2018 PUSO Experimental Design Exam
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Team Number: ____________ For Office Use Only:
Team Name: _____________________________________ ______ / 120
Participant Names: _____________________________________
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2018 PUSO Experimental Design Exam
Princeton University Science Olympiad Invitational
Experimental Design:
Magnetism
Magnets play a central role in everyday life, including crucial components of cars, computers,
and any other electronic device. Magnets can be understood on a basic level, yet an in-depth
understanding requires years of studying. Your task is to design and conduct an experiment
using a subset of the provided materials to gain an insight into the complex topic of magnetism.
Materials* Additional Resources*
• Magnets • Pencils
o Small magnets (24) • Ruler
o Refrigerator magnets (2) • Stopwatch
• Springs
• String
• Paperclips
• Coins
• Aluminum
• Rubber Bands
*Please alert the Event Supervisors if you are missing any of the listed materials or
resources
The write up should consist of the following sections (Tie breakers in bold):
a. Statement of Problem (4 pts)
b. Hypothesis (8 pts)
c. Variables (Independent, Dependent, Controlled) (20 pts)
d. Standard of Comparison (4 pts)
e. Materials (6 pts)
f. Procedure: Including Diagrams (12 pts)
g. Qualitative Observations (8 pts)
h. Quantitative Results – Data Table (12 pts)
i. Graphs (10 pts)
j. Statistics (6 pts)
k. Analysis and Interpretations of Results (8 pts)
l. Possible Experimental Errors (6 pts)
m. Conclusion (8 pts)
n. Applications and Recommendations for Further Experimentation (8 pts)
Once you are finished, please return all materials to where you found them.Team Number: Page 1
a. Statement of Problem (4 pts)
b. Hypothesis (8 pts)
c. Variables (Independent, Dependent, Controlled) (20 pts)
1Team Number: Page 2
d. Standard of Comparison (4 pts)
e. Materials (6 pts)
2Team Number: Page 3
f. Procedure: Including Diagrams (12 pts)
3Team Number: Page 4
g. Qualitative Observations (8 pts)
4Team Number: Page 5
h. Quantitative Results – Data Table (12 pts)
5Team Number: Page 6
i. Graphs (10 pts)
6Team Number: Page 7
j. Statistics (6 pts)
k. Analysis and Interpretations of Results (8 pts)
7Team Number: Page 8
l. Possible Experimental Errors (6 pts)
m. Conclusion (8 pts)
n. Applications and Recommendations for Further Experimentation (8 pts)
82017 Experimental Design Checklist for B/C (rev. 10/4/15)
(Note: all tasks listed under each section are worth a maximum of 2 points unless otherwise stated)
A. Statement of problem (4 Points) H. Quantitative Data - Data Table (12 points)
_____ Not a yes/no question and includes independent _____ All raw data is given
and dependent variables _____ All data has units
_____ Problem is clearly testable and is written in a _____ Condensed table containing most important data
clear and concise manner _____ Table(s) labeled properly
_____ Example calculations are given
B. Hypothesis (8 points)
_____ All data reported using correct figures (significant
_____ Statement predicts a relationship or trend
figures C Division only)
_____ Statement gives specific direction to the
predictions(s): A stand is taken. I. Graphs (10 points)
_____ Prediction includes both independent and _____ Appropriate type of graph used
dependent variables _____ Graph has title
_____ A rationale is given for the hypothesis. _____ Graph labeled properly (axes/series)
_____ Units included
C. Variables
_____ Appropriate scale used
Independent Variable (IV) (6 Points)
J. Statistics Division B&C (6 points)
_____ IV correctly identified
_____ Such as: average (mean), median, mode, range,
_____ IV operationally defined
line of best-fit or other appropriate statistic used
_____ At least three levels of IV given
K Analysis and interpretation of data (8 points)
Dependent Variable (DV) (6 points)
_____ All data discussed and interpreted
_____ DV correctly identified
_____ Unusual data points commented on
_____ DV operationally defined
_____ Trends in data explained and interpreted
Controlled Variables (CV) (8 points) _____ Enough detail is given to understand data and all
