User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
When implementing my sampling strategy, I found that the process took much longer than expected. Based on the experimental design I chose I utilized stratified random sampling because I needed to have a plot from each “location” along my gradient. I wanted to use an adequate sized plot so I decided to divide my plots into 25 smaller quadrants in an attempt to be more accurate and ease the process of counting the clovers. Unfortunately, the act of splitting the plots took a long time. However, I do think it was beneficial to use the 12 inches by 12 inches quadrants.
The data collected was not overly surprising, I was correct in expecting the highest abundance to be found in the no shade area. However, I was surprised that the clovers observed in the partial shade location were noticeably larger than the clovers from all other locations. They did also seem to be healthier and thriving more compared to the clovers found in other locations.
My only difficulty in implementing my sampling strategy was purely the duration. Although it was not difficult both the counting of the clovers (which were more numerous than I had thought) and the plotting and measuring of the quadrantswere very time consuming.
I will continue to use the same technique because I believe it yielded the most accurate results and feel confident with how my data collection went. If I was to use larger quadrants it would increase my chances of error.
