The answer is Option B, which uses the search `index=web | where response_time < 10000 | stats avg(response_time) by user`. This is correct because it applies the filter before the stats aggregation, ensuring that outliers with response_time over 10000ms are excluded from the average calculation for each user. On the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your understanding of the critical processing order in the search pipeline: filtering events before stats aggregation directly impacts the accuracy of statistical results. A common trap is choosing options that filter after stats, which still include outliers in the average, or using eventstats, which computes a global average that cannot be retroactively corrected by a later filter. Remember the memory tip: "Filter first, stats last" — always apply your `where` or `search` commands to remove unwanted events before any `stats`, `eventstats`, or `timechart` command to ensure your aggregations are computed only on the relevant data.
SPLK-1003 Advanced Searching and Statistics Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of advanced searching and statistics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A web application log contains fields: user, timestamp, response_time. You need to compute the average response time per user, excluding outliers where response_time > 10000ms. Which search produces the correct result?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
index=web | where response_time < 10000 | stats avg(response_time) by user
Option B is correct because it filters out outliers before computing the average per user. Option A filters after stats, so the average still includes outliers. Option C filters after stats as well, but tries to nullify the average, which is incorrect. Option D uses eventstats to compute overall average, then filters, then computes per-user average; this still includes outliers in the per-user average because the filter does not retroactively change the eventstats calculation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
index=web | stats avg(response_time) as avg by user | eval avg = if(avg > 10000, null, avg)
Why it's wrong here
The average is still computed including outliers; nullifying the result does not fix it.
✗
index=web | stats avg(response_time) by user | where response_time < 10000
Why it's wrong here
The average is computed before filtering, so it includes outliers.
✗
index=web | eventstats avg(response_time) as overall_avg | where response_time < 10000 | stats avg(response_time) by user
Why it's wrong here
eventstats computes overall average including outliers, then filter applies to later stats but does not affect the eventstats value.
✓
index=web | where response_time < 10000 | stats avg(response_time) by user
Why this is correct
Filters outliers first, then computes average per user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the SPLK-1003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Advanced Searching and Statistics — This question tests Advanced Searching and Statistics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: index=web | where response_time < 10000 | stats avg(response_time) by user — Option B is correct because it filters out outliers before computing the average per user. Option A filters after stats, so the average still includes outliers. Option C filters after stats as well, but tries to nullify the average, which is incorrect. Option D uses eventstats to compute overall average, then filters, then computes per-user average; this still includes outliers in the per-user average because the filter does not retroactively change the eventstats calculation.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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