Formal Lab and Data Analysis lab 6

Formal Lab Report Overview

• Course: BIO 1220L

Title Page

• Title: Must be descriptive; centered at the top of the first page.

• Student Name: Include your name.

• Institution: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Abstract Section

• Definition: A concise synopsis of the entire paper, often viewed as a "Cliff's Notes" version.

• Formatting: Should be italicized, in 10 font.

• Timing: Write the abstract last, after completing the rest of your paper.

• Components:

  • 1-2 sentences of introduction.

  • 2-3 sentences on methods.

  • States aims of study and hypothesis.

  • 2-3 sentences summarizing results and conclusions.

Introduction

• Structure: Start broad and narrow down to specifics.

• Content:

  • Provide background on the subject of the paper.

  • Cite scientific papers without quoting, only paraphrase.

  • Clearly state or infer hypotheses, such as "We hypothesize..." / "We predict...".

Methods Section

• Site Description:

  • Include all three collection sites, coordinates, and elevation details.

  • Mention collection date and method (leaf litter).

  • Describe Burlese funnel setup.

  • Invertebrate identification.

  • Include Shannon index equation.

  • Mention data analysis performed using Excel and social science statistics websites.

• Context: Written in past tense.

Avoid Including

• Your group's individual findings.

• Specific instructions for making the funnel.

• This is not a lab manual.

Results Section

• Data Presentation:

  • Use tables/graphs, report values to 2 decimal places.

  • Example: Correct: 0.14; Incorrect: 0.034952324.

  • Describe results verbally and include references to tables, figures, and p-values (e.g., "There was a significant difference between treatments (p= 0.001, Table 1)").

  • Do not provide explanations for results—save these for the discussion.

  • Do not include raw data.

• Tense: Written in present tense.

Further Results Formatting

• Describe results:

  • Summarize findings in paragraph form.

  • Figure captions: Descriptive and placed below figures; table descriptions above ("Table Top").

  • In-text reference format: (Fig. 1), (Table 1).

Discussion Section

• Content:

  • Summarize and discuss results.

  • Assess if the hypothesis was supported.

  • Discuss implications and importance of the study.

  • Recommendations for future research.

  • Written in present tense.

Literature Cited

• Sources:

  • At least 3-5 peer-reviewed papers required.

  • Can cite textbooks/lab manuals but they do not count towards the 3 citations.

  • In-text citation formats:

    • One author: (Pfennig 1999).

    • Two authors: (Pfennig and Collins 1999).

    • Three or more: (Pfennig et al. 1999).

  • Reference Format:

    • Format: Last name, first initial. Middle initial. Year. Title of paper capitalized only for the first letter. Journal Volume:pages.

Finding Peer-Reviewed Papers

• Resources:

  • Google Scholar.

  • CPP library (log in necessary).

  • Cases include CalPolyPomona and University Library.

  • OneSearch for books, articles, and more.

Writing Style

• Guidelines:

  • Maintain proper spelling and grammar; use professional language.

  • Avoid phrases like "My group did…", instead use "We…".

  • Strive for concise writing; scientific writing is not fictional.

Hypothesis Information

• Types of Hypotheses:

  • Null Hypothesis: Assumes no significant difference between populations.

    • Example: No difference in barnacle counts across intertidal zones.

  • Alternative Hypothesis: Indicates a significant difference exists.

    • Example: Difference in barnacle counts across intertidal zones.

Interpreting P-Values

• Guidelines:

  • P < 0.05: Reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative hypothesis.

  • P > 0.05: Accept the null hypothesis.

  • Examples:

    • P= 0.001, reject null hypothesis.

    • P= 0.2, fail to reject null hypothesis.

Data Analysis Techniques

• Statistical Method:

  • One factor ANOVA: Used to compare means of 3 or more numerical data sets.

One Factor ANOVA Data Example

• Sample Data:

  • Summary:

    • Column 1: Count=10, Sum=64, Average=6.4, Variance=7.822222.

    • Column 2: Count=10, Sum=285, Average=28.5, Variance=110.0556.

    • Column 3: Count=10, Sum=562, Average=56.2, Variance=172.8444.

  • ANOVA Results:

    • Source of Variation: Between Groups SS=12452.47, Within Groups SS=2616.5.

    • F value=64.2493, P-value=5.43E-11, F crit=3.354131.

Website Demo & Review of Excel Data Analysis

• Details: Further instructions and insights on utilizing Excel for data analysis.