Investigatory Project Guidelines Dr. Uy
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Intel fetes Pinoy student for developing fungicide vs 'banana blight„ GMA News Online, May 23, 2013
"From Philippines, Judel Jay Tabsing from Panabo National High School won fourth award in the plant sciences: agriculture and agronomy category and awarded $500.00 for his project entitled „impatiens balsamina (kamantigue kamantigue)) leaf extract as potential fungicide against fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race four causing fusarium wilt of banana,‟" Intel said.
On Science Investigatory Project
Mylene M. Uy, D.Sc. Chemistry Department MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology Technology Iligan City
The Idea of Mentoring
used today in every almost every forum of learning
Mentoring relationships commonly form across broad experience gaps e.g. professor/teacher professor/teacher to student.
Scientific mentoring is a personal, one-on-one
relationship wherein the mentor is exposed to the mentee‟s energy and ideas, and the mentee
receives the necessary guidance and encouragement.
http://www.hhmi.org/labmanagement
Traits of a Good Mentor
attitude Accessibility:: An approachable attitude Accessibility
Empathy:: Personal insight into what the mentee Empathy is experiencing
Open-mindedness:: Respect for the mentee’s Open-mindedness mentee’s individuality
stated principles on a Consistency:: Acting on your stated Consistency regular basis
make mistakes Patience:: Awareness that people make Patience
communicate the hard truths truths Honesty:: Ability to communicate Honesty
Savvy:: Attention to the pragmatic aspects of things Savvy http://www.hhmi.org/labmanagement
Roles of a Mentor
an advisor with career experience willing to share his/her knowledge, expertise and skills;
a supporter who gives emotional and moral encouragement;
a tutor who gives specific feedback on one's performance;
a sponsor of information about and aid in obtaining opportunities;
a role model of identity
Council of Graduate Schools ( http://www.cgsnet.org )
Strategies for Effective Mentoring
Make everything a learning opportunity Make the student/mentee feel empowered to Seek whatever he needs to do good science.
Set specific goals and measures of accomplishment
Encourage strategic thinking and creativity Don‟t rush in too quickly with interpretations of data or
solutions to problems. Let the mentee take the first stab. Be thoughtful and ask probing and guiding questions.
Strategies for Effective Mentoring (cont‟d.)
Uphold professional standards Encourage good time-management techniques and record keeping; Offer criticism in a way that doesn‟t
shame and discourage them.
Impart technical skills
Give moral support be supportive and honest; give extra encouragement when the research isn‟t going smoothly
as advisor : a mentor must guide the student‟s research from beginning to completion:
Selection of a topic
Writing the research proposal
Performing the research
Critical Evaluation of the research data
Writing the report
Making the presentation exhibit
How to go through the oral defense
The Basics of Research
What is research?
Aims of research
Attributes of high-quality research
Types of research
Why conduct research
What is research?
the systematic approach to discovery and validation of knowledge
Involves: finding answers to questions discovering and interpreting new facts discovering testing theories in order to revise accepted theories and/or laws in the light of new facts formulating new theories
an organized and systematic way of finding answers to questions
Aims of research 1. Observe and describe: describes what is
going on or what exists 2. Predict: predicts trend or pattern 3. Explain: establishes correlations and
postulating a casual mechanism (theory or hypothesis) to explain events 4. Interpret: understands the reasons and
intentions behind individual actions
Attributes of high-quality research
It is based on the work of others. It can be replicated. It is generalizable (from sample to population) population ). It is based on some logical rationale and tied to theory. It is doable. It generates new questions or is cynical in nature. It is incremental. It is an apolitical activity that should be undertaken for the betterment of society.
Types of Research
According to its purpose: 1) Exploratory (formulative) research
conducted when only few / no earlier studies to which references can be made for information
the focus is on gaining insights and familiarity with the subject area for more rigorous investigation later
Types of Research
According to its purpose: 2) Descriptive research
used to identify and obtain information on the characteristics of a particular issue
goes further than exploratory research in examining a problem
According to its purpose: 3)
Analytical research
a continuation of descriptive research
the researcher goes beyond merely describing the characteristics, to analyze and explain why or how something is happening
According to its purpose: 4)
Predictive research
forecasts the likelihood of a similar situation occurring elsewhere
provides “how”, “why” and “where” answers
to current events as well as similar events in the future
also helps answer to “what if” questions
These types are important elements in marketing, technological and social science fields.
