2 nd Joint International Scientific Conference
Pre-Conference Training on Statistics
Lesson 1 – 5th March 2026
Q & A Session
Introduction to data collection in biological research
Data collection refers to the systematic process of gathering information to
answer scientific research questions and test hypotheses in biological studies.
Importance in biological research
❑ Provides empirical evidence for scientific conclusions.
❑ Ensures reproducibility and reliability of research findings.
❑ Allows testing of biological hypotheses and validation of theories.
❑ Supports decision-making in biological management, conservation, agriculture, and
health.
Key Principles of good data collection
❑ Accuracy: Data should represent true observations.
❑ Consistency: Methods should be standardized across samples and time.
❑ Objectivity: Minimize researcher bias.
❑ Reproducibility: Other researchers should be able to replicate the study.
Common data collection methods in biological research
Experimental Methods
❑ Researchers manipulate variables under controlled conditions.
❑ Used to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
❑ Examples:
o Laboratory experiments
o Controlled field trials
o Greenhouse experiments
Observational Methods
❑ Data collected without manipulating variables.
❑ Useful for studying natural biological processes.
❑ Examples:
o Wildlife monitoring
o Behavioral studies
o Ecological surveys
Common data collection methods in biological research
Sampling techniques
❑ Because studying entire populations is often impractical:
❑ Random sampling: Every individual has equal chance of selection.
❑ Systematic sampling: Samples taken at regular intervals.
❑ Stratified sampling: Population divided into subgroups before sampling.
Field-based data collection
❑ Transects and quadrats
❑ Trapping and counting organisms
❑ Environmental measurements (temperature, humidity,
soil nutrients)
Tools, quality control, and ethical considerations in data collection
Data collection tools
❑ Field equipment: traps, nets, GPS devices, soil probes.
❑ Laboratory instruments: microscopes, spectrophotometers, PCR machines.
❑ Digital tools: mobile data collection apps, sensors, and remote sensing
technologies.
❑ Data sheets and databases for recording and managing observations.
Ensuring data quality
❑ Use standardized protocols.
❑ Conduct calibration of instruments.
❑ Apply replication and controls.
❑ Maintain clear documentation and metadata.
Tools, quality control, and ethical considerations in data collection
Ethical considerations
❑ Ensure ethical treatment of animals and organisms.
❑ Obtain necessary research permits and approvals.
❑ Follow biosafety and environmental guidelines.
❑ Ensure data integrity and transparency.
Q & A Session
Step-by-step analysis of biological data
How to determine the appropriate statistical test
❑ Specify the biological question you are asking.
❑ Put the question in the form of a statistical null hypothesis and alternate
hypothesis.
❑ Determine which variables are relevant to the question.
❑ Determine what kind of variable each one is.
❑ Design an experiment that controls or randomizes the confounding variables.
Step-by-step analysis of biological data
How to determine the appropriate statistical test
❑ Based on the number of variables, the kinds of variables, the expected fit to the
parametric assumptions, and the hypothesis to be tested, choose the best statistical
test to use.
❑ If possible, do a power analysis to determine a good sample size for the experiment.
❑ Do the experiment.
❑ Examine the data to see if it meets the assumptions of the statistical test you chose
(primarily normality and homoscedasticity for tests of measurement variables). If it
doesn't, choose a more appropriate test.
❑ Apply the statistical test you chose, and interpret the results.
❑ Communicate your results effectively, usually with a graph or table
Types of biological variables
Three main types of variables
Measurement variables (Quantitative)
Expressed as numbers (e.g., length, weight, pH)
Nominal variables (Categorical)
Expressed as names or categories (e.g., sex, genotype)
Ranked variables (Ordinal)
❑ Expressed as positions or order (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Numeric observations
o Examples: length, weight, temperature, growth rate
o Can be continuous (infinite values)
o Can be discrete (counts)
o Analyzed using: t-test, ANOVA, regression
Types of biological variables
Special measurement cases
Small number of values may be treated as nominal
❑ Ratios (e.g., head width/body length)
❑ Circular variables (e.g., time of day, compass direction)
❑ Avoid unnecessary categorization (loss of power)
Types of biological variables
Nominal variables (Categorical data [names, labels])
❑ Examples: sex, genotype, disease status
❑ Summarized using proportions or percentages
❑ Analyzed using: Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test
Ranked (Ordinal) variables
Observations can be ordered but exact values unknown
❑ Examples: dominance hierarchy, developmental stages
❑ Often analyzed using non-parametric tests
❑ Examples: Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney test
Types of biological variables
Independent vs Dependent variables
Independent variable: predictor or cause
❑ Dependent variable: response or outcome
❑ Any variable type can be independent or dependent
❑ Choice affects statistical test selection
Likert items & categorizing variables
Likert items: e.g., 1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree
❑ Can be treated as nominal, ranked, or measurement
❑ Adding items creates a Likert scale
❑ Categorizing measurement variables reduces statistical power
Q & A Session
THE END