User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Location:
Data collection took place at two locations within the same municipal park, Macaulay Park in Esquimalt, BC. I visit this site daily, as I walk my dogs here on a regular basis. I have observed some interesting nature repetitions here on my daily walks, so it seemed like the best place to do my field research study.
Replicates:
Using a systematic sampling strategy, I will compare & identify individual plant species of grasses, forbs & shrubs in two separate habitats within the same regional park. The study areas are in two separate locations, with each location sampled comprising of ten 1 meter squared quadrats along a straight transect, with each quadrat placed in an alternating pattern (left to right) along the transect line. Each quadrat was placed 5 meters apart.
In habitat 1 (exposed bluff), my transect line was placed along a well used walking path, following a straight line & using a compass to identify a start from north to south. Following the rule of ten, I sampled 10 replicate sets.
In habitat 2 (moist meadow), my transect line began at the centre of what seemed to be the most lush & plant dense area of the meadow, following a straight transect & using a compass to direct from north to south. Following the rule of ten, I sampled 10 replicate sets.
Pattern Issues:
Although I have had to change my original field project focus, & with that, have had to take a whole new set of samples for my project, I have not had any problems implementing my sample design thus far.
Hypothesis reflection:
I clearly needed to reflect on the focus of my hypothesis, which is why (after consultation from the pro, Nancy Elliot) I have simplified my project to a more palatable approach. With my newly reflected upon data results, it is clear that simplifying my research project focus has made it much easier for me to obtain clarity on my hypothesis, & my field research project as a whole. So far, some ancillary patterns reveal individual plant diversity & abundance is richest in habitat 2 (moist meadow), & plant cover is lowest in habitat 1, where plant species are much more exposed to anthropogenic activities, more extreme elements & decreased solar & moisture abundance.
