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The initial data collection in Module 3 was done on a sunny afternoon. The sampling strategy chosen was to randomly choose ferns using random compass directions and random footsteps between 1 to 15. This was done in each of the areas chosen for study: full sun, partial sun, and shade. The data recorded was the number of fronds on the fern and the length of each frond. The fronds were measured with a flexible tape measure, which allowed for me to measure the frond from the very bottom of the stem to the tip of the leaf. The difficulty in my method of data collection was that I realized just how many fronds that ferns have. I ran out of space in my notebook, having planned for only 10 fronds. I immediately changed my technique when I realized that there were a lot of fronds so I sampled the first ten fronds starting with the frond on top closets to me and then going around in a clockwise direction until I reached that first frond again at which point I went to the second level of fronds and I continued in such a manner until I reached 10 fronds.
I was surprised that the shaded ferns seemed at a glance to have more numerous and longer fronds. I was similarly surprised that the partial sun fronds tended to have fern neighbors in contrast to the ferns in the sun condition.
As stated above, I had difficulty with the number of ferns and so adjusted my strategy. While I think that there is some bias in this method, I think that using the same method for measuring fronds will limit the bias. I think that this will improve my research as it means that there is a consistent process for measuring fronds. The randomization of selecting ferns appears to have worked, although I needed to be careful on the steep slope on the west side of the ridge and at times would have to repeat the random selection so I did not walk over a cliff. Otherwise, the method appears to be working well.
