PFE output file: %ERR is negative?

[GarnetSnowball]

Just a quick question.

The output file contains the column 'X %ERR' which, particularly when the mean value is low, can sometimes be negative.

My understanding is that % ERR is 1 standard deviation as a percentage, so why would this be negative?

Example file attached

[Probeman]

Just a quick question.

The output file contains the column 'X %ERR' which, particularly when the mean value is low, can sometimes be negative.

My understanding is that % ERR is 1 standard deviation as a percentage, so why would this be negative?

Example file attached

When the k-ratio is negative the program maintains the negative result when the error is calculated.  Because you utilized the "Force Negative K-ratios to Zero" flag (under the Analytical | Analysis Options menu) you probably didn't notice this.

I do not recommend using the "Force Negative K-ratios to Zero" feature unless one is an expert and understands the implications of zeroing out data.  For example, bad background positions will produce over corrected net intensities, which for major elements, may not be recognized. Another example: when analyzing low concentration elements, the averages will be biased positive as results close to zero *should* have both positive and negative concentrations so they average to zero at zero.

Please turn this flag off unless you are an expert.

[GarnetSnowball]

Thanks Probeman, this is very helpful