Collecting and recording primary data

When carrying out lab work or research projects, you will need to master the important skills of recording and managing data. Individual observations (e.g. laboratory temperature) can be recorded in the text of your notes, but tables are the most convenient way to collect large amounts of information.

*Note: good set of lab notes should:

• outline the purpose of your experiment or observation;
• set down all the information required to describe your experimental section;
• record all relevant information about your results or observations and provide a visual representation of the data;
• note your immediate conclusions and suggestions for further experiments.

When preparing a table for data collection, you should:

1. Use a concise title or a numbered code for cross-referencing.
2. Decide on the number of variables to be measured and their relationship with each other and layout the table appropriately:
   1. The first column of your table should show values of the independent (controlled) variable, with subsequent columns for the individual (measured) values for each replicate or sample.
   2. If several variables are measured for the same organism or sample, each should be given a row.
   3. In time-course studies, put the replicates as columns grouped according to treatment, with the rows relating to different times.
3. Make sure the arrangement reflects the order in which the values will be collected. Your table should be designed to make the recording process as straightforward as possible, to minimize the possibility of mistakes. For final presentation, a different arrangement may be best.
4. Consider whether additional columns are required for subsequent calculations. Create a separate column for each mathematical manipulation, so the step-by-step calculations are clearly visible. Use a computer spreadsheet if you are manipulating lots of data.
5. Use a pen to record data.
6. Take sufficient time to record quantitative data unambiguously - use large, clear numbers, making sure that individual numerals cannot be confused.
7. Record numerical data to an appropriate number of significant figures, reflecting the accuracy and precision of your measurement. Do not round off data values, as this might affect the subsequent analysis.
8. Record the actual observations, not your interpretation, e.g. the colour of a particular chemical test, rather than whether the test was positive or negative. Take care not to lose any of the information content of the data: for instance, if you only write down means and not individual values, this will affect your ability to carry out subsequent statistical analyses.
9. Prepare duplicated recording tables/checklists for repeated experiments.
10. Explain any unusual results in a footnote. Don't rely on memory.