Blog post 5.

The data collection method that was used in this research was simple random sampling. In this case, some areas were selected randomly, and the population of the species and the vegetative samples were collected. The areas selected were similar in size, all measured 20 by 20 meters. Additionally, within these regions, the salinity was also tested to determine the changing level of salinity from the seashore and how it affected the population of the species. However, in this process, there were various difficulties, more so in the selection of the sample spaces. Some of the areas were located deep in the woods, while some were in the marshy areas. Thus, it took longer time than expected. Another challenge was checking the salinity of the area. In this case, multiple tests had to be conducted, and the average had to be calculated as a representative of the salinity of the area. Also, applying this sampling strategy was challenging because, in some areas, I had to estimate because some vegetation was very thick, and as a result, getting accurate measurements of 20 by 20 meters was challenging. The data was surprising because the salinity near the ocean was very high. It ranged between (35ppt to 37ppt). I did not think that such a high level of salinity would support vegetation. I plan to collect the data using the same approach because I believe plotting the level of salinity and the population of the species would help show the relationship between the two variables. If there is a direct positive correlation between the species of the trees and vegetation and the salinity levels, then it would suggest that the species have adapted to the salinity of the ocean. The only modification I will include in the research is the number of sample areas I will use for the research. This will help me increase the validity of the research.