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Lab 1 Scientific Method and Epidemiology
In this lab, we are going to learn about the basic steps of the scientific method. A core concept used in science research is the hypothesis. A hypothesis is a fancy way of describing a possible theory of why something happens or why something can be true/false. Refer to this website for more detailed information on the various aspects involved in creating and testing a hypothesis as part of the scientific method.
Lets talk about population sizes and epidemiology. Having a larger population is important for scientific research. There is a property known as power in statistics and to over-simplify a somewhat complicated topic, the more data points (larger population) you have the greater your power. That means that there is more weight behind your research study, and the greater likelihood that your hypothesis will be valid. For example, in epidemiology studies an increase in population leads to the epidemiological findings having more weight. We will learn how to formulate a hypothesis about epidemiology using something topical: COVID-19.
We want you to visit this database: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#demographics and look at some data points such as race, age, and sex and others. You will see a menu bar on the left that categorize data into topics like Pediatric and Your Community.
Please use the website above!!!!!
Come up with your own hypothesis regarding something related to COVID-19 and then use the different data points from this website to see if your hypothesis is valid or not. Some examples of possible hypotheses: there are more cases of COVID in the United States than New Zealand, or males aged 18-29 are more likely to have COVID-19 than females aged 18-29, due to differences in mask-wearing habits. (Its okay if your hypothesis is not validated by the data on the website). We are more interested in your critical thinking skills and thought process.
Write-up Rubric
.docx or .pdf submissions only (all other file types will get a zero)
Labs must be submitted by 11:59pm on the due date through TurnItIn. You will lose 1 point per day it is late. Anything submitted after a week will receive a 0.
Plagiarism detected by TurnitIn will get a 0. We simply cannot give you credit for work that you did not do but instead copied.
Cite using the APA style
When using information in a source please pay attention to the power of paraphrasing. It is easy to quote a source verbatim, put it in quotes and then cite it, but this does not give you credibility as a new expert on the topic. Showing knowledge and understanding of a topic requires that you read your source, digest the information, and then deliver it in your own words. If you quote large blocks of information from your source, you will lose points. Please also cite using in-line citations (author, year). Generally speaking, in scientific writing (and as a good practice for any sort of technical writing) when you say a fact, you need to provide an in-line citation of where you found that information. The only exception to this rule is for common knowledge in the field. Common knowledge is any fact that nearly all people in your audience widely know and accept, or can be easily observed (e.g., the sky is blue just walk outside and look up).
For the purposes of these labs, there will be very little common knowledge because all this information is new to the class so, please make sure to use in-line citations generously.
Formatting (1 point):
(0.2 points) 12 point font in a standard font (such as Arial, Times, or Calibri)
(0.2 points) Single Spaced
(0.2 points) Separate page for graphics, figures, and references.
(0.2 points) Each section has a clear header.
(0.2 points) 1 Page limit reached
Introduction (2 points): Introduce the lab and your hypothesis. Give pertinent background information as needed that explains what you are doing.
(0.5 points) Clear and strong hypothesis
(0.5 points) Background Information with in-text citations for all facts in APA style.
(0.5 points) Background information leads logically to your hypothesis.
(0.5 points) No information that should be in other sections (e.g., discussion).
Methods (1.5 points): Talk about what you did for the lab to collect the data and/or information as well as the analyses you did.
(0.5 points) Clear explanation of all steps take to collect the data with enough detail that someone could repeat the work. Copy and paste of the lab manual is not okay. This must be your own words.
(0.5 points) Clear explanation steps taken to analyze any data. Copy and paste of the lab manual is not okay. This must be your own words.
(0.5 points) No information that should be in other sections (e.g., results).
Results (1.5 points): Talk about the data you collected and the results of the analysis without analyzing it. Analysis means that you are telling us what the data and results means. For example, this group was bigger than that one. Just state the numbers and let the reader figure out which one is bigger on their own. Save the analysis for the discussion!
(0.5 points) All required results are stated. Here you need to call out at least two of the key features of the graphs and statistics you found on the CDC website. Remember not to say this column is bigger than that one. That is analysis and belongs in the discussion!
(0.5 points) Results written in paragraph form as a narrative.
(0.5 points) No conclusions of what the results mean or information that belongs in another section of the report. Note graphics like charts belong in the graphics section!
Discussion (2 points): Analyze the data in your results and relate that to your hypothesis. The discussion section will also be where you talk about how to improve your research and why this type of study matters.
(0.5 points) Summary of what was found and why it matters.
(0.5 points) Clear statement of whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected and why.
(0.5 points) Statement(s) of what the strengths of the experimental approach were.
(0.5 points) Statement(s) of what the weaknesses of the experimental approach were including possible sources of error or bias.
References (1 point):
(0.5 points) At least one references given in APA style.
(0.5 points) References are reliable and valid sources. (e.g., pass the CRAAP test).
Graphics (1 point):
(0.5 points) Required graphics are given: At least two charts that support your hypothesis.
(0.5 points) Appropriate labels are provided for each graphic. This include chart titles and axis labels.
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