Designing a Research Project

1. Designing a Research Project

2. Define the Problem • A creative process • “Why are coral reefs dying?” is too large a problem to be solved in HS. • “What is the effect of high water temperatures on the growth of corals?” could be studied in a classroom saltwater tank.

3. Define Organisms or Factors • What is the organism orconcept to be studied? • (corals) • Define theIndependent Variable(s) • (Heat, at specific ranges) • Define theDependent Variables • (growth of coral colonies)

4. Create a Hypothesis • Must be testable • Does it show Cause & Effect? • If__________... then________... • (IF high water temperatures effect the growth of corals, THEN the corals will show little change in colony size over time.) • It is objective? • Is it CLEAR?

5. Design the Study • USE A CONTROL GROUP • or comparative sets of data • For behavioral studies, compare with known behavior in the wild XX2 297 88,209 301 90,601 306 93,636 312 97,344 314 98,596 317 100,489 325 105,625 329 108,241 334 111,556 350 122,500 X = 3,185 X2 = 1,016,797

6. Design the Study • Which variable will you test? • Test only ONEvariable at a time • Treat animals with respect - use inverts whenever possible

7. Design the Study • Determine the Experimental Constants • Variables NOT altered during the experiment • Write the Procedure • Number the steps • Make them clear & repeatable • Use diagrams or a flow chart

8. Design the Study • Include AT LEAST 10 trials or organisms per experimental group • Decide how to controlvariables

9. Select a Method of Data Collection

10. Select a Method of Data Collection • Take samples randomly • Make sure there is a way to quantify the data

11. Write a Proposal • State the primary objectives • Include a rationale and justification • List references you have found in a preliminary literature search • If using vertebrates, justify their use and explain the humane manner in which they will be treated.

12. Write a Proposal • State the general procedures you plan to follow • Include the length of time the study will run • List any materials/equipment • Estimate any costs

13. Write a Proposal • Indicate where the study will take place • Will any special facilities will be necessary? • Have you received permission? • How are you getting there? • State what results you expect to get

14. Collect Data in a Log Book • A diary, detailing all activities • Kept in ink, with no erasures or other obliterations • Cross out errors with a single line

15. Collect Data in a Log Book • First page: your name, address, phone number, and the name of your advisor • Problem statement and a brief summary • All other entries start with the date and location of the activity. You should record all of the following activities: • Conference with advisor • Telephone calls • Library research • Thought about your project • Descriptions of any setup and changes in design • Data taken while performing the study

16. Collect Samples • Collect living specimens with care • Don’t contaminate samples • Avoid errors

17. Observe & Measure Samples • Measureconsistently • Keep notes in a log book • Record errors

18. Refine and Retest • If there is time… • Improve on the design • Re-test