Data Analysis

The main part is to calculate something which helps to show the

patterns in your data.
E.g. Averages (mean) + Standard Deviation, Simpson's diversity
index, Chi-Square etc.

You have to lay out the calculation so the examiner can see how
you worked out the values (and check that you have done it right).
Use words to explain the steps you took.

Explain how accurate your equipment was, and what degree of

accuracy this gives your results. E.g. if you used a balance check
the size of the smallest unit it can differentiate between.

If there is anything you can say about your calculation's accuracy,

(e.g. the standard deviation of the mean) this is perfect.

If you have drawn a graph of averages, then you can plot standard
deviation bars onto it.

Evaluation

Write a conclusion, which is explained using examples from your

Data and any Data analysis. (E.g. The diversity of the meadow was
greater that the pine forest. Having calculated the Simpson
diversity index the meadow scored 2.6 and the forest 2.2. This is
because there were ...........blah...)

Then compare the results you obtained with some text book values,
or something you have found on the web. (E.g. this is not as diverse
as Ugandan tropical forest which scored 20.4)

Limitations (weaknesses) in these comparisons (e.g. we couldn't find

any other data) and in the methods themselves must be explained.
(E.g. Simpson's diversity index is not a perfect measure of
biodiversity because it overestimates ......blah...)

Limitations in the methods of collecting the data, the amount of

data, (but not "time") could also be mentioned.

Suggest improvements you could make to the experiment. (Using a

different analysis, another method,etc.) This MUST RELATE TO one
of the limitations you have mentioned.