RESEARCH REVIEWER

Research Design

-serves as a framework for research planning and answering your research questions

-formulating your research design means determining the following (McCombes 2020):

What type of data do you need?

Who are the sources or the participants of your study?

Which variables and or hypotheses (if relevant) will you investigate?

How will you collect and analyze your needed data?

Significance

• It serves as a guide for direction during the actual experimentation.

• It allows a gain of maximum information relevant to the problem at a minimum cost.

• It makes the statistical test of significance valid because it takes into consideration all the assumptions that went
into deriving the various statistics.

Type of variable Definition Example (fertilizer added to

plants experiment)

Independent Variables you manipulate The amount of fertilizer added

variables
to affect the outcome of an to each plant’s water.

experiment.

Dependent Variables that represent Any measurement of plant

variables
the outcome of the health and growth: in this case,

experiment. plant height.

Extraneous Variables that are held The temperature and light in

variables
constant throughout the the room the plants are kept in,

experiment. and the volume of water given

to each plant.

Groups in Experiment Design

 1. Experimental group is a test sample or the group that receives an experimental procedure. This group is
exposed to changes in the independent variable being tested.

2. Control group is a group separated from the rest of the experiment such that the independent variable
being tested cannot influence the results.

Research Design

-refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integrate the different components of the study coherently and
logically, thereby, ensuring you will effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the blueprint for the
collection, measurement, and analysis of data.

Basic Elements That You Must Consider When Planning The Sequence Of Steps That Will Embody The Research
Design

1. Identification of variables

2. Application of basic research principles

3. Consideration of the research design structure

I.

Variable is any entity that can take on different measurable or observable values. The use of variables is an intrinsic
part of any investigative research.

Variables are used as the point of comparison between two or more objects or experimental units, as a means for
specifying the focus of the investigation, and as the basis for defining the scope of a project.

II. Three basic principles of research design

1. Local Control

• Do all experimental units that receive the same treatment bear the

same characteristics?

2. Replication

• For every treatment (experimental or control) or test, do you have a

minimum of three replicates?

3. Randomization

• Is there a randomization method used to divide the experimental

units in each block among the various treatments? Note that if

randomization were done, it would not matter what treatment is

assigned to an experimental unit.

IIII. Basic Types of Research Design

A good research design also considers the organizational structure of the

experimental units.

There are two basic types:

1. completely randomized design(CRD)

2. randomized complete block design (RCBD).

Completely Randomized Design (CRD) is used when the set of experimental units is homogeneous concerning the
factors that may affect the results. Each experimental unit is simply assigned a treatment randomly.

In the figure below, there are a total of nine experimental units, all of the same type. Any three experimental units
may be assigned for each of the three treatments (T1, T2, T3).

• Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) is used when the experimental units have varying characteristics that
may affect the results of the experiment. When this happens, the units are divided into homogeneous groups or
blocks. Within each block, the subjects are assigned treatment randomly. The result is that all treatments should be
assigned to corresponding experimental units within each block.

Two methods of sampling methods: Probability Sampling and Nonprobability Sampling.

The number of individuals or observations included in an experiment is called Sample Size

Probability sampling utilizes random sampling techniques to select to create sample. It is also known as random
sampling.

Sampling Frame. It is a list of all the items in your population from which the sample is selected.

There are five types of Probability sampling techniques:

1. Simple Random Sampling;

In a simple random sampling, every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected in the
study. Your sampling frame should include the whole population.

2. Stratified Random Sampling

-involves randomly selecting individuals from subgroups of the population to ensure those groups are
appropriately represented in the study sample.

3. Systematic Sampling

In systematic sampling, every member of the population is listed with a number and individuals are chosen at
regular intervals. You choose every “nth” participant from a complete list.

4. Cluster Random Sampling

Cluster Random Sampling is a technique to randomly select participants that are scattered geographically and to
large for a simple random sampling. Let us say you want to choose only 1,000 Filipinos from the entire Philippines, It
is not possible to make a list of all Filipinos. Instead, you may randomly select areas like cities or provinces.

5. Multi-Stage Random Sampling

The multi-stage random sampling uses a combination of any of the four probability sampling techniques. It is
normally applicable for big queries of geographical area like the entire country.

Non-Probability Sampling

This involves non-random techniques based on convenience or other criteria set by the researcher. Since it does not
involve random processes in selecting participants, the members of the population will not have an equal chance of
being selected.
Examples: Non-Random Sampling

Techniques

Convenience Sampling

A Most easily available (e.g. - Workplace, Students etc.)

Quota Sampling

25 African American males, 25 European American males, 25 African American females, and 25 European American
females

Purposive Sampling

You want to only include "boys who are in the 7th grade and have been diagnosed with ADHD" in your research
study. You might try to find 50 students who meet your "inclusion criteria" and include them in your research study.

Snow Ball Sampling

A You want to do a study of people in your city who have a lot of power in the area of educational policy making

Safety Precautions for Handling Hazardous Materials

1. Follow all existing and established procedures.

2. Be cautious and prepare accordingly. Think of what could go wrong as you

work and pay careful attention to what you're doing.

3. Always use the appropriate PPE-and carefully check it before of use to ensure that it is safe to use.

4. Ensure that all containers are correctly labelled and that the content is in a suitable jar. Don't use any substance
which is not properly contained or labelled. Report immediately to your laboratory custodian or teacher any broken
containers or illegible marks.

5. Know the material safety data sheet (MSDS) before using any material to make sure you understand hazards and
precautions.

6. Use all materials solely for their intended purpose, for example, DON’T use solvents to clean your hands, or
gasoline to wipe down equipment.

7. Never eat or drink while handling any materials, and if your hands are contaminated, don’t use cosmetics or
handle contact lenses.

