Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My expirement: only if they think they can get away with it?

The goal of this project is to find out if abuse of hndicap parking rpvileges decreases if drivers are aware that they are being monitored. I selected a busy parking lot with handicap accessible parking spaces. I have conducted my observations and noted data. First without a sign. Next with a sign. The sign read: These parking spaces are being observed today as part of a science project." I have completed steps 1-4. My next step is Step #5 of the scientific method. Data and Design of my expirement. I can record my data in a graph or chart. I prefer a chart. I need help!! listing the independent variabgle and the dependent viriable. Please help!!

Chawita

Hi Chawita,

A chart would be the best way to organize the results of your experiment. Your independent variable is the variable that you are changing: the presence of the sign (or drivers' knowledge that they are being observed). The dependent variable is your resulting observations: amount of violators and amount of non-violators. You can read over the following if you are still unsure about your variables: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... bles.shtml

Sorry for the delayed response; we'll try to get you an answer more quickly next time!

Hi Chawita,

This is a fascinating experiment! Tiffany Z. has already given you some great advice for sorting out your dependent and independent variables.

I agree that a chart (or a "table") is probably the best way to display your data. You can have a column for "Treatment" (with or without the sign), and in the rows indicate the number of violators compared to non-violators. One good way to present your data could be as a percentage: out of the total number of people who drove by the handicapped parking spots, how many parked there illegally? Was it a larger percentage when people did not know they were being observed?

Did you observe for one day in each situation, or did you get the chance to do multiple observations for each treatment? If you share your data with us, we can help you to display it in the best way possible.

Heather