Environmental Research and Data Collection Methods

Scientific Method

Systematic process for investigation and experimentation.

Observation

Initial step leading to a research question.

Research Question

Inquiry formulated as 'Why?', 'What?', or 'How?'.

Hypothesis

Testable prediction regarding study outcomes.

Theory

Well-supported explanation of natural phenomena.

Variables

Factors that can be manipulated or measured.

Independent Variable (IV)

Factor manipulated in an experiment, graphed on X-axis.

Dependent Variable (DV)

Measured response to the IV, graphed on Y-axis.

Controlled Variables (CVs)

Constants maintained to ensure valid results.

Experimental Group

Group receiving different levels of IV.

Control Group

Group not receiving IV, used for comparison.

Replicates

Minimum of three trials to identify anomalies.

Anomalous Results

Data points that deviate from expected outcomes.

Data Collection

Process of gathering and interpreting experimental data.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data used for statistical analysis.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data useful for initial observations.

Limitations

Shortcomings affecting reliability of experimental results.

Accuracy

Closeness of measurements to true value.

Precision

Consistency of repeated measurements.

Sample Size

Number of observations, larger sizes increase reliability.

Graphing Rules

Independent variable on X-axis, dependent on Y-axis.

Standardized Variables

Conditions kept constant to ensure fair testing.

Evaluation of Procedures

Assessment of methods and potential improvements.

Scale

Linear intervals used for graph axes.

Bar Graph

Compares amounts with non-touching bars.

Line Graph

Shows change over time with connected points.

Pie Chart

Displays parts of a whole in slices.

Histogram

Bars touch, showing frequency distribution.

Mean

Average value calculated from data set.

Median

Middle value in ordered data set.

Mode

Most frequently occurring value in data.

Range

Difference between highest and lowest values.

Percentage

Part divided by whole, multiplied by 100.

Percent Change

Change relative to original value, times 100.

Data Table

Organized format for collecting experimental data.

Best Fit Line

Line approximating data trend in graphs.

Anomalous Results

Outliers that skew data analysis.

Reliable Data

Consistent and accurate data for research.

Bias

Systematic error favoring one outcome over another.

Paleoclimate Records

Historical climate data from natural sources.

Ice Cores

Frozen layers revealing past atmospheric conditions.

Tree Rings

Growth rings indicating historical climate variations.

Sediment Cores

Layers of sediment providing climate history.

Coral Reefs

Marine structures reflecting historical ocean conditions.

Data Analysis

Interpreting quantitative data for conclusions.

Significant Figures

Digits that carry meaning contributing to precision.

Paleoclimate records

Historical data from ice cores, tree rings, and sediments.

Climate proxies

Indirect measures used to infer past climate conditions.

Instrumental measurements

Direct climate data collected using advanced instruments.

Remote sensing

Technology for monitoring climate from satellites.

Climate models

Simulations to understand climate drivers and changes.

Cherry-picking data

Selective use of data supporting a specific agenda.

Confirmation bias

Interpreting data to confirm existing beliefs.

Industry-funded research

Studies funded by organizations with specific economic interests.

Sensationalism in media

Exaggerated reporting that misrepresents scientific findings.

Random sampling

Selecting sample points randomly to minimize bias.

Systematic sampling

Measurements taken at regular intervals or patterns.

Ice cores

Cylinders of ice drilled from glaciers, revealing climate history.

Tree rings

Annual growth rings used to determine past climate conditions.

Sediment cores

Layers of sediment analyzed for historical climate data.

Coral reefs

Marine structures that provide climate change insights.

Greenhouse gas concentrations

Levels of gases affecting Earth's temperature.

Climate feedback mechanisms

Processes that amplify or dampen climate changes.

Sea ice extent

Measurement of the area covered by sea ice.

Temperature anomalies

Deviations from average temperature over time.

Public misconceptions

Common misunderstandings about climate science.

Data interpretation bias

Distortion of scientific data due to subjective views.

Climate change impacts

Consequences of climate change on ecosystems and societies.

Uncertainty in models

Variability in predictions due to complex climate systems.

Quadrat

Square frame for sampling organisms in an area.

Sampling Area

Designated space for estimating population metrics.

Population Size

Total number of individuals in a defined area.

Abundance

Total count of organisms in a specific area.

Frequency

Probability of finding a species in a quadrat.

Percentage Cover

Proportion of area occupied by a species.

Transects

Straight lines for studying organism distribution.

Line Transect

Count organisms touching a measuring tape.

Belt Transect

Quadrat moved along a transect for data collection.

Sampling Data Analysis

Evaluating data collected from sampling methods.

Mark-Release-Recapture

Estimating population size of mobile organisms.

Lincoln Index

Formula for estimating population density from samples.

N

Estimate of total population size.

n1

Number of individuals in the first sample.

n2

Total individuals in the second sample.

m

Marked individuals recaptured in the second sample.

Pitfall Trap

Container for capturing ground-dwelling insects.

Sweep Net

Net for sampling insects in tall grass.

Beating Tray

Tray for collecting insects from vegetation.

Gradient

Change in environmental factors affecting distribution.

Environmental Factors

Conditions influencing organism distribution patterns.

Sample Size

Number of quadrats or samples collected.

Bias in Estimation

Systematic error affecting data reliability.

Species Richness

Number of different species in a sample.

Kick Sampling

Method for estimating freshwater invertebrate diversity.

Net Placement

Net faces upstream to avoid disturbed sediment.

Weighted Quadrat

Controls sample area size in kick sampling.

Light Traps

Attracts nocturnal insects using light sources.

Phototaxis

Movement of insects towards light sources.

Questionnaires

Predetermined Q&A for crowdsourcing data.

Data Verification

Challenge in confirming accuracy of questionnaire data.