User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Shannon Myles
February 3rd, 2020
During my data collection in the field, the systematic sampling strategy proved to be efficient at surveying the area. The few difficulties I encountered during the sampling did not damage the quality of my data in any way. First, the determination of transects was simple, but keeping that transect straight as I collected my subsamples across the field seemed to be a challenge. For the last three transects, I established three or four checkpoints along each transects in order to keep me straight. Having closer targets greatly improved the quality of my transects. Secondly, making my way along a transect turned out to be slightly more challenging than I expected. The vegetation got pretty dense in some portions of the field. I always managed to make my way through it but I had to push through some plants and small shrubs. Applying the quadrat down never was an issue. I would simply drop it over the vegetation of the area, however tall or dense that was.
The data was not surprising to me. These first samples even seem to play in favour of my initial hypothesis – more flowers appeared as I sampled away from the beach. One noticeable aspect of my data was that all types of flowers seemed to be displayed in clusters.
I think that my systematic approach to survey the site was the best option. The data collection was performed with minimal difficulties that were all overcame to maintain the essence of the systematic method. It eliminates the possibility of bias, and more samples will only add to the reliability of my data.