Type of Research
Example
Exploratory An interview survey among clerical staff in a
particular office, department, company, group of companies, industry, industry, region and so on, to find out what motivates them to increase their productivity (that is, to see if a research problem can be formulated). f ormulated).
Descriptive A description of how the selected clerical staff are
rewarded and what measures are used to record their productivity levels.
Analytical
An analysis of any relationships between the rewards given to the clerical staff and their productivity levels.
Predictive
A forecast of which variable(s) should be changed in order to bring about a change in the productivity levels of clerical staff.
According
to its process:
1) Quantitative research
Usually starts with a theory or a general statement proposing a general relationship between variables
Typically concentrates on measuring or counting and involves collecting and analyzing numerical data and applying statistical tests
According
to its process:
2) Qualitative research
the investigator views the phenomena to be investigated investigated as more personal and softer
uses methods such as personal accounts, unstructured interviews and participant observations to gain an understanding of the underlying reasons and motivations for peoples‟ attitudes, preferences or behaviors
emphasizes emphasizes more on generating hypotheses from data collection rather than testing a hypothesis
According to the outcome of research:
1) Applied research
problem-oriented
concerned with applying scientific theory to real-life problems
carried out to solve a specific problem that requires a decision
According to the outcome of research: 2) Basic research
conducted primarily to improve our understanding of general issues, without any emphasis on its immediate applications
most academic form of research since the principal aim is to make a contribution to knowledge, usually for the general good, rather than to solve a specific problem for one organization organization
May take the form of: o Discovery where a totally new idea or explanation explanation emerges from empirical research which may revolutionize thinking on that particular topic. o Invention where a new technique or method is created. o Reflection where an existing theory, technique or group of ideas is re-examined possibly in a different organizational or social context.
3)
Action research
action is both an outcome and part of the research
researcher “interferes” with or changes – deliberately-
what is being researched leading to a loss of critical, detached objectivity
has the following approaches: o Classical Action Research begins with the idea that if you want to understand something, you should try changing it. o New Paradigm Research claims that research can never be neutral and that most static and conventional research exposes the need for change in what is being researched. Those being researched can decide how the research will be undertaken, in what form and with what questions being asked.
Why conduct research? to review and synthesize existing knowledge to investigate some existing situation or problem to provide solutions to a problem to explore and analyse more general issues to construct or create a new procedure or system to explain a new phenomenon to generate new knowledge a combination of any of the above.
Phases in Conducting a Science Investigatory Project PHASE I : THE PROPOSAL PHASE II: THE INVESTIGATION PHASE III. THE OUTPUT
1. The The Writt ritten en Report port 2. The Exhibit 3. The Oral Defense
Phase I: The Proposal “One's research is only as a good as one's proposal.” What
is an IP proposal?
Purposes
of an IP proposal
Core components of an IP proposal
Additional
components of an IP proposal
Tips
and Suggestions
What is an IP proposal? A
written document which describes the project the researcher plans to do:
What the researcher plans to accomplish
Why he wants to do it
How is he going to do it
Core Components of an IP Proposal A
description of the research question
An
indication of why the problem is
important A
review of relevant literature
A
description of the proposed prop osed methodology
A
time frame
Or in plain English… What
does the researcher want to do?
Why
does he want to do it?
Why
is it important?
Who
has done similar work?
How
is the researcher going to do it?
How
long will it take?
Sample Outline for an IP Proposal I. Title of Study II. Introduction A. B. C. D.
