Science Laboratory Technology  ·  Level 6
Science Laboratory Research
Chapter 3: Carry out science laboratory research data analysis
📚 4 Topics
⚑ What you will be able to do

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify a scientific research problem by analyzing gaps in existing research.
  • Develop clear research objectives that directly address the research problem.
  • Design research questions that are based on your research objectives.
  • Prepare a scientific research proposal using standard research procedures.
  • Design a scientific study that fits both the research problem and the available data.
  • Determine the right sample size based on your chosen research methodology.
  • Select sampling techniques that match the scope and methodology of your study.
  • Identify ethical considerations relevant to your research methods.
  • Identify the materials needed for your research according to its scope and methodology.
  • Collect data accurately by following the correct research methodology.
  • Choose appropriate data analysis methods for your research.
  • Perform data analysis correctly by following proper work procedures.

Mastering these skills will help you confidently plan and carry out scientific research, making you a valuable contributor in any laboratory or research environment.

Chapter Practical Activities

Practical 1: Identification and Formulation of a Scientific Research Problem

Science Laboratory Technology · Level 6
Science Laboratory Research
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 4 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Prepare a written research proposal identifying a scientific topic, specifying a study site (with map), formulating a research problem, and stating at least two clear research objectives.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Lab coatLab coat
Closed shoesClosed shoes
Hand glovesHand gloves
Answer bookletAnswer booklet
Writing materialsWriting materials
Scientific calculatorScientific calculator
Research site map (A4 printout)Research site map (A4 printout)
Reference textbooks on scientific researchReference textbooks on scientific research
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Lab coat1 Pc per Candidate
2Closed shoes1 Pair per Candidate
3Hand gloves1 Pair per Candidate
4Answer booklet1 Pc per Candidate
5Writing materials1 Set per Candidate
6Scientific calculator1 Pc per Candidate
7Research site map (A4 printout)1 Pc per Candidate
8Reference textbooks on scientific researchAccess per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Identification and Formulation of Research Problem
Donned PPEs (lab coat, closed shoes, gloves) as per workplace safety procedures
(Award 1 mark for each correctly donned PPE: lab coat, closed shoes, gloves x 3 = 3 Marks)
3
Reviewed reference textbooks to select a relevant scientific research topic
(Award 2 marks for correctly selecting and referencing a suitable scientific research topic; zero if not relevant)
2
Examined provided site map and identified a suitable study site for the research topic
(Award 2 marks for correctly identifying and marking a suitable study site on the map; zero if not relevant to topic)
2
Formulated a clear research problem statement based on the selected topic and site
(Award 4 marks for a concise, relevant, and scientifically valid research problem; zero if vague or unrelated)
4
Stated at least two specific and measurable research objectives aligned with the research problem
(Award 2 marks per valid research objective; zero if objectives are not clear or measurable x 2 = 4 Marks)
4
Sub-Total15
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
Research proposal includes a clearly stated scientific topic
(Award 2 marks for a topic relevant to scientific research; zero if missing/irrelevant)
2
Study site accurately specified and marked on the provided site map
(Award 2 marks for clear site identification and marking; zero if missing or not matching topic)
2
Research problem is precise, relevant, and scientifically valid
(Award 3 marks for a problem statement that is concise, relevant, and scientifically valid; zero if vague or unrelated)
3
At least two research objectives are stated, each specific and measurable
(Award 1.5 marks per valid objective; zero if not specific or measurable x 2 = 3 Marks)
3
Proposal is well structured, clear, and free from major errors
(Award 2 marks for clear, logical structure and correct spelling/grammar; zero if poorly organized or unclear)
2
Sub-Total12
GRAND TOTAL27
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)

Practical 2: Designing Research Questions for a Scientific Proposal

Science Laboratory Technology · Level 6
Science Laboratory Research
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
TIME: 3 HOURS
⬇ PDFCandidate Instructions (Candidate Tool)

