Scientific
Measurements for Field and Laboratory
Introduction: The essentials for the scientific process are
observations, measurements and hypothesis formation. The testing of a hypothesis may involve the
collection of data or the construction of an experimental situation. In practice, all variables are controlled
except one; that which is being used to test the hypothesis.
In
this exercise you will be asked to hypothesize relationships, collect data to
test your hypothesis, analyze the data with a statistical test and accept or
reject your hypothesis.
No.1
Tall
people usually weigh more than short people.
Hypothesize about the height vs. weight relationship.
a. write a formal hypothesis
b. collect data using kg and cm
c. graph and calculate the
slope of the data (0.25 = 25% correlation)
d. accept or reject your
hypothesis
No.
2
You
may have noticed that some people have cold hands, others warm hands. Is this gender based?
a. write a formal hypothesis
b. collect and record data from
your group and that of others
c. using a
d. accept or reject your
hypothesis
No.
3
You
may come up with an original hypothesis:
a. write a formal hypothesis
b. collect and record data
c. graph or use a test of significance
d. accept or reject your
hypothesis