Background of the Study Statement of the Problem Significance of the Study Scope and Delimitation
III. Theoritical Theoritical Framework Framework A. B. C. D. E.
Review of Related Literature and Studies Synthesis Conceptual Framework Hypotheses or Assumption Definition of Terms and Variables
IV. Meth Method odol olog ogy y A. B. C. D. E.
Research Design Samples and Sampling Techniques Instrumentation Data Gathering Procedure Statistical Analysis
V. Time Time Tabl Table e (Du (Dura rati tion on of the the Res Resea earc rch) h) VI. VI. Budg Budget etar ary y Requi Require reme ment nts s VII. References References Cited
Some thoughts and suggestions on the components
Describing the research question “The formulation of a problem is often more essential than it‟s solution, which
may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old questions from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”
(Einstein & Infeld, 1938)
Describing the research question First,
find a research question!
o
Observation of the world
o
Concern with theory
o
Previous research
o
Practical concerns
o
Personal interests
Choosing a research question
A
broad research area area is not a research question.
Formulate
a number of questions, and weigh up the pros and cons.
The
proposal must reflect that the question has been thought through.
Criteria for choosing include.. Access
to information
Access
to resources
Theoritical background Value
of research
Researcher‟s Is
skills
question big or small enough
External requirements Overall
probability of successful completion
Interest
to researcher
Title of the Study Defines
the area of interest, identifying the subject of research (purpose of study)
Carries
the central theme and paints a quick picture of the key ideas of the project
Should
be clear, unambiguous, short and
meaningful
I. INTRODUCTION Sets
the tone for the rest of the proposal
the researcher‟s credibility and the significance of his ideas
Establishes Establishes
Conveys
problem
the importance of the research
Background of the study Includes
the setting of the identified research
problem Presentation
should be directed into what the problem is investigating.
Can
include studies and literature which can strengthen the reason for the investigation
The
flow of discussion should naturally lead to the presentation of the problem.
Statement of the Problem includes
the objectives of the study
Problem
should be stated both in general terms and specific terms
General
statement of the problem is usually a
reiteration of the title of the study Specific
problems should be quantifiable and measureable and specifically stated
Significance of the Research The research must be of value, e.g.
Practical value in solving problems
Value to policy development
Contribution to theory
Contribution to body of knowledge within a field of discipline
Scope and Limitations: Setting the limits
Specify the limits of the research in a way which makes in clear what is and what is not to be studied through, for example,
Definitions
Time spans
Geographical boundaries
Other limits as appropriate to the field of study
II.
THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK
Review of Related Literature and Studies Provides
a conceptual framework for the
research Provides
an integrated overview of the field
of study Helps May
establish the need for the research
help clarify the research problem
Helps
demonstrate the researcher‟s familiarity with the area under consideration
(theory and/or methods)
Skills involved in producing a literature review Surveying
a comprehensive range of existing materials and sources in the general areas of
the study: study:
Speaking to other investigators working in the same related fields
Speaking to other investigators from other disciplines
Searching the journals related to the topic
Searching Internet for relevant information
Selecting
those that will be most relevant and significant for the particular project
Skills involved in producing a literature review Understanding
and analyzing the central
findings and arguments Synthesizing
the findings and integrating them into the IP proposal
A
good literature review generally contains an argument.
How to write a literature review The
ways in which the authors being reviewed will be relevant to the project should be indicated. (information; theory; methodology) methodology)
The
similarities and differences between these works and paradigms must be understood and demonstrated. (Where do they stand in relation
to each other? Where does the project stand in relation to them?)
How to write a literature review The
works that are being referred to should reflect recent scholarship as well as those considered of seminal importance.
If
the study is cross-disciplinary or comparative, how the different areas of research can be drawn together in a meaningful way has to be described.
Questions that help in compiling a literature review What
are the broad bodies of literature that have relevance for the research topic ( local and international)?
What
theoritical model/s relate to the IP topic?
What
theories, methods and results have previous researches in the selected field produced?
What
is the history of the area of study?
Questions to help you in compiling a literature review What
are the most recent findings in the selected area of study?
What
gaps or contradictions exist among these findings?
What
new research questions do these findings suggest?
What
structure suits the literature review best?
What
should be left out?
