The Scientific Method and Research Practices

Provides new advanced systems and technology in food and agriculture (USDA-REE)

Need to feed the world Research can “improve quantity, quality and

sustainability” (DuPont Agriculture)

Why is Research Important?

Quantitative Data includes measurements or counts Standard scales

Qualitative Descriptions

Types of ResearchDefinitio

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Steps of the Scientific Method

Independent Variables Altered or manipulated for the experiment

Dependent Variables Respond during the experiment

Constants Factors that are not changed during the

experiment

Types of VariablesDefinitio

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Control Group Group Unchanged by researcher Measure the influence of unanticipated

Multiple Trials

Making your Experiment ValidDefinitio

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Hypothesis

Prediction of the relationship between a independent and dependent variable in an experiment

Must use background research to form hypothesis

Accept or Reject after analyzing results

Definitio

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If-Then

Non-directional

Forms of Hypotheses

Hypothesis Example

Non-Directional

The growth rate of a plant will differ under green light.

Directional

If a plant is exposed to is green light, then the growth rate will increase.

Hypothesis Example

Non-Directional

Rate of gain in cattle fed corn will differ from cattle fed grass.

Directional

If cattle are fed corn then the rate of gain will be greater than cattle fed grass.

What are procedures? The specific steps used to complete an experiment

including the required materials

Procedures and MethodsDefinitio

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