Numbered steps in your procedure should be clear and specific to allow for the replication of your

experiment by another person. The conscious effort to keep controlled variables constant should be evident
in your procedure. Your procedure also should be appropriate to the level of uncertainty needed. For
example, dont use a beaker to dispense a precise volume of liquid. On the other hand, dont use the
analytical balance that masses to 0.0001gram when only an approximate mass is needed. (Think!) You can
allow for the collection of sufficient data by having a large enough range of values for your independent
variable and having repeated trials. Specify and justify any assumptions underlying the procedure. Think
through potential problems in advance, and demonstrate in your lab report your plan to master these
difficulties.

Aspect 3: Developing a Method for Collection of Data

In the design of your method of data collection, you need to pay attention to the need of sufficient,
relevant data. The definition of sufficient relevant data depends on the context. The planned investigation
should anticipate the collection of sufficient data so that the aim or research question can be suitably
addressed and an evaluation of the reliability of the data can be made. Example considerations when
assessing sufficiency of data could be the following:
The plan includes the duplication of data collected in multiple trials (at least 2-3 trials).
When planning the levels of the independent variable values, 5 is the minimum number when
practical.
If a trend line is to be plotted through a scatter graph then at least 5 data points are needed.
When doing titrations, the plan should show appreciation of the need for a trial run and repeats until
consistent results are obtained.

Data Collection and Processing

Aspect 1 Aspect 2 Aspect 3

Recording Raw Data
Levels
Complete Records appropriate
quantitative and associated
qualitative raw data, including
units and uncertainties where
relevant.
Partial Records appropriate
quantitative and associated
qualitative raw data, but with
some mistakes or omissions.
None Does not record any
appropriate quantitative raw
data or raw data is
incomprehensible.
Processing Raw Data
Processes the quantitative raw
data correctly.
Processes quantitative raw
data, but with some mistakes
and/or omissions.
No processing of quantitative
raw data is carried out or
major mistakes are made in
processing.
Presenting Raw Data
Presents processed data
appropriately and, where
relevant, includes errors and
uncertainties.
Presents processed data
appropriately, but with some
mistakes and/or omissions.
Presents processed data
inappropriately or
incomprehensibly.

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