Synthesis A
necessary portion of the review revie w of related literature
Presents
the relationship of the present study to the investigations being reviewed; summarizes and emphasizes its relevance to the current study
Conceptual Framework A
scheme formulated out of the review of
related literature and studies conducted: the researcher‟s own position on the
problem
must clarify the relationships between and among the major variables of the study
Should
be illustrated further in a
conceptual paradigm
Hypothesis or Assumptions formulations or explanations about the expected outcomes of the study
Tentative
A
null hypothesis represents the current
view/explanation of an aspect of the world; this is the researcher wants to challenge. An
alternative form form (research hypothesis) which could be tested using statistical tools, is often formulated to test the null hypothesis.
Definition Definition of Terms and and Variables Variables:: Setting the Limits Provide
explicit definitions for key concepts
Terms don‟t always have single meanings
understood in the same way by all
the readers should not be under- or overestimated
mechanistic dictionary definitions of all terms must be avoided
III. METHODOLOGY
What does the methodology section section do? What should it contain? The
methodology section shows the reader how the researcher is going to set about looking for answers to the research question (including, if appropriate materials and methods to be used).
It
must include enough detail to demonstrate that the researcher is competent and the project is feasible.
The
proposed methods must be a p p r o p r i a t e to the type of research.
Research Design/ Method scheme or plan of action to be used to meet the
research objectives of the study A
detailed plan on how the research will be
conducted Defines the
the quality of the research output
Scientific Method is a standard on how to do research that aims to discover new knowledge
The Scientific Method of Research a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments
General Types of Research Design 1. Expe Experi rime ment ntal al meth method od 2. Hist Histor oric ical al meth method od 3. Desc Descri ript ptiv ive e meth method od A.
Content Analysis
B.
Case Study
C.
Feasibility Study
D.
Survey Method
1. Expe Experi rime ment ntal al Meth Method od
Utilizes experimentation
Describes and analyzes variable to know the occurrence of a particular event
Considered the most prestigious method in advancing scientific knowledge
May be performed outside or inside the laboratory conditions
Involves variables : processes/conditions or anything that can be quantitatively or qualitatively changed from one condition to another ; d e p e n d e n t t or i n d e p e n d e n t
Usually involves two groups: c o n t r o l and e x p e r i m e n t a l groups
2. Hist Histor oric ical al Meth Method od A
critical investigation investigation of the past past events, experiences and development
Involves
the careful evaluation of the sources of past information and the interpretations of the weighted evidence
Helps
discover the truth and shed light on the issues under study
3. Desc Descri ript ptiv ive e Meth Method od
Describes the nature of a situation as it is exists at the time of the study and explores the course of a particular phenomenon
Used to discover facts on which judgment could be biased
Used in different fields of study due to t o its applicability to solve various kinds of methods
Samples and Sampling Techniques Brief
description or profile of the population involved in the research study
Sampling Specific
size; how will it be determined
technique/s to be used in
selecting the samples
Ways to Determine Representativeness Representativeness of Samples
Use of percentage : Acceptable representative samples in
the population
Use of specific margin of error : appropriate margin of error
for a population size
descriptive research :20% for a population of 500 and less and 10% for a population of 1000 or more Experimental research: 30 per group or 15 sub-subjects
+5% for 500 +3% for 1500
Use of formula
n
N = ------------------------------l + (n) (e)2
where n = size of sample l = constant N =size of population e = desired margin of error
Sampling Techniques 1. Th The e Prob Probab abil ilit ity y Samp Sampli ling ng
The process of selecting a suitable sample of study where each member of the population is given equal chance to be selected May be random, systematic or cluster
2. The Non Non-pr -proba obabil bility ity Sam Sampli pling ng
Uses no system of selecting samples, hence there is no guarantee of equal chances of representation in the samples May be accidental, purposive or quota
Instrumentation
The process of developing devices that could be used to gather data on the study
In S & T : description of the facilities that will be used for the project
Data Gathering Procedure
Details of data gathering procedure
Includes a time frame for the collection of data
Who will do the data collection
Statistical Analysis
What statistical procedure should be used in analyzing the research data and why?
Should be in consonance with the objectives and hypotheses of the study
Commonly Used Statistical Tools 1.
