1. The Scientific Method and Research Practices

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

3.  Quantitative  Data includes measurements or counts  Standard scales  Qualitative  Descriptions Types of Research Definition

4. Steps of the Scientific Method

5.  Independent Variables  Altered or manipulated for the experiment  Dependent Variables  Respond during the experiment  Constants  Factors that are not changed during the experiment Types of Variables Definition

6.  Control Group  Group Unchanged by researcher  Measure the influence of unanticipated  Multiple Trials Making your Experiment Valid Definition

7. 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 Definition

8. II f-Then NN on-directional Forms of Hypotheses

9. 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.

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

11.  What are procedures?  The specific steps used to complete an experiment including the required materials Procedures and Methods Definition