Collecting Data

All data should be recorded into a data table. Data Tables can contain two types of information: Quantitative Data: Quantity: Number s, Measurement, etc. Qualitative Data Quality: Observations

Vital Statistics of Soda Fountain High School NameHeight (cm)Weight (kg) Sara Mist13070 Rudy Float14485 The title should cover the entire data table The title should tell you what kind of information you will find in the table. The data table on top shows column headings with SI Units The data table on bottom shows row headings with SI Units Vital Statistics of Soda Fountain High School NameSara MistRudy Float Height (cm) Weight (kg)7085

If you cannot complete a data in excel or word, it should be completed on graph paper so it is proportional and organized. Example of Qualitative Data Table Observations of Students at Soda Fountain High School Day One Student, Coco Cola was seen experimenting with Cherrie Cyrup and they seemed to have hit it off. Day Two Orin G. Fanta seems to have developed a “Crush” over Iccie Pop.

Once you have designed and completed a data table that suits your experiment, all quantitative data must be transformed for analysis. This transformation occurs in the form of graph. A graph allows you too see pattern and interpret those patterns to support or disprove your hypothesis. For our purpose graphs will be ranked in the following order: Line/Scatter (best to identify trends) Bar Pie

Generally, you should place your independent variable on the x-axis of your graph and the dependent variable on the y-axis. Be sure to label the axes of your graph Don't forget to include the units of measurement (grams, centimeters, liters, etc.). If you have more than one set of data, show each series in a different color or symbol and include a legend with clear labels.

 It is a variable that stands alone and isn't changed by the other variables you are trying to measure.  For example, someone's age might be an independent variable. Other factors (such as what they eat, how much they go to school, how much television they watch) aren't going to change a person's age.  In fact, when you are looking for some kind of relationship between variables you are trying to see if the independent variable causes some kind of change in the other variables, or dependent variables.

It is something that depends on other factors. For example, a test score could be a dependent variable because it could change depending on several factors such as how much you studied, how much sleep you got the night before you took the test, or even how hungry you were when you took it. Usually when you are looking for a relationship between two things you are trying to find out what makes the dependent variable change the way it does.

(Independent variable) causes a change in (Dependent Variable) and it isn't possible that (Dependent Variable) could cause a change in (Independent Variable). E X A M P L E (Time Spent Studying) causes a change in (Test Score) and it isn't possible that (Test Score) could cause a change in (Time Spent Studying). We see that "Time Spent Studying" must be the independent variable and "Test Score" must be the dependent variable because the sentence doesn't make sense the other way around.