Analyzing Data.docx - Integrated Science



Analyzing DataBackground: One of the most important steps that a scientist completes during an experiment is data processing and presentation. Data can be analyzed by the presentation of the data in table format (data table), or the processing of that data through graphical manipulation to visually discern the differences in the variables tested. The purpose of this worksheet is to give you an opportunity to build and demonstrate your knowledge of these scientific skills.Reading Data TablesMice and DrugsAn experiment studies the effects of an experimental drug on the number of offspring a mother mouse has. 10 female mice are given the drug and then impregnated. The number of mice in their litters is compared to the litters of mice that did not take the drug.To help analyze the data, find the mean (average) of each data set and fill it in on the tableTo help analyze the data, find the range (largest number - smallest number) of each data set…Group A: ________Group B: ________To help analyze the data, find the median (middle number, once numbers are listed in order) of each data set…Group A: (list in order) __________________________________________ = median ______Group B: (list in order) __________________________________________ = median ______To help analyze the data, find the mode (most used number) of each data set…Group A: ________Group B: ________Based on the data, what would you conclude about the drug, did it work?Make sure you use the statistics you just calculated in your analysis.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Using Data Tables and GraphsShark PopulationsThe population of tiger sharks off the coast of Florida was recorded over several months. Graph the tiger shark populations on the graph below.MonthJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDecPop. Size1215253534444944728598105The number of nurse sharks was also recorded for this time period; though the person recorded the number was not as reliable as the person recording tiger shark numbers. The following data was taken on nurse sharks. Use a different color to graph the nurse shark population on the graph below.MonthMarchAprilJulyAugNovDecPop. Size605238201411At what month would you expect the number of nurse sharks to equal the number of tiger sharks?_____________________________________________________________________________What does the graph tell you about the trends both shark populations? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Writing ConclusionsWhen writing conclusions in this class, here is a great way to make sure your analysis is thorough.What makes for good conclusions?AnswerDid you summarize your results and use them to support the findings? Yes / No Did your conclusions state that you proved or disproved your hypothesis? Make sure you used quantitative evidence to support your claim.Yes / No Did your conclusions use statistical data to support or refute your hypothesis?Yes / No If appropriate, did you state the relationship between the independent and dependent variable? Yes / No Did you summarize and evaluate your experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness? Yes / NoDid you suggest changes in the experimental procedure and/or possibilities for further study? Yes / NoWriting conclusionsLet’s test your familiarity with writing conclusions further. Read the following results statements below from an experiment testing and comparing the voltage of various batteries. According to my experiments, the Energizer maintained its voltage (dependent variable) for approximately a three percent longer period of time (independent variable) than Duracell in a low current drain device. For a medium drain device, the Energizer maintained its voltage for approximately 10 percent longer than Duracell. For a high drain device, the Energizer maintained its voltage for approximately 29 percent longer than Duracell. Basically, the Energizer performs with increasing superiority, the higher the current drain of the device. The heavy-duty non-alkaline batteries do not maintain their voltage as long as either alkaline battery at any level of current drain. Use the word bank to fill in the blanks for the following conclusion statements using the results statement above: Duracell battery further Energizer battery hypothesis support correct 29 percent longerMy ___________ was that Energizer would last the longest in all the devices tested. My results did/did not (circle one) my hypothesis. My hypothesis was _______________, for my results prove that heavy-duty alkaline batteries do not maintain their voltage as long as either alkaline battery at any level of current drain because the Energizer maintained its voltage for approximately _____________________________ than Duracell. The dependent variable, ___________________, maintained its voltage for approximately a three percent longer period of time (the independent variable) than . To __________________ my study, I might involve testing batteries at different temperatures to simulate actual usage in very cold or very hot conditions. Use the following scenario to fill in the data table and then write a conclusion following the format above.Paige and Logan did a field study to learn about the distribution of plants near a stream. They found the high flow line (the highest level stream water reaches) to be 4 meters from the stream. Paige and Logan counted the number of plants at, below and above the high flow line of the stream. Field Study Question: How does distance from the stream affect the number of plants growing there?Hypothesis: If we collect data for how many trees are above, at, and below the high flow line, then we will find that there are more trees below the high flow line.Data Collected:Distance from Stream vs. Number of TreesConclusion:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download