Type: Individual

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE:
1.  You are required to perform the following task:
i.  Develop a set of five specific, measurable, and relevant research questions aligned with the provided research problem and objectives on A4 paper.
2.  You have been provided with the following resources for the practical task:
Tools & EquipmentMaterials
Lab coatResearch problem brief
Closed shoesA4 ruled paper
Writing materials (pen, pencil, eraser)Answer booklet
⬇ PDFResources Required (Cutting List)
S/NItemQuantity
1Lab coat1 Pc per Candidate
2Closed shoes1 Pair per Candidate
3Research problem brief1 Pc per Candidate
4Writing materials (pen, pencil, eraser)1 Set per Candidate
5A4 ruled paper5 Sheets per Candidate
6Answer booklet1 Pc per Candidate
⬇ PDFAssessor Guide
Items to be EvaluatedMarks AvailableMarks ObtainedComments
TASK 1: Preparation and Development of Research Questions
Wore PPEs (lab coat, closed shoes) as per laboratory safety procedures
(Award 1 mark for each PPE correctly worn or 0)
2
Read and understood the provided research problem and objectives
(Award 2 marks or 0 for comprehensively reviewing and noting the research problem and objectives)
2
Organized writing materials and workspace appropriately
(Award 1 mark for arranging all materials and workspace in a neat and organized manner or 0)
1
Drafted at least five research questions on A4 paper
(Award 1 mark per attempted draft research question up to 5 marks)
5
Sub-Total10
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
All five research questions are directly aligned with the provided research problem
(Award 1 mark per correctly aligned question)
5
Each question is specific (clearly defines what will be addressed)
(Award 1 mark per question that is specific)
5
Each question is measurable (can be answered by data or observation)
(Award 1 mark per question that is measurable)
5
Each question is relevant to the stated objectives
(Award 1 mark per question that is relevant)
5
Questions are presented in a clear, logical, and grammatically correct manner
(Award 5 marks if all questions are clearly and grammatically presented; deduct 1 mark for each unclear or grammatically incorrect question)
5
Sub-Total25
GRAND TOTAL35
ASSESSMENT OUTCOME:   ☐ Competent    ☐ Not Yet Competent (competent if at least 50%)
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🔒Development of Conceptual and Theoretical Framework Diagram for a Scientific Research ProposalPractical 3
🔒Preparation of a Structured Scientific Research ProposalPractical 4
🔒Selection and Justification of Scientific Research Methods for a Laboratory StudyPractical 5
🔒Sampling Techniques and Sample Size Determination in Laboratory ResearchPractical 6
🔒Selection and Piloting of Research Instruments for a Scientific StudyPractical 7
🔒Assessment of Validity and Reliability of Analytical Methods for Water Quality ResearchPractical 8
🔒Identification and Application of Research Ethics in a Laboratory Research ProposalPractical 9
🔒Collect and Document Research Data for a Science Laboratory ProposalPractical 10
🔒Data Analysis and Interpretation of Scientific Research DataPractical 11
🔒Calculation of Descriptive Statistics for a Scientific DatasetPractical 12
🔒Performing and Interpreting ANOVA on Experimental DataPractical 13
🔒Data Presentation and Visualization of Scientific Research ResultsPractical 14
🔒Statistical Analysis of Laboratory Research Data Using SPSS or ExcelPractical 15
Am I competent?

At the start of this chapter we promised you would be able to:

  • Identify a scientific research problem by analyzing gaps in existing research.
  • Develop clear research objectives that directly address the research problem.
  • Design research questions that are based on your research objectives.
  • Prepare a scientific research proposal using standard research procedures.
  • Design a scientific study that fits both the research problem and the available data.
  • Determine the right sample size based on your chosen research methodology.
  • Select sampling techniques that match the scope and methodology of your study.
  • Identify ethical considerations relevant to your research methods.
  • Identify the materials needed for your research according to its scope and methodology.
  • Collect data accurately by following the correct research methodology.
  • Choose appropriate data analysis methods for your research.
  • Perform data analysis correctly by following proper work procedures.

Tick each one you can genuinely do.

So, are you there yet?

You're competent when you can confidently do 50% or more of what this chapter promised.

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