Components of Good Procedure Writing

For scientists, it is critical for other researchers to replicate experimental studies to verify the results Being able to replicate the results of an investigation allows us to strengthen the conclusions made in the first study. Precision is vital in explaining how to set up the groups, how to control the constants and how the measure the variables.

The following is a list of essentials for writing procedures. Be very specific. When in doubt about how much to include about your methods, include more. It is better to remove information when you find out it is not needed than to have to stop a procedure because it is unclear what to do next

  1. Use a numbered list of steps.
  2. Organize the steps into small discrete directions in the order you would do them in lab.
  3. Avoid using pronouns.
  4. Use commands.
  5. Explain how you selected your sample of organisms or materials.
  6. Tell the reader to measure and record data when it is appropriate.
  7. Explain what data to record and how to measure this data.
  8. Refer to measurements using only the metric system.
  9. Eliminate extraneous information.
  10. Sketch and label the experimental set-up. Refer to sketch in your procedure. If you need multiple sketches, number them starting with 1. Refer to each sketch by number in the procedure.
  11. Include all steps. No matter how small the step seems, it may be the critical step for a researcher to replicate your procedure.
  12. Explain how to control all variables except the experimental, independent variable.
  13. Refer to all equipment listed in the materials section.
  14. Tell the experimenter when it is necessary to repeat one or more steps in the procedure.

Magazine Ad Experimental Design

Experimental design is the way in which cause-effect relationships are discovered in science. To show what you know about experimental design, you will design an experiment to test the claims in a magazine advertisement

Procedure:

  1. Select a magazine ad from the designated stack of magazine ads.
  2. Neatly cut-out the advertisement.
  3. Design a valid experiment that focuses on what the magazine ad is claiming. The experiment must be within school regulations. If your experiment were a movie it must be rated G or PG.
  4. Create an Experimental Design Chart showing the design of your valid experiment. This should be neatly written using markers.
  5. Write the steps for the procedure to complete this experiment. This should be a complete list of steps. Things to consider for your procedure might include:
  6. how much of the product to apply,
  7. how to choose the participants,
  8. how to measure the responses/variables,
  9. how many times to conduct experiment,
  10. what conditions must be kept the same (constants) and how to do this, what types of experimental groups are used. etc.
  11. Peer Review your procedure with another group. Redraft your procedure based on the all revisions suggested.
  12. Attach the ad and the procedure to the front of your poster. See below.

Attach add here 

Helpful Hints:All great experiments need to have:

  • Lots of repeated trials (assume you have an unlimited money supply)
  • A minimum of three different independent variable groups.
  • A control group that is well defined.
  • Legitimate constants - equipment / environment will not count unless you are specific andit really relates. Remember that constants are all the factors that must remain the same inan experiment. They are controlled variables. For example, when growing plants underdifferent color light, it is important to keep the amount of light and water that all plantsreceive constant. If you change this for each plant or groups of plants, these factors mayaffect the results. Plants with more light will grow taller, no matter if the color of the lightis blue or red.
  • A testable hypothesis
  • A detailed, repeatable procedure

Committee Review of Experimental Design.

Scientific journals often use committee review to accept or reject papers that are submitted for publication. The first step is forming a committee. Your committee should be composed of 4 people who understand scientific design and are willing to provide your with constructive criticism about your research. Your committee should be a powerful screen for the quality of your experiment so that flaws can be repaired and kinks can be worked out BEFORE it is reviewed by your teacher.

In order to help your committee be critical (in a tactful manner), we, the publishers, have provided a checklist of crucial aspects for your experimental design. Your committee is there to help you prepare your best design by examining your work with a fine tooth comb. They should ask you tough questions about your design. You need to develop responses to these questions and modify your experimental design accordingly. No detail is too small to overlook!

Experimental Design (ExD)

Needs to be only section on page

Needs “ExD” written at top, center

Title section

Accurately describes experiment

Relates IV &DV

Is fewer than 15 words

Includes all key words (for key word search)

Would be improved as a question

Includes scientific name of organism (underlined; capitalize genus)

Hypothesis section

States reasonable relationship about IV & DV

Relationship is based on research (not out of the blue)

States condition and/or effect

Sets up designed experiment

Needs to eliminate personal pronouns

Independent Variable (IV)

Quantitatively measurable or easily categorized

Can be manipulated by researcher

Experimental Groups

Well-described experimental groups

Experimental groups are feasible for researcher to create

3 or more experimental groups

States reasonable number of repeated trials for experiment

Minimum of 10 repeated trials

Control group is included

Dependent Variable (DV)

Quantitatively measurable

Is a result of IV

Controlled Experiment (Constants & Control)

Lists all necessary constants

Specifies quantities of environmental constants (ex. amount of sunlight)

Experimental groups are controllable

Materials Section

Lists all required materials

Lists quantity of materials

Lists equipment required

Is comprehensive

Researcher knows how to obtain materials and equipment

Researcher will be able to obtain materials and equipment

Methods Section

Numbered list of steps

Uses commands

Limited to steps of experiment (not do calculations)

Is comprehensive and repeatable

Steps are short & clear enough to follow easily

State how to collect exact measurements (including how to measure height)

Explains how to set-up or build equipment

Has diagram(s) to show equipment set-up

It is the recommendation of this committee that this experimental design is: (choose one)

Exceptional - minor adjustments required; little concern about project design

Skillful - some adjustments required; needs revision but minimal concern

Adequate - many adjustments required; concerned about project design

Poor - major modifications required; significant concern about project design

Unacceptable - major alterations required; significant concern about project design

The revisions that need to occur for reconsideration are:

1. ______6. ______

2. ______7. ______

3. ______8. ______