Asking Questions in Biology: A Guide to Hypothesis Testing, Experimental Design and Presentation in Practical Work and Research Projects

The complete guide to practical work in the biological sciences: from conception of the investigation, through data collection, data analysis and finally presentation.

Asking and answering questions is the cornerstone of science yet formal training in understanding this key process is often overlooked. That is where this book comes in...

Asking Questions in Biology unpacks the crucial process of enquiry, from a biological perspective, at its various stages. It begins with an overview of scientific question-asking in general before moving on to demonstrate how to derive hypotheses from unstructured observations. It then explains how to use statistical tests as tools to analyse data and answer those questions before, finally, showing the best practice in presenting scientific reports. As such it is an indispensable companion to all students of biology, but particularly those enrolled in courses concerning experimental design; data analysis; hypothesis testing; research methods; or any practical project work.

Key features include:

• Self-test questions and answers
• An easy-to-use ‘Quick Test Finder’
• Key topics illustrated with a wide range of examples: from ecology and behaviour to toxicology and parasitology

New to this edition:

• Greater number of statistical tests presented
• ‘Hand-calculation’ statistical tests moved to appendices, with in-text examples now using common computer packages (SPSS and Excel)
• Added sections on: using online literature databases; plagiarism; presenting findings to a non-scientific audience; and ethical considerations  

The late Chris Barnard was Professor of Animal Behaviour at Nottingham University. Francis Gilbert is Associate Professor of Ecology at Nottingham University. Peter McGregor is a Reader in Applied Zoology at Cornwall College.