This field research journey has been an interesting experience, which provided me with important insights not just into the subject matter but also into the process of scientific research itself.
The overall implementation was excellent from my perspective. The journey began with a simple walk in the park which then inspired me to think of a research question based on my observations. The process involved multiple visits to the park and conducting a survey, where my primary aim was to gather reliable data through observational criteria.
One of the main challenges I faced was the realization that my initial criteria for evaluation were insufficient. Initially, I had only planned to assess two criteria: plant coverage and plant health. However, deeper into the project, it became evident that these two alone was not enough. To address this, I introduced a third criterion, which from my perspective significantly enhanced the data and the analysis.
Another significant adjustment was related to the sampling methods. My initial choice was haphazard sampling, driven by the goal of “picking out areas that looked interesting”. While this approach made it easy for me at first, I soon realized that it was biased towards my personal interests and might not give the most representative data. To balance this, I used two additional sampling methods—systemic and randomized. These methods provided a more balanced and comprehensive data set, ensuring that the collected data was more representative of the park ecosystem.
Aside from the technical aspects, this experience made me aware of how much I enjoy exploring the natural world. The practice of going out into the field, making observations, and collecting data gave a sense of curiosity and wonder.
The challenge of proving a hypothesis through reliable data collection and analysis made me realize the importance of a methodical approach. It showed the need to think critically about the questions we need to answer and the methodologies we use to address them. This experience has not only enhanced my appreciation for ecological research but also gave me practical skills and an understanding of scientific research.