Designing a Designing a Research ProjectResearch Project

Define the ProblemDefine 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.

Define Organisms or FactorsDefine Organisms or Factors

• What is the organism or concept to be studied?– (corals)

• Define the Independent Variable(s)– (Heat, at specific ranges)

• Define the Dependent Variables– (growth of coral colonies)

Create a HypothesisCreate 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?

Design the StudyDesign the Study• USE A CONTROL GROUP

– or comparative sets of data

– For behavioral studies, compare with known behavior in the wild

XX XX22

297 297 88,209 88,209301 301 90,601 90,601306 306 93,636 93,636312 312 97,344 97,344314 314 98,596 98,596317 317 100,489 100,489325 325 105,625 105,625329 329 108,241 108,241334 334 111,556 111,556350 350 122,500122,500XX = 3,185 = 3,185 XX22 = 1,016,797 = 1,016,797

Design the StudyDesign the Study• Which variable

will you test?

• Test only ONE variable at a time

• Treat animals with respect - use inverts whenever possible

Design the StudyDesign 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

Design the StudyDesign the Study• Include AT LEAST 10 trials or

organisms per experimental group

• Decide how

to control

variables

Select a Method of Data CollectionSelect a Method of Data Collection

Select a Method of Data CollectionSelect a Method of Data Collection

• Take samples randomly

• Make sure there is a way to quantify the data

Write a ProposalWrite 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.

• State the general procedures you plan to follow– Include the length of time the

study will run

• List any materials/equipment

• Estimate any costs

Write a ProposalWrite 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

Write a ProposalWrite a Proposal

• A diary, detailing all activities

– Kept in ink, with no erasures or other obliterations

– Cross out errors with a single line

Collect Data in a Log BookCollect 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

Collect Data in a Log BookCollect Data in a Log Book

Collect SamplesCollect Samples

• Collect living specimens with care

• Don’t contaminate samples

• Avoid errors

Observe & Measure SamplesObserve & Measure Samples

• Measure consistently

• Keep notes in a log book

• Record errors

• If there is time…

— Improve on the design

— Re-test

Refine and RetestRefine and Retest