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1.4: Collecting and Analyzing Data

  • Page ID
    133620
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    When conducting an experiment, researchers collect data -- the information gathered from the experiment. This information will serve as evidence and will help the experimenters draw proper conclusions about their hypotheses. While collecting data can be easy, drawing logical conclusions can be trickier. Scientists use statistical analysis to help differentiate a significant result from natural variance. While we will not dive deeply into the required statistics for determining significance, we should develop a basic understanding of data.

    We will practice collecting and analyzing data by conducting the experiment developed in Exercise 1.2. In the space below, complete the table and graph to record and plot your data. (Make sure to include labels for items like x-axis, y-axis, title, etc.)

    Table 1.2 Data Collection from Self-Designed Experiment

    Result

    Data -- Tally Marks

    Total Number

    Percentage

    Heads

         

    Tails

         

    Graph 1.1

    Title:_____________________

             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

    Now for a twist! You will conduct the same experiment again. However, this time you will follow a different group’s procedure. Trade one of your group’s handouts with another group. Follow their procedure exactly as written.

    Write down the names of the group from the new procedure below.

    Complete the table and graph using the other group’s procedure.

    Table 1.3 Data Collection from a Different Procedure

    Result

    Data -- Tally Marks

    Total Number

    Percentage

    Heads

         

    Tails

         

    Graph 1.2

    Title:_____________________

             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

    What parts of the other group’s procedure would you ask for clarification on?

    How did your procedure and results differ from the other procedure and results?


    This page titled 1.4: Collecting and Analyzing Data is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Karen Marks and Valeria Hochman Adler.

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