The experiment conducted involves the factor of vigilance when it comes to keep clear of the predators.
The introduction should include a clear discussion of the background of the problem (referencing the relevant literature) and a logical development of the hypothesis (hypotheses), ending in a clear statement of the hypothesis (hypotheses).
- a good general inclusion of background theory to start
- strengthen by expanding greatly use of secondary literature in development of background - why is this important? what does it add? what is it related to in terms of other studies?
- need to end with a solid hypothesis - something like...Fish change their eating pattern when Osprey are near by....
Objectives
1. The effect of the presence of predator on the prey is to be analyzed
2. The changes that occur in the eating pattern are to be observed
3. The development of predator-prey relationship is to be done
4. The effect of vigilance on other activities is to be highlighted
Methods and materials should be clearly described. The project should be designed specifically to test the predictions.
- include approximate population of lake
- counted osprey in the area
- fed fish( in the middle of the lake?) and marked their change in speed with/without osprey
- account for your presence? How did Osprey react?
- How do you think those disturbances affected fish? Or do you think they affected osprey? In which ways?.. Osprey pretty resilient to human presence.
- generally a good start
- many questions - how were fish monitored? fish are underwater and therefore need to explain vantage point
- how were fish fed in relation to Osprey feeding? Osprey use middle of lake or deep areas to hunt and dive bomb at crazy rates of speed - how did this work with observer in area?
- what factors are being analyzed or tested and how will they be analyzed eg which statistical tests
- see also notes in results because there are many other facts introduced that need to be accounted for
-Presentation of the results should be well organized. Tables and graphs should illustrate results, and appropriate statistical tests and interpretations should be used.
- how were the head jerk rate measured? (Operational definition included_
- how did you observe the fish observing the osprey? Need background literature on this. need tests of statistical significance
- Need to include what measurement, how long observation period etc. methods?
- "Mean duration" is a new variable therefore must include:
o Give a night time and day time they were observed. How were fish seen at night? Do ospreyfish at night ? (support w. literature)
- Worms were used? Again how were fish obserbed?