How to write up an experiment
Aim: This is the reason for doing the experiment. It may contain a research question, but it must state what it is that we are investigating or what we hope to find out.
Hypothesis: This is the basis behind your plan which leads you to believe that the experiment can be successfully carried out. It may also contain a prediction of the final answer (supported by your reasons)
Method or plan: This is what was actually done or is going to be done. It may need a diagram, in which case it should be drawn using a ruler and pencil and it must be labelled. The apparatus used should always be shown assembled and not in individual pieces. It should be set out so that someone else can easily understand the process.
Results: This is where
we record all of the readings and measurements taken in the course of the experiment.
All observations should also be recorded here. This is called the raw data.
The raw data should be presented in such a way as they are easily read and understood,
usually a table.
The data should then be processed ("treated"), which means that any
calculations or graphs, answers etc. must appear in this section. Care should
be taken to present the processed data for easy interpretation.
Conclusions: The results should be explained here and the aim answered. You must state what you found out in the investigation and look for general principles and patterns.
Evaluation: This is where you critically appraise the experiment.
|
|
|