Research Methods for the Biosciences

by Holmes, Debbie; Moody, Peter; Dine, Diana

• ISBN13: 9780199545766
• ISBN10: 0199545766
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-11-03
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Scientific research is the ultimate tool in pushing forward the limit of our understanding. But, as with any tool, research is only powerful if used properly, and to its full effect. Research Methods in the Biosciencesdemystifies the process of research to equip every biosciences student with the skills they need to get the most out of their investigations. Research isn't solely about experimental design; the book leads them through all the factors that, together, enable effective research. These include planning your experiment; data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting; and legal, ethical, and health & safety considerations. Research Methods for the Biosciencesbrings together the knowledge and skills required of every good researcher as a coherent whole, making it the essential resource for any biosciences student. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre to accompanyResearch Methods for the Biosciencesconstitutes a totally flexible teaching and learning package, keyed directly to the text, featuring interactive tasks and exercises for both formative and summative assessment, and additional reference materials for both student and lecturer. For students: DT Statistical software walkthroughs for SPSS, Excel, and minitab DT Complete details of calculations given in boxes DT Interactive and printable decision tree, to aid in deigning your experiment DT Interactive and printable risk assessment form DT Integrative exercises based on published and unpublished student work DT Weblinks DT Hyperlinked glossary For lecturers: DT A test bank of questions DT Figures from the book available to download

Author Biography

Debbie Holmes is a senior lecturer, and Diana Dine and Peter Moody are lecturers, in the Department of Applied Sciences, Geography and Archaeology at University College Worcester, UK. Between them, the authors have wide experience of teaching across a broad range of biological and environmental science-based subject areas, and developing web-based resources to support their undergraduate teaching.

Table of Contents

Part I: Designing your experiment
1. Where do I begin?
2. Planning your experiment
3. Questions, focus groups and interviews
4. Resarch, the law and you
Part II: Analysing your data
5. What to do with my raw data
6. An introduction to hypothesis testing
7. Hypothesis testing: Do my data fit an expected ratio?
8. Hypothesis testing: Associations and Relationships
9. Hypothesis testing: Do my samples come from the same population? Parametric data
10. Hypothesis testing: Do my samples come from the same population? Non-parametric data
Part II: Writing your report
11. Reporting your research
Appendices
Glossary
References