The Scientific Method and Research Practices Why is

The Scientific Method and Research Practices

Why is Research Important? Provides new advanced systems and technology in food and agriculture (USDA-REE) Need to feed the world Research can “improve quantity, quality and sustainability” (Du. Pont Agriculture)

ion t i fin e D Types of Research Quantitative Data includes measurements or counts Standard scales Qualitative Descriptions

Steps of the Scientific Method

ion t i fin e D Types of Variables Independent Variables Altered or manipulated for the experiment Dependent Variables Respond during the experiment Constants Factors that are not changed during the experiment

ion t i fin e D Making your Experiment Valid Control Group Unchanged by researcher Measure the influence of unanticipated Multiple Trials

ion t i fin e D Hypothesis Prediction of the relationship between a independent and dependent variable in an experiment Must use background research to form hypothesis Accept or Reject after analyzing results

Forms of Hypotheses If-Then Non-directional

Hypothesis Example Non-Directional The growth rate of a plant will differ under green light. Directional If a plant is exposed to is green light, then the growth rate will increase.

Hypothesis Example Non-Directional Rate of gain in cattle fed corn will differ from cattle fed grass. If cattle are fed corn the rate of gain will be greater than cattle fed grass.

ion t i fin e D Procedures and Methods What are procedures? The specific steps used to complete an experiment including the required materials