Doing Science: Texting and Gender Experiment

Group Roles for Conducting Experiment (In some groups, individuals may perform more than one role) Recorders (2): Write down & tabulate data Data Collectors (2): Ask questions to participants and analyze data (computers used) Timekeeper: keeps group on task Reporter: Writes information in organized form on group handout.

Q1. How should you collect data? Test the hypothesis that there is a difference in number of texts per month by gender in this class. In your Group, and decide on a common data collection scheme (repeatable, > observations). Reporter: Write methods on handout. Individuals: make sure you make a copy of the methods for your own studying. Timekeeper: (take no longer than 5 minutes)

Q2. Data Collection & Prediction a. Group: Select one design for your table. Individuals: make sure you make a copy of the table for your own studying. b. Individuals: write prediction. Group: review individual predictions, and decide on a group prediction. Timekeeper: (take no longer than 2 minutes)

Q3. Collect Data 2 data collectors and 2 recorders in each group, pair up – circulate around room and collect data. Reporter: Combine group data in table Individuals: ensure you have a copy of data Timekeeper: 10 minutes

Q4. Analyze Data Data collectors: Calculate means for each gender Reporter: Indicate means for each gender on handout Individuals: ensure you can repeat analysis with a calculator on your tests Timekeeper: 10 minutes Mean (average) = sum of all data total # observations

Q5. Plot the results Reporter: plots results on handout with help from group. Individuals: plot results as well. Label axes Include title Timekeeper: 3 minutes

Q6. Write a Figure Legend Components: 1.Allows the reader to interpret the results without referring back to the text. 2. Explains the results in the context of the variables tested. 3. Explains any abbreviations or symbols. 4. Includes statistics in many cases. 5. DO NOT BEGIN with “This figure shows…” We know that is the case. Timekeeper: 5 minutes

Q7. Compare Prediction to Results Reporter: write your group’s responses to the following question: Do your results support your individual and group predictions from class? Timekeeper: 1 minute

Working with your group, rate each of the aspects shown: (1 point for each) Reporter: Explain: 1.very weak 2.moderately weak 3.moderately strong 4.very strong(give summative rating on the handout) Timekeeper: 3 minutes Weak Strong Small sample sizeLarge sample size Non-random sampleRandom sample Significant ConfoundsInsignificant Confounds Researcher Bias PresentResearcher Bias Absent Q8. Critique your experimental design and results

Q9. What can we conclude from results and methodology? What can we conclude, based on our results? Reporter: Explain your group’s final conclusion on the handout Timekeeper: 3 minutes