Data Collection

Collecting field data is going well. As I wrote out my experimental design for the second field study assignment I realized there were some areas of my study design that could be improved. I changed my predictor variable (amount of full sun exposure the tree receives) to continuous which changes my study design from ANOVA to regression. I had originally categorized the trees into different levels of sun exposure based on where they were situated in the cluster. Previously I put all the trees in the back of the cluster in the ‘little to no direct sun’ category, the ones on the side into the ‘some sun’ category and the trees in the front of the cluster in were ‘constant direct sun’. However, when I actually went to my site and observed their sun exposure for the day I realized it wasn’t quite that simple, they all had varying amounts of exposure as the sun moved throughout the day so instead of categorizing I will measure the variable in hours of direct sunlight per day. I also decided to take multiple (3) measurements of height for each tree and then use the average as my official height of the tree in hopes of generating more accurate data. I am still trying to figure out how to classify my sample method, I believe I am using a haphazard cluster method. The clusters of trees are groups of black cherry trees planted together and varying in hours of sun exposure. I choose the first group/cluster I came across therefore the clusters are being chosen haphazardly. I am currently still trying to find more clusters of trees so I can replicate my study a couple more times. I am happy to say that so far the data is supporting my hypothesis and prediction, as the amount of full sunlight decreases the heights of the trees increase.