Mean
2.
Median
3.
Mode
4.
Tests of of Si Significance A.
B.
Parametric tests
The Pearson Product-Moment Correlation
One-way Anova or F-Test
Two-Way Anova or Two-Way Test
T-Test for Independent Sample Means
T-Test for Dependent Sample Means
Z-Test
Non-parametric tests
Chi-square Goodness of Fit Test
Chi-square of Test of Association
Some Thoughts About Writing • The work must always be structured in advance. • The researcher must know what he wants to say before writing. • Every sentence must contain one idea only. • Each sentence must follow logically from the one before. A well-written well-written text is a “chain of ideas”.
Notes on Style
Do… Do … produce a professional looking proposal … be interesting … be informative … write in way that is easy to read … include a contents page … use clear headings and sub-headings sub-headings … be concise and precise … use simple language wherever possible … construct clear arguments … check the spelling and grammar … reference the work fully using an acceptable format …
Notes on Style
Don‟t… Don‟t … …use words when not absolutely certain of their meaning … use difficult words just to impress the readers … use overly simplistic language … digress
Success Indicators Clearly
defined IP question
Appropriate
literature provides a background
to the study Use
of other sources to identify/support the problem
Objectives
clearly specified
Conceptual
framework & theoritical assumptions clearly stated
Appropriate
design & methodology
Promotes further Preliminary Necessary
research/investigation research/investigation
data/ pilot study
resources available
Failure Indicators Too
long
Poor
structure, language used
Inappropriate Research No
too ambitious
literature review
Literature No
use of technical terms
review copied
theoritical foundation
Budget
not linked to methodology
Unrealistic
costing
Methods
not clear
Methods
inappropriate
No
references/ bibliography
Phase II: The Investigation
The researcher should know what to do;
should be prepared and think ahead about safety.
All observations during the experiment must be recorded in a notebook.
The experimental procedure must be exactly followed. If changes have to done, which often happens, they should be recorded.
The researcher must be consistent, careful, and accurate when taking measurem measurements ents.
The whole experiment must be documented (pictures/ videos) as possible for use in the exhibit.
Phase III: The Output 1. The Writt tte en Report Title Abstract
lets people quickly determine if they want to read the entire report; must be exciting and engaging!
should
be one or two paragraphs only
usually contains an introduction, the problem statement, the procedure, results and conclusion
Things to Avoid Avoid in Preparing the Abstract jargon
or any technical technical terms that most readers
won't understand
abbreviations or acronyms that are not commonly
understood unless their meanings are described Abstracts
do not have a bibliography or citations.
Abstracts
do not contain tables or graphs .
If working with a scientist or mentor, the abstract should only include procedures done by the researcher and acknowledgements to anyone should not be put.
1. The Written Report (cont‟d.) Chapter 1 Introduction and Its Background Statement of the Problem Formulation of the Hypothesis Significance of the Study Scope and Delimitation of the Study Definition Definit ion of o f Terms Terms
Chapter 2 Review of Related Literature and Studies
Chapter 3 Methodology The Subject of the Study The Procedure(s) The Statistical Treatment
1. The Written Report (cont‟d.) Chapter 4
Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Data may be presented through table or graph. Both may also be used if you want to clearly figure out your data.
A
table must be properly labelled.
Graph can be line graph, bar graph, pie graph and pictograph.
Analyze
the data data scientifically scientifically.. Interpret them according to what had been quantified and measured. Numerical data should be interpreted clearly in simple and descriptive statements.
1. The Written Report (cont‟d.) Chapter 5
Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
The Summary should be brief (one or two paragraphs only) and must include the research problems, methodology and findings.
The Conclusion is the direct statement based on findings or results. It should answer the hypothesis and research problems.
The Recommendation consists of suggestions on future actions such as a new direction of research or further experiments to be performed, practices that might be adapted or discard in order to attain certain goals or objectives.
