Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ________ Block: _______
Results and Discussion: 50 Point Research Grade
Introduction: The oxidative stress theory suggests that free radical damage contributes to the
challenges faced during aging. In most organisms, free radicals are converted to hydrogen peroxide
by superoxide dismutase (SOD). Hydrogen peroxide is then reduced to water and oxygen by
catalase. If the theory is correct, it would suggest that as the cells age, SOD or catalase activity is not
able to keep up with the production of free radicals that normally occur. Therefore, the research
question focuses on whether catalase activity changes as plant leaves age.
Research Question: Does the age of the bean plant (Phaseolus vulgaris) influence the rate of
catalase reactions?
Null Hypothesis: __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Alternative Hypothesis 1: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Alternative Hypothesis 2: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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Result Guidelines: The results section include the following:

Research question

Null hypothesis

Alternative hypothesis(es)
TABLES:

Make a table of the descriptive and inferential statistics. Do not include your raw data.

Columns and rows must be straight and neat (typed).

Headings (with UNITS) are required on all columns and rows.

Include a descriptive title above the table.
GRAPHS:

Appropriate graph: Line graph, histogram, box and whiskers, or bar graph. Line graphs
show trends or relationships. Bar graphs are used for comparison.

The independent variable goes on the X-axis; the dependent variable goes on the Y-axis.
Label axes with names and units. Make sure that a key is included.

Include a descriptive title above the graph.
Guidelines for writing a discussion:

What was the purpose/significance of the experiment?

Explain if your null hypothesis was rejected or failed to reject. Remember the null hypothesis is
rejected or failed to reject based on the p-value.
Example:

“The means of the experimental groups were statistically significantly different (P<0.05).”

“There was no statistically significant difference between the means of ___ & ___ (P>0.05).”

Explain which alternative hypothesis was supported with pertinent evidence (data).

Describe the trends in the data using the descriptive statistics (calculations of averages, variation,
standard deviation, and standard error of the mean [SEM]).

Give evidence (data) for your claim (the null hypothesis or alternative hypothesis that was
supported). This is the main purpose of the conclusion. Explain how the data supports the claim.
Never leave it up to your reader to draw connections. Describe the science behind why the
independent variable had this effect (or lack thereof) on the dependent variable.

Explain unusual results and/or possible errors in procedures and/or limitations

Future Directions:
o Improvements to the procedure, sample size, etc. (be realistic)
o Further research questions raised and relationship to content.
Example references in proper format:
Batistella, C. (2012). Enzymes - a fun introduction. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTUm-75-PL4
Kensington, N. (2008). Hydrogen Peroxide Has A Complex Role In Cell Health. Science Daily.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080102134129.htm
Miller, K., & Levine, J. (2008). The Chemistry of Life. Prentice Hall Biology. Upper Saddle River, N.J.:
Pearson/Prentice Hall.
This assignment is due to turnitin.com by November 23rd (A-day) and November 24th (B-day).
This is right before the Thanksgiving break. If you know you will not be able to work on it that week
please plan accordingly. You have two weeks to complete this. Get started early, please do not wait
until the last minute to seek help or ask clarifying questions. Mrs. Poni and Ms. Snow hold review
sessions each week and would be happy to work with you at that time if you need additional help
processing the information.