Organizing Data Guidelines
Data Collection Guidelines
Information collected during an experiment is called data. Careful, thorough, consistent and accurate
data collection is the single most important aspect of scientific experimentation. Conversely, sloppy,
inconsistent, incomplete and inaccurate data is the most common cause of poor experimental results.
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Data collection procedures should include as many repeated trials as is reasonably possible.
Clearly identify the category of data collected for the dependent variable. This is necessary to correctly
analyze the results.
 quantitative measurement – continuous data collected using measurements based on standard
scale of metric units.
 qualitative – discontinuous data using counts of discrete categories.
Data Table Guidelines
1.
Make a table containing vertical columns for (1) the independent variable, (2) dependent variable and (3)
statistical calculations (i.e. mean). Use a ruler. Title the columns and include units.
2.
Subdivide the column for the dependent variable to reflect the number of trials.
3.
Under the IV column, list the levels (treatments, including control) of the independent variable in rows –
preferably from the smallest to the largest.
4.
Record measurements/counts of the dependent variable for each trial of each level of the independent
variable.
5.
Perform any necessary calculations and record the values in the appropriate column(s).
6.
Title the data table: “The Effect of [I.V.] on [D.V.].”
Sample Data Table – The Effect of Compost Age on Bean Plant Height
Age of Compost
(I.V.)
Height of Plants (D.V) at 30
Days (cm)
Trials
1
No Compost
Grass Compost
Food Compost
2
3
4
etc.
Mean Plant
Height (cm)
Standard
Deviation
Plant Height
(cm)
Laboratory Notebook Guidelines
A thorough scientific experiment includes both a record of the data collected in the data table and
observations of the experimental process in a laboratory notebook. In a long term experiment, like the Science
Fair Project, conditions are likely to change each time data is collected. The laboratory notebook provides a
format to record those conditions and other observations that may affect your data.
The laboratory notebook can be a spiral bound notebook or loose leaf paper that contains a separate entry
for each time you work on the experiment. Each entry must include a record of the date, time, environmental
conditions, and task(s) completed. Additional information may include unexpected observations, new ideas
for investigation, improvements to the experimental design and/or procedures, diagrams/photographs of the
experimental set-up, tentative conclusions and personal reflections.
Sample Laboratory Notebook Entries – Compost and Bean Plants Experiment
The Effect of Compost Type on Bean Plants
Date: August 28, 2001
Time: 4:30 pm
Environmental Conditions: Sunny, warm (30ºC), no wind
Task(s): turn compost, watered bean plants
Observations:
Compost is steaming and smelly when turned, bean plants are starting to wilt, the hot temperatures may
be having some influence on the observations above. Consider changing procedures to include more
frequent watering, or more water each time.
The Effect of Compost Type on Bean Plants
Date: October 9, 2001
Time: 6:00 pm
Environmental Conditions: Overcast, cool (18ºC), light breeze
Task(s): watered bean plants, measured plant height (cm)
Observations:
Plant seven of the control seems to be stunted or dying, may need to be removed or will affect results.
Plant 22 of food compost has broken stem. If wind picks up consider building a structure to protect
plants. The ‘no compost’ group is clearly stunted relative to the two compost groups.