Experimental Design

[andrewwski]

hold up...what's central tendency? and by variation, do you just mean range and standard deviation?

Central tendency is basically the mean and median. The mean is a nonresistant measure of central tendency, the median is resistant.

Do you by any chance mean variance when you say variation? Variance is the square of the standard deviation. One actually computes the standard deviation by first finding the variance.

[Paradox21]

What would be the best way to "study" for this event?

[packer-backer91]

What would be the best way to "study" for this event?

The best thing is to do some experiments with who ever you will be doing this event with. The biggest thing in this event is the use of time you must be efficient to get the most points possible.

[Paradox21]

Is there a site that has a list of practice experiments? I know that SOinc has one, but are there more?

[Flavorflav]

Do they always give you the rubric? And when they give you the problem, it usually specific or general? Like, "do an experiment about electricity," or "derive Ohm's Law?

[dudeincolorado]

Obviously I can't say for ALL regions and states, but here in Colorado rubric are on the answer sheets and the objectives are VERY general.

[ZekeBud]

Do they always give you the rubric? And when they give you the problem, it usually specific or general? Like, "do an experiment about electricity," or "derive Ohm's Law?

I would take a look at some of the examples posted in this thread and on the Wiki. The range of specificity is quite broad. I would be prepared for anything from "Derive (insert equation here)" to "Nothing."

Furthermore, I would argue that the "Nothing" category is vastly more interesting and allows for great flexibility. The event coordinators simply hand you various materials and some paper (for your answer). Does this mean anything for you? It does: get ready for whatever they throw at you. In the very open case, spend a bit of time discussing the experiment you will run and then stick with it. Remember that you are time limited, but you will also need a Problem Statement that is usable in an experimental setting.

Practice, and have a very stingy coach act as judge and grade you - you'll get very critical remarks but you'll improve because of it.

[Flavorflav]

I believe "nothing" would be against the rules this year. They changed they wording from "may" to "will" in the topic section.

[dudeincolorado]

Ooo, they bolded it and everything. But hey it still can be VERY broad. Most experiments, anyways, are physics based. So if the coordinator could just assign "Physics" it would be like assigning nothing.

[eaodon7747]

Ooo, they bolded it and everything. But hey its still can be VERY broad. Most experiments, anyways, are physics based. So if the coordinator could just assign "Physics" it would be like assigning nothing.

yea....