1. Traits of Well Designed Experiment
Ms. Stocker

2. 5 Characteristics of a Well Designed Experiment
Controlled
Multiple Trials
Large Samples
Random Samples
Good Records/Repeatable

3. Controlled Only one variable is manipulated by the experimenter
Independent Variable
Ex) Amount of Water
Dependent Variable
Ex) Height of plant

4. Multiple Trials/Large Sample
Do the experiment more than once
Don’t just do a single test and say it proves your results
Have a lot of individuals to test
Have multiple subject per test condition
Ex) 50 plants get fertilizer and 50 do not get fertilizer

5. Random Sample
Make sure your test subjects are representative of the population you want to apply your results towards
You cannot test DAE kids then say the results apply to the whole county/state!

6. Good Records Your experiment must be repeatable!
Write detailed directions how to conduct your experiment
Record all of your data accurately
The Village idiot must be able to get the same results you did!

7. Loose Ends Experimental Group Control Group Constants
Receives the experimental version of the independent variable
Ex) plant with fertilizer
Control Group
Receives the normal version of the independent variable
Ex) plant with no fertilizer
This group is used for comparison!
Constants
Any variables that could change the outcome of the experiment
Ex) temperature, amount of water, type of soil, length of sunlight exposure, amount of room to grow, etc…..