- A
Use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why wrong: This calculates overall stats, not per host.
- B
Use `streamstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why wrong: streamstats calculates running stats per host, not overall per host.
- C
Use `stats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why wrong: stats removes original events, so you cannot compare response_time afterwards.
- D
Use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
eventstats adds per-host avg and stdev to each event, allowing the comparison.
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` followed by `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`. This works because `eventstats` with a `by host` clause computes the average and standard deviation of `response_time` for each host across the entire result set, then appends those per-host statistics to every event without collapsing the data. The subsequent `where` clause then compares each event’s `response_time` against the host-specific threshold of `avg+2*stdev`, accurately flagging outliers relative to that host’s own distribution rather than a global average. On the SPLK-1003 exam, this tests your understanding of how `eventstats` differs from `stats`—the key trap is forgetting the `by` clause, which would compute a single global threshold and miss host-specific anomalies. A common memory tip: “eventstats by host keeps your rows, but adds per-host stats for comparison.”
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.
An analyst needs to identify events where the field `response_time` is more than 2 standard deviations above the average response_time for the same `host`. Which approach should be used?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Option D is correct because `eventstats` with a `by host` clause computes the average and standard deviation of `response_time` for each host across the entire result set, then appends those statistics to every event. This allows the subsequent `where` clause to compare each event's `response_time` against the host-specific threshold `avg+2*stdev`, correctly identifying outliers relative to the same host's distribution.
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.
- ✗
Use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why it's wrong here
This calculates overall stats, not per host.
- ✗
Use `streamstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why it's wrong here
streamstats calculates running stats per host, not overall per host.
- ✗
Use `stats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why it's wrong here
stats removes original events, so you cannot compare response_time afterwards.
- ✓
Use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev`
Why this is correct
eventstats adds per-host avg and stdev to each event, allowing the comparison.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Splunk often tests the distinction between `eventstats` (which adds aggregate values to each event) and `stats` (which collapses events into a summary), and between `eventstats` and `streamstats` (which computes running vs. global statistics), to see if candidates understand which command preserves raw events for per-event comparisons.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `eventstats` performs a non-aggregating statistical calculation: it runs a `stats`-like aggregation in the background but then broadcasts the resulting values back to every original event, preserving the full event context. The `by host` clause partitions the data so that each event receives the mean and standard deviation computed only from events sharing the same `host` field. This is critical for anomaly detection in multi-host environments where baseline response times vary significantly per host, such as comparing a slow web server against its own historical performance rather than against a global average.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Advanced Searching and Statistics — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SPLK-1003 question test?
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: Use `eventstats avg(response_time) as avg, stdev(response_time) as stdev by host` then `where response_time > avg+2*stdev` — Option D is correct because `eventstats` with a `by host` clause computes the average and standard deviation of `response_time` for each host across the entire result set, then appends those statistics to every event. This allows the subsequent `where` clause to compare each event's `response_time` against the host-specific threshold `avg+2*stdev`, correctly identifying outliers relative to the same host's distribution.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SPLK-1003 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Splunk certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SPLK-1003 exam.
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