Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My project is about the effect that medically polluted water has on plants. I want to know which statistical formulas would be good to use. My mom says that an easy one that shows cause or accidental is the correlation coefficient. I am growing 4 types of seeds with medically polluted water and 4 types ( the same types same soil, etc) with tap water. I am measuring the length of time it takes for each type of seed to sprout, and then measuring the growth. Also the growth of the roots.
Are there other formulas that would be useful for this project?

Thanks so much!

Hi,

Your project sounds unusual and intriguing. What kind of medical pollution did you use and how did you treat the seeds?

Statistical analysis of your data is a great idea if you want people to believe your conclusions. The most important parts of an experiment are the controls and multiple samples. In your case the control is 'no treatment' and you did that, but the big question is how many of each type of seed did you test? In order to do statistical tests you need a minimum of three identical samples and usually more.

Here is a good description of statistics as it applies to school science projects:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ysis.shtml

Let us know if you have more questions.

Sybee