# Performance Evaluation of a Lane Correction Module Stress Test: A Field Test of Tesla Model 3
## 4 Data Collection and Classification
### Control and Extraneous Variables  
The version of software installed in the vehicle is the sole control variable to consider for this experiment, and all the extraneous variables include (i) other cars on the road, (ii) software features and settings, (iii) weather, and (iv) vehicle speed. First, the control variable has been articulated to be the version of software installed in the vehicle during testing. Even though we set these limitations, it is plausible to estimate that the observed problem is persistent and involves hardware and software. The question of external validity was verified and approximated with the second test vehicle, Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2021, using \(P_{1}\). Updating the software of the vehicles is an important step in eliminating the possibility of a software issue alone, and this was verified on both test vehicles. In other words, the issue could have involved hardware in a complex computing system, where other variables come into play, yet this was unseen during field experiments. These variables were not considered to be confounding or intervening at the cyber-physical/driver-vehicle level, as no data indicating otherwise were discovered. Second, extraneous variables were discovered during preliminary testing that disrupted data acquisition or delayed the acquisition within a scope of a limited time frame to complete the test. Vehicle field tests can be affected by other cars on the road, as the test was scrubbed if a car came too close from behind our test vehicle or a car moved in the opposite direction next to the test vehicle on a two-way road. When a test was scrubbed because of proximity issues, the test was repeated, and the session continued. Other extraneous variables are software features in the autopilot section on the UI console. As seen in Figure 4, all modules were activated. This setting was looked at as a possible factor affecting the outcome of the experiment. It was confirmed that developing different permutations of the I/O settings could confirm or determine if the change was null or negligible for this stress test. The stress test used the same configuration during the test as there were time constraints. The lane correction avoidance module must be set to assist and not warn or turn off at all times during testing. The third extraneous variable is the condition of the weather. We limited our testing to dry weather with no precipitation, as the physical nature of the test could change and create a dangerous situation for real-world testing. In addition to this determination, testing in weather conditions should be a specific test that focuses on lane correction consistency in precipitous weather and its effect on the correction matrix, which should be pursued with the design presented here or with an improved version of the experiment. The test will be scrubbed if heavy rain or severe weather surface on test day. The fourth extraneous variable could be the speed of the vehicle. This could be mitigated by measuring and limiting the speed level of each test, which would add three to six tests. The three speeds will be approximately 25, 27, and 29 meters per second (m/s). The controlling variable of road rules and laws constrained our ability to test at speeds lower than 25 m/s and higher than 29 m/s, yet this is the natural environment where real-world events occur. The interval will be denoted by \(x\geq 25\leq 27\leq 29\), where the velocity can be set below 25 m/s yet cannot be above 29 m/s due to traffic law constraints. This limits the search scope for instances that reproduce the error in lane correction behavior. Instances of error will be found within the velocity limits given. The test was carried out on live highways in the state of South Dakota in the U.S., and away from traffic, as there was enough road to conduct the test without any traffic in the area for miles. The test data classification system model was created for the stress test (see Table 1).