When conducting an experiment, there are different aspects to consider, such as the question that drives to the reseach, the hypothesis, theoretical framework, variables involved -independent, dependent, and controll-, methodology, study groups, data analisys, among others.
In the exposed example, Pincky is lacking theoretical framework, defining which are the study groups, methodology to collect data, and a description of data analysis.
The scientific method is a research method that consists of systematic observations, measures, experimentation, analysis, and verification of a hypothesis. It is based on two aspects: reproducibility, which is the capability of reproducing the experiment in any other place by any researcher, and refutability, which is the susceptibility to be refused.
When conducting an experiment, you need to consider,
•Definition and problem statement. The question for which there is not an answer yet.
•Hypothesis formulation. A hypothesis is a scientific conjecture, not verified, that requires corroboration.
•Data collection and analysis. This step involves testing the observations.
•Results
•Verification of hypothesis. This step involves the deriving of the working hypothesis.
•Discussion and Conclusion.
Previous knowledge about the study object is always required for a better understandig. A question the investigator wants to answer. The main goal of the study, which is basically what the investigator wants to find out. The researcher makes a hypothesis to predict what is going to happen. The experiment is to be performed to answer the question. The conclusions through which the hypothesis might be rejected or accepted.
So in this experiment there must be,
Theoretical framework, such as information about the species, life stage at which they begin chirping, about external factors that might affect it or benefit it, and etcetera.
The goal: To know how temperature affects cricket´s chirping
Hypothesis: Crickets chirp less frequently under cold temperature than under warm temperature.
Variables: Temperature → Independent
Chirp frequency → Dependent
Water and food supply, light exposure, refuge → Controlled
Study groups: group of crickets exposed to a warmer temperature
group of crickets exposed to a colder temperature
Methodology: Individuals analyzed should be in the same development stage, or at least be sexually mature. Two groups of 10 individuals each should be placed under the same conditions, excepting for temperature. One of the groups should be exposed to warmer temperatures and the other one to lower temperatures. Chirps should be recorded for a week.
Data analysis: Using the chirps records, the frequency can be measured for each group. Results should be compared using different statistical analyses.
Results: Results should be clearly exposed, using texts, charts, and graphs.
Discussion and Conclusion: Hypothesis acceptance or rejection. Discussion about the expected results against the observed ones.
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