Firstly, it needs to be addressed as to what the definition of an investigatory project is, what is the purpose behind performing one and how does someone go about planning an investigatory project from conception of an idea through implementation and finally to the analysis of the end result?
An Investigatory Project is basically the testing of an initial unknown hypothesis, or alternatively it can be the first hand experience in the conduction of a previously known hypothesis in order to test the veracity of said claims. For instance, it's all well and good for a battery company to claim that their brand battery lasts much longer than all its other competitors but unless this is tested and verified then we are taking this information purely on faith alone.
The stages of planning an investigatory project begin with, as mentioned the idea or the hypothesis. Then the materials should be identified. Ensure all results from the experiment are recorded accurately and then draw any final conclusions from the evidence in the results gathered.
One of the most common examples of this process is used in TV commercials all the time. It is the claims from Soap Powder manufacturers that their new product will shift dirt and stains at low temperatures. The basic structure of this would look like this:
1. Hypothesis
Does washing powder A live up to its claims that it is better than washing powder B,C and D?
2. Materials
This is an explanation of how the experiment will be conducted and the details of all controlled conditions, such as water temperature, washing time etc
4. Results
An unbiased neutral illustration of the results obtained.
5. Conclusion
Has the hypothesis been proved right, wrong or is it inconclusive?
An Investigatory Project is basically the testing of an initial unknown hypothesis, or alternatively it can be the first hand experience in the conduction of a previously known hypothesis in order to test the veracity of said claims. For instance, it's all well and good for a battery company to claim that their brand battery lasts much longer than all its other competitors but unless this is tested and verified then we are taking this information purely on faith alone.
The stages of planning an investigatory project begin with, as mentioned the idea or the hypothesis. Then the materials should be identified. Ensure all results from the experiment are recorded accurately and then draw any final conclusions from the evidence in the results gathered.
One of the most common examples of this process is used in TV commercials all the time. It is the claims from Soap Powder manufacturers that their new product will shift dirt and stains at low temperatures. The basic structure of this would look like this:
1. Hypothesis
Does washing powder A live up to its claims that it is better than washing powder B,C and D?
2. Materials
- One identically measured scoop of each of the 4 washing powders.
- Four identical t-shirts or bed sheets, with the same type of stain or in-ground dirt in roughly the same area.
- Four identical brand and energy efficiency washing machines (alternatively use one washing machine for all four garments, washed separately)
This is an explanation of how the experiment will be conducted and the details of all controlled conditions, such as water temperature, washing time etc
4. Results
An unbiased neutral illustration of the results obtained.
5. Conclusion
Has the hypothesis been proved right, wrong or is it inconclusive?