The focus of my study will be the distribution and abundance of Callicarpa species presence in the Fern Forest Nature Center. This nature center ecosystem thrives on producing various fern species but has only a few flora species, which are native and non-native to Florida. The center has four different trails with different soil content, plant communities, and light availability. I am interested in focusing on the influence each trail has on the distribution and abundance populations of the two kinds of Callicarpa species by simply observing the development where each Callicarpa species is present and absent along the ecosystem gradient.
Hypothesis
The distribution and growth of Callicarpa species are affected by soil content, light intensity, and various plant communities.
Prediction
The native Callicarpa will have a higher distribution and growth than the non-native Callicarpa because of it dominate to be inhabit in tropical region like South Florida.
Experiment design:
Logistic regression design would be used for this research because this study would be categorical, with the focus being on analyzing the presence and absence of the two Callicarpa species throughout the four trails in the nature center.
Explanatory variable:
Differences in the two Callicarpa richness
Response variable:
Changes in Callicarpa reproduce population
Attached are pictures of my field journal observations, which are below:
For your hypothesis, I am not clear how the growth of this species will be influenced by various plant communities and what are these various plant communities? Be more specific. Then your prediction mentions comparing native and non native Callicarpa and this seems new compared to your hypothesis. You should also mention the native and non native species in your hypothesis.
I highly recommend using quantitative data for your response variable if it is possible. Quantitative should always be your choice if it is possible for your response variable. If you can measure density of plants in a quadrat that is better than presence absence. However, I recognize this may not be possible and if it is not then categorical is ok.
You explanatory / predictor variables are the amount of sunlight / soil moisture / surrounding plant communities. You need to state the categories for each one of these.