What is the purpose of using the average of many measurements in an experiment rather than a measurement from?

Question

What is the purpose of using the average of many measurements in an experiment rather than a measurement from a single trial?

1. To improve measuring techniques

2. To reduce the amount of experimental error

3. To make sure that the data is recorded exactly the same way every time

4. To make sure that the design of the experiment is logical

Answer 1

Answer is:

3) To make sure that the data is recorded exactly the same way every time.

Finding the average does not:

- improve measuring techniques  because the average means taking into account each measurement, so improving it would be of no use.

- reduce amount of experimental error, because taking the average is relating to the measuring (ie. post-experiment), while experimental error is relating to the actual experiment method.

- make sure the experimental design is logical, because the average only deals with raw facts and not the method.