Data analysis in physics examination.

This paper presents a critical analysis of data analysis requirements in physics tertiary entrance examinations. The setting is Western Australia. Common aspects of the questions asked over 14 years and changes in the questions since a major syllabus reform are identified. Similar changes in other jurisdictions are referenced. The data analysis questions reflect minimally the changes in emphasis in the reform syllabus. They imply science is unassailable laws and not science is inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]