Methodology of scientific research

Objectives of the course:

- presentation of the methodology of scientific experiments, including the principles of planning and conducting experiments depending on the subject matter and conditions of the experiment,

- getting familiar with tools and techniques for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data obtained from simple experiments as well as single- and multifactorial experimental designs and for assessing the relationships between variables,

- becoming familiar with techniques of interpretation of analysis results,

- presenting the possibilities of the spreadsheet and the R software in the processing of research results.

Lectures:

1.Introduction and basic concepts used in scientific research - 1h

2.Classification criteria and types of experiments - 1h

3.Methods for carrying out strict experiments - 1h

4.Techniques for carrying out strict experiments - 2h

5.Comparison of two samples - critical approach to the t test - 2h

6.Analysis of factorial experiments - 4h

7.Contingency tables - 1h

8.Analysis of correlation and regression - 2h

9.Non-parametric inference - 1h

Classes

1.Comparison of two dependent and independent samples - 2h

2.Completely randomized design - a single factor experiment - 2h

3.Completely randomized design - a two-factor experiment - 1h

4.Completely randomized block design - a single factor experiment - 2h

5.Completely randomized block design - a two-factor experiment - 2h

6.Correlation and regression - 3h

7.Non-parametric inference and contingency tables - 3h

1.Montgomery D.C. “Design and analysis of experiments” (8th ed.), 2012, Wiley

2.Quinn G. P., Keough M. J. “Experimental design and data analysis for biologists”, 2002, Cambridge University Press.

3.Steel R. G. D., Torrie J. H. “Principles and procedures of statistics a biometrical approach” (2nd ed.), 1980, McGraw-Hill.

Knowledge - student knows and understands:

-the terminology in the field of scientific research methodology

-the planning, methodology and analysis of experiments carried out in natural and artificial conditions

-the limitations in the use of statistical tests

-the meaning of objective evaluation of observed phenomena in nature

Skills - student is able to:

-plan an experiment in natural and artificial conditions by selecting the experimental design appropriate for the subject of the experiment

-conduct an analysis of quantitative and qualitative characteristics and applies the appropriate statistical tests

-assess relations between variables and presents logical conclusions

uses advanced statistical software

Social competence -student is ready to:

-organize work in a team in order to perform a specific task

-appreciate the need to think and act logically

Lectures: written test exam, for passing an examination at least 60% of questions should be answered correctly. The contribution of the evaluation of the lectures in the final grade is 55%.

Classes: evaluation based on data analysis and problem solving, also with the use of computer programs. The contribution of the evaluation of laboratory classes in the final grade is 45%.