_____ One CV correctly identified statements must be supported by the data.
_____ Two CVs correctly identified
L. Possible Experimental Errors (6 points)
_____ Three CVs correctly identified
_____ Possible reasons for errors are given
_____ Four CVs correctly identified
_____ Important info about data collection given
D. Experimental Control (Standard of Comparison-SOC) _____ Effect errors had on data discussed
(4 points)
M. Conclusion (8 points)
_____ SOC correctly identified and makes logical sense
_____ Hypothesis is evaluated according to data
for the experiment
_____ Hypothesis is re-stated
_____ Reason given for selection of SOC
_____ Reasons to accept/reject hypothesis given
E. Materials (6 points) _____ All statements are supported by the data
_____ All materials used are listed
N. Applications and Recommendations for Further Use
_____ All materials used are listed properly (no extras)
(8 points)
_____ Materials listed separately from procedure
_____ Suggestions for improvement of specific
F. Procedure: Including Diagrams (12 points) experiment are given
_____ (2pts) Procedure well organized _____ Suggestion for other ways to look at hypothesis
_____ (2pts) Procedure is in a logical sequence given
_____ (2pts) Diagrams used _____ Suggestions for future experiments given
_____ (2pts) Repeated trials _____ Practical application(s) of experiment given
_____ (4pts) Enough information is given so another
could repeat procedure
G. Qualitative Observations (8 points)
_____ Observations about results given
_____ Observations about procedure/deviations
_____ Observations about results not directly relating to
Dependent Variable or other data
_____ Observations given throughout the course of the
experimentEXPERIMENTAL DESIGN SCORING EXPLANATION Experiment: a process in which some treatment is applied to a number of subjects and its effects observed 1. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Non-yes/no question that defines the topic of the experiment It is NOT the same as the topic area or assigned problem It defines the specific relationship you wish to study It can be a statement or question, but not a yes/no question It must be clearly testable with the materials provided 2. HYPOTHESIS A statement predicting the relationship between the independent and dependent variables that can be tested The hypothesis must predict a relationship or trend It must take a stand It needs to includes the independent and dependent variables If (the independent variable) (increases/decreases) then (the dependent variable) will (increase/decrease/remain the same) A brief rationale should be included 3. VARIABLES Factors that can change in an experiment Independent variable (IV): the manipulated variable A variable that is purposely changed or manipulated The IV should be operationally defined (units!) Operationally defined: clearly stating how a variable will be measured or described You should test 3-5 levels of the IV Levels of the independent variable: the values of the independent variable that one tests Dependent Variable (DV): the responding variable The variable that changes in response to the changes in the independent variable The DV should be operationally defined Constants (Controlled variables) Factors that don’t change in the experiment: factors with a fixed value These can be other possible independent variables that you are choosing to hold constant At least 4 should be listed 4. EXPERIMENTAL CONTROL: the standard of comparison (SOC) A trial used to detect and measure hidden variables The control can be a zero treatment, a level of IV, or an outside control The control is often specific to the goal of your experiment You should include a rationale for why you choose the control you did
5. MATERIALS A listing of all the equipment used in an experiment The materials should be listed separately from the procedure It should include everything you use, but not any extra materials You should include model numbers and brands where appropriate 6. PROCEDURE A listing of exactly how one did an experiment It should contain enough information so another could repeat the experiment You only need to write for one level of IV, then say repeat steps ____ You should have repeated trials at each level of the IV Diagrams are extremely helpful Qualitative data: data based on a non-standard scale Quantitative data: data based on measurement 7. QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS The stuff you notice during the course of the experiment They should include a qualitative representation (description) of the data You should include procedural irregularities Also include any extra information that you notice but doesn’t directly relate to the DV You should include observations throughout course of experiment 8. QUANTITATIVE RESULTS Data Table A chart that displays the data collected in an experiment Make sure the table is organized The table should have a title All columns and rows should be labeled including units Use correct significant figures Significant figures: the number of digits in a number that have meaning Include ALL raw data Include a summary table of important data Calculated values should be in their own columns 9. GRAPHS A pictorial representation of the data Be sure to use an appropriate type of graph, generally a bar or line graph Any trends in data should be represented Graphs should have titles All axes should be labeled including units Use an appropriate scale
Include a figure legend to briefly explain the graph 10. STATISTICS Include a measure of central tendency (mean, median, mode) Measure of central tendency: value at the center or middle of a data set Mean (average): found by adding all the values obtained and dividing by the total number of values Median: the middle value when all the values are arranged in order of increasing or decreasing magnitude Mode: the value that occurs most often Include any other appropriate statistics Measure of variation (range, standard deviation, frequency table, histograph) Range: the difference between the highest value and the lowest value Standard deviation: a measure of how closely individual data points are arranged around the mean Frequency table: measure of variation for qualitative data; lists the categories in one column and the number of times each occurred in another Histograph: a pictorial representation of a frequency table Regression line – Line of best fit showing the trend of the data Percent error: measure of how close an experimental value is to the expected value 11. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS An explanation of the data obtained including any trends found and relevant statistics Include a discussion of what the data means Discuss trends and what they mean Include statistics and what they mean Discuss unusual data points, include why they may have occurred and whether they are statistically significant Do not just restate the data, discuss it. It’s ok to throw out ideas that you aren’t sure of 12. POSSIBLE EXPERIMENTAL ERRORS A statement indicating any sources of error in an experiment Random Error: error introduced because of limited precision of instruments. It can be either higher or lower than correct value Mess-up Error: error introduced into an experiment because of a known mistake done by the experimenter or because of a faulty/poor procedure Systematic Error: error introduced because of faulty equipment. It is normally only higher or lower than correct value This is a separate section from analysis of results. You should discuss important information about data collection Give possible reasons for errors
Discuss the possible effects of errors on the data 13. CONCLUSION A statement describing the purpose, major findings, and explanation of findings of an experiment A one paragraph summary of your experiment You should include the purpose of doing the experiment You should restate your hypothesis You should evaluate your hypothesis according to the data Does the data support your hypothesis? Give reasons to accept or reject your hypothesis Don’t include lots of numbers in your conclusion 14. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER EXPERIMENTATION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Give at least one suggestion to improve the particular experiment you did (Other than we need better equipment or more time) List another possible experiment to examine your same hypothesis Give at least one suggestion for a future related experiment Give at least one practical application for the specific experiment done
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