Which of the following would most likely be included in the 'analysis' section of a lab report discussing experimental error?

• A. A step-by-step description of the experimental procedure
• B. A summary of safety precautions taken during the experiment
• C. A list of the chemicals and equipment used in the experiment
• D. A discussion of possible sources of error and their impact on the results

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of the 'analysis' section in a lab report, which is to interpret the data and discuss factors affecting the results.
2. Recognize that the 'analysis' section typically includes a discussion of possible sources of experimental error and how these errors might influence the accuracy and precision of the results.
3. Identify that a step-by-step description of the procedure belongs in the 'methods' or 'experimental procedure' section, not the 'analysis' section.
4. Note that safety precautions are usually detailed in a separate 'safety' section or within the introduction, and the list of chemicals and equipment is found in the 'materials' section.
5. Conclude that the most appropriate content for the 'analysis' section is a discussion of possible sources of error and their impact on the results.