Analysis+of+data

This is an important skill for both designing and reporting on investigations. It is also tested in year end and from time to time in practical investigations.

In this exercise you will carry out a short investigation and produce a report including the following sections:

__Record the research question__ This will be given to you examples are given below

__Identify the variables__ What are your independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV) and control variables (CVs)? Check on the notes under investigations if you are unsure. //Hint: You will find the IV and DV in the research question.//

__Design a results table__ This can be more, but is usually a two column table. The first column is the IV (plus the units) and the second is the DV (plus the units)

__Carry out the investigation and collect the data__ Information about this can be found either under the research question link or by asking your teacher

__Draw a graph__ Refer to the advice on drawing effective graphs so that you can produce the best graph possible

__**Describe** the pattern or trend you see in the results__ Describe means say what you see. Talk about the axis and the trend, if there is one. Quote data if it's helpful.

__**Explain** what you found out, what scientific ideas does it support__ Why does Y change when you change X?

Example research questions and outlines:
 * How does increasing the mass on a spring affect it's extension?