Data type and proposed hypothesis

This lab assignment is pretty short. Follow the steps and submit via the Canvas dropbox.

Carefully read Lab 4 The Scientific Method and Types of Data.pdf

. Use this information to start organizing the data you are collecting from your observations.

STEPS:

1) Start out by listing the type of data you have; qualitative (binomial, nominal, ordinal) or quantitative (continuous or discreet). You are free to use your own observations or the data from the live video cameras.

2) Next write down a few questions that interest you about what you have observed. Your questions will probably be overly broad and complicated, so think simple, and revise until you have a few questions that you can realistically answer from what are are seeing.

For example; I have noticed that a covey of quail come through my pasture and feed on thistle seeds everyday. This is unusual as quail usually feed in the underbrush to avoid predation. I wonder if they come at the same time each day as I haven’t been noting the time when I see them and if the weather influences this behavior.

3) Formulate a couple of hypotheses. Jot these down as statements that flow from your questions.

Alternative hypothesis 1: Quail follow a routine and visit designated feeding areas at the same time each day. Therefore, the NULL hypothesis would be: Quail do not follow a routine and visit feeding areas at random.

The analysis would compare the time of day for each observation.

Alternative hypothesis 2: Quail prefer to feed in the open when it is not raining.

NULL hypothesis: Quail will feed in the open during any weather conditions.

The analysis would compare the weather conditions for each observation.

4) Clearly identify your independent and dependent variables.

Enter all of this information into your Field-Journal Notebook and submit a screenshot.

Submit a screen shot of your field-journal notebook with a description of your data, questions you are considering that interest you about your bird observations, a proposed hypothesis to test with your data, and clearly identifying your independent and dependent variables.