Study object: grass density
3 locations: According to the density of the grass, I observed 3 sites
Underlying processes: Based on my observations, I found that site 1 had very few new grow grass, and most of the grass are dead. It is possible that the frequent human activity is disturbing this area. Although site 2 has more living grass and less dead grass, the landlord and other tenants still walked back and forth in this area sometimes. Site 3, on the other hand, was rarely stepped on. Therefore, I think it is possible that the frequent level of human activity caused the difference between the three locations.
Hypothesis: The density of grass is influenced by the frequency of human activity.
Formal prediction: The higher the frequency of human activity, the smaller the density of grass and the more area of soil exposed. When the frequency of human activities is low, the density of grass is larger, and the area of exposed soil is smaller.
Response variable: grass density (continuous). Measured by percent area is covered by grass.
Predictor variable: frequency of human activity (categorical). Recorded as ‘most frequent’, ‘less frequent’, and ‘not frequent’. For ‘most frequent’, it is quantified as 6-10 times per day; ‘less frequent’ as 2-5 times per day; and ‘not frequent’ as 0-1 times per day.
Study design: ANOVA. Because the predictor variable is categorical, and the response variable is continuous.
This could work as a topic though I am wondering if you will be able to have multiple replicates because you only have 3 small areas to sample. You should aim for a minimum of 5 replicates per area along your gradient. You will have to think about what your sample unit is.
Also, it is good to consider if this is a topic that you can write a whole paper on including writing a whole introduction about whether grass is less dense when people walk on it frequently. It is a fairly basic and straightforward question which can seem easy but can be more difficult to write a paper and meet all the aspects of the introduction and discussion.
Hi Reudink! Thank you for your comment. According to your suggestions, I’m thinking of changing my study identity to the Phaseolus Coccineus. Following are the details of my new study design.
There are total 18 beans planted in the backyard. They were sown at the same time, but the growth progress was not the same. Based on my observation throughout the day, I assumed that it may because they received different durations of sunlight.
Therefore I want to divide them into three groups (predictor variables) with the longest sunlight exposure, medium sunlight exposure, and shortest sunlight exposure (I will quantify the sunlight exposure of each group if this a feasible topic). There will be six samples of plants in each group.
The hypothesis of the study will be that the length of exposure to sunlight would affect the growth rate of the beans.
The response variable will be the number of buds and flowers in each group of samples.
Is this topic good to study? Thank you for your advices!