIRECTLY in the notebook.  If they
are written anywhere else the TAs will deduct points from the
notebook.  Technically we can tell you to redo them.  A couple
of people for exp 5 recorded trials elsewhere and only wrote the
two good ones in the notebook.  That is not allowed.  If you
had multiple trials you should have used the two closest ones
(in terms of percent error) for the report but all should have been
in the notebook.

If you make a mistake in the data entry it unfortunately will calculate
the "correct" values for that mistaken entry.  It will grade for your
results based on the "correct" calculated value.  That could affect your
result grade.  I can't say whether it would be better or worse.  You
correct your data-entry mistake on the report sheet for the report and
report the correctly calculated values.  You need to let the TA know
you've done this by leaving a comment when you submit the report.
You can ask for a manual regrade for the accuracy but there is a 30%
pt grade deduction from whatever you score winds up being.

Dr. Zellmer