8. Read the labels and refer to MSDSs to identify properties and hazards of chemical products and materials.

9. Store all materials properly, separate incompatibles, and store in ventilated,dry, cool areas.

10. Keep you and your work area clean. After handling any material, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Clean
work surfaces at least once a shift so that contamination risks are minimized.

11. Learn about protocols and supplies for emergencies. Awareness of emergency procedures means understanding
of evacuation procedures, emergency reporting procedures, and fire and spill handling procedures. It also involves
understanding what to do when a colleague is injured or overcome by chemicals in a medical emergency.

Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Risk Assessment

Risk assessment defines the potential level of harm, injury or disease to plants, animals and humans that may occur
when working with biological agents.

The end result of a risk assessment is the assignment of a biosafety level which then determines the laboratory
facilities, equipment, training, and supervision required.
Biosafety Level Risk Groups

1. BSL-1 risk group contains biological agents that pose low risk to personnel and the environment. These
agents are highly unlikely to cause disease in healthy laboratory workers, animals or plants.

The agents require Biosafety Level 1 containment. Examples of BSL-1 organisms are: Agrobacterium tumifaciens,
Micrococcus leuteus, Neurospora crassa, Bacillus subtilis.

2. BSL-2 risk group contains biological agents that pose moderate risk to personnel and the environment. If exposure
occurs in a laboratory situation, the risk of spread is limited and it rarely would cause infection that would lead to
serious disease. Effective treatment and preventive measures are available in the event that an infection occurs.

The agents require Biosafety Level 2 containment.

Examples of BSL-2 organisms are:

Mycobacterium, Streptococcus pneumonia, Salmonella choleraesuis.

3. BSL-3 risk group contains biological agents that usually cause serious disease (human, animal or plant) or that can
result in serious economic consequences.

Projects in the BSL-3 group are prohibited.

4. BSL-4 risk group contains biological agents that usually produce very serious disease (human, animal or plant) that
is often untreatable.

Projects in the BSL-4 group are prohibited.

Levels of Biological Containment

BSL-1

-Containment is normally found in water-testing laboratories, in high schools, and in colleges teaching introductory
microbiology classes

-Work is done on an open bench or in an appropriate biosafety hood.

-Standard microbiological practices are used when working in the laboratory.

-Decontamination can be achieved by treating with chemical disinfectants or by steam autoclaving.

-Lab coats and gloves are required.

-The laboratory work is supervised by an individual with general training in microbiology or a related science.

BSL-2

-Containment is designed to maximize safety when working with agents of moderate risk to humans and the
environment.

- Access to the laboratory is restricted.

- Biological safety cabinets (Class 2, type A, BSC) must be available.

-An autoclave should be readily available for decontaminating waste materials.

-Lab coats and gloves are required; eye protection and face shields must also be worn as needed.

-The laboratory work must be supervised by a scientistwho understands the risk associated with working with the
agents involved.

BSL-3 containment is required for infectious agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal diseases as a result of
exposure by inhalation. Projects in the BSL-3 group are prohibited.
BSL-4 containment is required for dangerous/exotic agents that pose high risk of life-threatening disease. Projects in
the BSL-4 group are prohibited.

Students are prohibited from designing or participating in BSL- 3 or BSL-4 Research.

The culturing of human or animal waste, including sewage sludge, is considered a BSL-2 study.

Naturally-occurring plant pathogens may be studied (not cultured) at home, but may not be introduced into a
home/garden environment.

Students are prohibited from designing or participating in BSL- 3 or BSL-4 Research.

The culturing of human or animal waste, including sewage sludge, is considered a BSL-2 study.

Naturally-occurring plant pathogens may be studied (not cultured) at home, but may not be introduced into a
home/garden environment.

All potentially hazardous biological agents must be properly disposed at the end of experimentation in accordance
with their biosafety level. For BSL 1 or BSL 2 organisms: Autoclave at 121 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, use of a 10%
bleach solution (1:10 dilution of domestic bleach), incineration, alkaline hydrolysis, biosafety pick-up and other
manufacturer recommendations are acceptable.

Methods and Techniques Used in Performing Experiments

Autoclaving is a sterilization method that uses high pressuresteam.The autoclaving process works by the concept that
the boiling point of water (or steam) increases when it is under pressure.

Culture medium or growth medium is a liquid or gel designed to support the growth of microorganisms.

Rotary evaporation is the process of reducing the volume of a solvent by distributing it as a thin film across the
interior of a vessel at elevated temperature and reduced pressure. It promotes the rapid removal of excess solvent
from less volatile samples. Most rotary evaporators have four major components: heat bath, rotor, condenser, and
solvent trap.

Streak plate technique is used to isolate the pure of the organisms (mostly bacteria) from a mixed population. The
inoculum is streaked over the agar surface so that it “thins out” the bacteria.

Acid-base extraction is a type of liquid-liquid extraction. It typically involves different solubility levels in water and an
organic solvent. Acid-base extraction is typically used to separate organic compounds from each other based on their
acid-base properties.

Crystallization is used to purify a solid that requires a suitable solvent.

Distillation of compounds is a separation method that exploits the differences in the boiling point of a crude mixture.

Drying Agents -when an organic solvent has been exposed to aqueous solutions, it will contain a small amount of
water, depending on the solubility of water in the solvent.

Extraction is a method for moving a compound from one medium to another. For example, if you make coffee from
coffee beans, you extract some flavorful components of the bean and some caffeine into the water.

Melting Point Determination- the standard physical property of a solid is its melting point. The melting point is a
melting point range. It is used to help determine the purity of a solid. It helps to verify the identity of the compound.

Melting Point Determination- the standard physical property of a solid is its melting point. The melting point is a
melting point range. It is used to help determine the purity of a solid. It helps to verify the identity of the compound.