Investigation Design Diagram for Animal Behavior Projects
Title:
Sample format: The effect of (independent variable) on (dependent variable)
Research Question:
Sample format: How will (independent variable) affect (dependent variable)?)
Hypothesis:
Sample format: I think (independent variable) will affect (dependent variable) because (explain why you expect/predict this
relationship between the variables)
Independent Variable: “you choose it” variable (i.e. an event, inter-species, intra-species…)
Change in
independent
variable:
Number of
Observations:
Differences of the Independent
Variable
Number of times observations
were made
Dependent Variable: “you measure it” variable (what are you measuring/observing?)
(i.e. space usage, behavior)
Constant Variables:
Independent Variable
Factors in an experiment that are kept the same
Dependent Variable
Constant Variables
Definition of Terms
Independent Variable: (“You
choose it” variable) the variable that is chosen by the experimenter to observe.
Dependent Variable:
(responding variable) the factor or variable that is being observed as a result of naturally changing
or natural difference chosen in the independent variable.
Control Group:
There is no control group in Animal Behavior Investigations.
Constant Variable:
Factors in an experiment that are kept the same and not allowed to change or vary.
Repeated Trials:
The number of times that observations were made
Hypothesis:
A prediction of the relationship of an independent and dependent variable to be observed and
recorded in an experiment; it predicts the effect that the changes occurring naturally in the
independent variable will have on the dependent variable.
Title:
A statement describing an experiment. Titles are often written in the form, “The Effect of the
Changes in the Independent Variable on the Dependent Variable.”
Adapted from Students and Research: Practical Strategies for Science Classrooms and Competitions, 3rd Edition, by Cothron, Giese, & Rezba. (2000). Kendall/Hunt Publishing.
Investigation Design Diagram for Animal Behavior Projects
Title:
Question:
Hypothesis:
Independent Variable:
Change in
independent
variable:
Number of
Observations:
Dependent Variable:
Constant variables:
Adapted from Students and Research: Practical Strategies for Science Classrooms and Competitions, 3rd Edition, by Cothron, Giese, & Rezba. (2000). Kendall/Hunt Publishing.