Interpretation of Results and Discussion
Good job, Cory! You discussed the study site, your variables, and you sampling procedure clearly. There were just a few areas in which you might have added more detail. See the rubric for that feedback, and let me know if you have any questions!
( 2.64 / 3.00) Provides a List of the Proposed Study Site, Independent Variable(s), Dependent Variable(s), Experimental Group, Control Group, and Number of Replicates
Proficient - Provides a mostly accurate and complete list of the proposed study site, independent variable(s), dependent variable(s), experimental group, control group, and number of replicates. The list is one page or less in length but minor experimental details are missing.
Comments:
I think that you may have some confusion about variables. Just to reiterate, the independent variable is the one you manipulate and/or is causing an effect, farms or pollutants. The dependent variable is the one that responds to your treatment and the one that you observe, water pollution levels, impacts on species, etc.
( 2.64 / 3.00) Describes the Study Site, Including Experimental and Control Groups.
Proficient - Describes the study site, including experimental and control groups. The descriptions accurately address the hypothesis but are slightly underdeveloped.
Comments:
You did very good describing the study site and experiment. A few more details on the site's and experiment's features would enable readers to visualize the experimental set up. One way to help yourself visualize and describe the study site is to draw out a diagram of the area, sampling sites, etc. and then describe them.
( 2.28 / 3.00) Describes the Sampling Design, Including Independent and Dependent Variables, and Number of Replicates
Basic - Partially correct description of the sampling design, including independent and dependent variables, and number of replicates. The descriptions address the hypothesis somewhat accurately or are underdeveloped.
Comments:
You did very good describing the study site and experiment. However, I would have liked to see more specific details. Typically the methods' section should include enough detail so that another scientist can repeat your experiment. One way to accomplish this is to sketch out the sampling design, including transect lines, and quadrants or other areas were samples will be collected, and then describe it.
( 2.28 / 3.00) Describes the Protocol for Both Collecting and Analyzing Data
Basic - Partially correct descriptions of the protocol for both collecting and analyzing data. The descriptions address the hypothesis somewhat accurately or are underdeveloped.
Comments:
Nice work addressing how you will collect the data. The methodology you described will help ensure accurate results. However, the data analysis needs to be explicitly explained in order for readers to follow your train of thought.
There are several options to analyze this type of data. Often general linear models, such as ANOVAs and Regression analyses are used. As you move forward, it is worthwhile to test your data for non-linearity and then use a non-linear regression, or another analysis suitable for non-linearity. Often environmental data sets have non-linear patterns; consider the population growth curves, saturation curves, and biological thresholds. Plotting your data can help you determine whether it is non-linear, as can specific statistical tests for non-linearity.
( 1.76 / 2.00) Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.
( 1.00 / 1.00) APA Formatting
Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.
Overall Score: 12.60 / 15.00
Overall Grade: 12.6
