Planning an Investigation

Planning an Investigation

Defining the Problem

• Clearly define the question or problem you aim to investigate.
• Identify the population from which you wish to collect data.
• Specify the variables you will measure or record.

Designing the Procedure

• Determine the best method of data collection (survey, observation, experiment).
• Decide how to select your sample (random, stratified, systematic, convenience).
• Formulate a detailed plan for data collection, ensuring you collect sufficient data for analysis.
• Be mindful of any confounding variables that could affect your results and plan appropriately to manage them.

Ethical Considerations

• Ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of participants, if applicable.
• Obtain informed consent from participants, if necessary.
• Avoid bias in your data collection methods.

Conducting the Investigation

• Follow your established procedure consistently to gather your data.
• Record your data accurately and organise it in a clear, logical manner ready for analysis.
• Confirm that the data collected is relevant to your investigation.

Analysing Data

• Identify any patterns and trends in your data using appropriate statistical techniques.
• Make visual representations of your data to aid understanding (graphs, charts, etc).
• Conduct any necessary statistical tests to determine the significance of your results.

Drawing Conclusions

• Interpret your results against the original question posed by your investigation.
• Determine what conclusions, if any, can be drawn from your results.
• Recognise and discuss any limitations in your investigation and suggest possible ways to overcome them in future research.

Remember, validity of the investigation is paramount. Can the results of the investigation truly answer the original question or problem posed? If not, the investigation may need to be revised or supplemented.