Phase III: The Output 2. The Exhibit The display should be a promotional presentation and not a full description of the project.” “
must be attractive and informative
must make it easy for interested spectators and judges to assess the study and the results r esults obtained.
must make the most of the space using clear and concise display
A general display board layout:
Organize the information like a newspaper so that
the audience can quickly follow the thread of the experiment by reading from top to bottom, then left to right. Include each step of the science IP.
A font size of at least 16 points must be used
for the text on the display board, so that it is easy to read from a few feet away; slightly smaller fonts for captions on picture and tables are acceptable. acceptable.
The title should be big and easily read from across the room; should accurately describe the work, but must also grab peoples„ attention. A picture speaks a thousand words! Photos or
diagrams must be used to present nonnumerical data, to propose models that explain the results, or just to show the experimental setup. But, text must not be put on top of photographs or images since it can be very difficult to read.
Phase III: The Output 3. The Oral Defense “Practice Makes Perfect! Be Professional!”
The researcher should communicate his IP well.
A
short "speech" (about 2 –5 minutes long) must be prepared summarizing the project. The researcher gives this speech when he first meets the judges. Use simple terms so anyone can understand it.
A
list of possible questions must be organized and prepare/practice answers for them.
The researcher must practice explaining the project to others and pretend they are judges.
Phase III: The Output 3. The Oral Defense (cont‟d.)
The researcher should make good use of the display board; pointing to diagrams and graphs when discussing them.
He should always be positive and enthusiastic!
He should be confident with his answers and not mumble.
If he has no idea what the judge is asking, or do not know the answer to their question, it is okay to say "I do not know."
Phase III: The Output 3. The Oral Defense (cont‟d.) • If the researcher doesn‟t agree with the judge‟s judge‟ s comment? comment? Thats OK!
The researcher should not get into an argument with the judge.
If he feels the need to defend his point, he should politely explain it to the judge.
If the judge is still adamant about his point, the researcher must thank him and and agree it is an important point the judge has brought up – later the researcher can think more about it – who knows, maybe the judge is right after all (and maybe he‟s not).
DOST Priority Areas of Research Agriculture
and Food Biotechnology Disaster Mitigation and Management Environment and Natural Resources Electronics Energy Genomics Health ICT Manufacturing Nanotechnology Semiconductors
“These fronts represent areas of current focus and are key fields to watch in 2013.” “Some prominent themes: climate change; cell
signaling; quantum behavior; energy research; computing for analysis, visualization, and modeling; and the importance of technology in the form of powerful instrumentation as a driver of scientific discovery and, ultimately, ultimately, of innovations that can transform our world.”
Agricultural, Plant and Animal Sciences
Impact of climate change on food crops
Comprehensive classification of fungi based on molecular evolutionary analysis
Arabidopsis
chloroplast RNA editing
Plant signaling compounds in relation to stress, damage and developmental processes
Insect resistance to transgenic crops
Ecology and Environmental Environmental Sciences
Ocean acidification and marine ecosystems
Biodiversity and functional ecosystems
Mangrove forests and climate change
Models and impacts of land-use change
Pharmaceutical residues in environmental water and wastewater
Community ecology and phylogenetic comparative biology
Climate warming, altered thermal niches, and species impact
Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics Photocatalytic hydrogen production/ Alternative Energy Energy
Nanoparticles/ Solar
cells
Drug
discovery
Nanomaterials
Green Chemistry Material
Composites
Superconductors
Helpful Web resources http://www.scienceproject.com/index.asp http:www.investogatoryprojectexample.com/scienceprojects/ http://explorable.com/research-basics http://www.juliantrubin.com/branchesofsciencefair.html http://www.makeitsolar.com/index.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/ http://regon3.dost.gov.ph/
Workshop 1.
Grou roup yourselves in into fifive (5).
2.
Choo Choos se a re resear searc ch top topic ic.. Giv Give e pos poss sible ble research questions and evaluate. Choose one and refine it as much as possible.
3.
Construct the title.
4.
Write rite down own th the ob object jectiv ive es of of the the stud study y.
5.
Give the scope an and limitation.
6.
What What rese resear arch ch desi design gn(s (s)/ )/ meth method od(s (s)) wou would ld you you use?
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