1. Science Research to Count On Al Frisby, M.S. & Dennis McCurdy, D.V.M.

2. Student Design Errors Using a single project to deal with a range of research concerns Using a single project to deal with a range of research concerns Insufficient sample size to draw conclusions Insufficient sample size to draw conclusions Inappropriate literature sources Inappropriate literature sources Inadequate or not testing the design Inadequate or not testing the design Inadequate documentation = the details Inadequate documentation = the details Limited ability to make observations Limited ability to make observations

3. By not Avoiding the Errors

4. Basic Research Design Minimize the number of study groups = ideal is two, a test group & a control group Minimize the number of study groups = ideal is two, a test group & a control group The test group should be the one with the greatest difference from the control The test group should be the one with the greatest difference from the control The control can be a positive or a negative The control can be a positive or a negative Positive = an established activity is known Positive = an established activity is known Negative = no activity has been established Negative = no activity has been established

5. Design Challenges Best choice = Use a well-developed model to minimize unexpected results Best choice = Use a well-developed model to minimize unexpected results Second choice = Making minor revisions to a developed model; then test the model Second choice = Making minor revisions to a developed model; then test the model Third choice = Using a new model; consider developing the model first to avoid major challenges to the results Third choice = Using a new model; consider developing the model first to avoid major challenges to the results

6. Making Meaning with Numbers

7. Statistics Ask your math/science teacher to help you find the statistic tool that works for your project BEFORE you start the work. Ask your math/science teacher to help you find the statistic tool that works for your project BEFORE you start the work. Examples: Chi Square, Student T test, Correlation test (R), Man-Whitney test, etc Examples: Chi Square, Student T test, Correlation test (R), Man-Whitney test, etc For a good project to receive an award, you MUST use statistics to evaluate your results. For a good project to receive an award, you MUST use statistics to evaluate your results.

8. Minimum Sample Size Purpose = ensure basic conclusions from the results Purpose = ensure basic conclusions from the results Inanimate objects and invertebrates = 10 in each study group Inanimate objects and invertebrates = 10 in each study group Vertebrates = 6 in each study group Vertebrates = 6 in each study group Conclusions compare research data to a larger population Conclusions compare research data to a larger population

9. Selecting Literature Sources Sources must have sufficient numbers to reach their conclusions Sources must have sufficient numbers to reach their conclusions Directly related to the project Directly related to the project Scientific journals, textbooks, Internet, encyclopedias, etc. Scientific journals, textbooks, Internet, encyclopedias, etc. If Internet = with references Or multiple similar sources with same facts If Internet = with references Or multiple similar sources with same facts

10. Testing the Design Before starting the research project, evaluate the full research procedure = sufficient to become familiar with the procedure Before starting the research project, evaluate the full research procedure = sufficient to become familiar with the procedure Make adjustments as necessary in the protocol = then re-evaluate the procedure Make adjustments as necessary in the protocol = then re-evaluate the procedure Carefully observe both the test & control groups for what happens-apply statistics Carefully observe both the test & control groups for what happens-apply statistics

11. Documenting the Details Research Log – Research Log – Bound Notebook Bound Notebook Record EVERYTHING that you observe Record EVERYTHING that you observe Loose-leaf Notebook – Loose-leaf Notebook – Copies of all related references Copies of all related references Copies of protocol & completed forms Copies of protocol & completed forms Miscellaneous documents (handouts, etc.) Miscellaneous documents (handouts, etc.) Details of Observations Details of Observations

12. Making Quality Observations Replicate = Making direct comparisons between research study groups Replicate = Making direct comparisons between research study groups Conduct research by evaluating the responses of replicates small enough to make careful observations Conduct research by evaluating the responses of replicates small enough to make careful observations Example = evaluate one test group representative alongside that of the control group representative Example = evaluate one test group representative alongside that of the control group representative

13. Reducing Research Stress 1 st Semester 1 st Semester Topic selection Topic selection Protocol design & evaluation using statistics Protocol design & evaluation using statistics Complete forms Complete forms 2 nd Semester 2 nd Semester Conduct replicates Conduct replicates Compile, analyze, & prepare report Compile, analyze, & prepare report Present & defend Present & defend

14. Example Model - Infection

15. Confirm Treatment Dose Hypothesis – Eliminate resistant “bug” Hypothesis – Eliminate resistant “bug” Study Groups Study Groups 1 Treated Group = Gets Test Compound 1 Treated Group = Gets Test Compound 1 Control Group = No Treatment 1 Control Group = No Treatment Sample Size - Minimum of 10 ears/ group Sample Size - Minimum of 10 ears/ group Evaluation - Inhibition of growth in replicates Evaluation - Inhibition of growth in replicates Bias & Statistical Analysis -Acceptance Bias & Statistical Analysis -Acceptance