Readings
I will be measuring the number of correct answers out of ten given by my volunteer for each area. This will be recorded on a table that is included in the Sc1 investigation. I will repeat the test for each part of the body three times. I will then turn these three marks into an average out of ten. This average mark will then be turned into a percentage out of one hundred. This final mark will be known as the correct frequency percentage. (CF%)
Prediction
It is a fact that some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. This is due to the fact that areas such as the fingertips and lips have more nerve endings, meaning that it is easier for the brain to determine how many different points of pressure are present. Areas such as the backhand and outer forearm have much less nerve ending meaning it is harder for the brain to determine how many points of pressure are present. Therefore, due to the fact that different areas of the body are more sensitive than others, I predict that the more sensitive areas will receive a higher CF% mark, and the less sensitive areas will receive a lower CF% mark.
Preliminary Experiment
From what I did in my preliminary experiment, I have decided that my method is relatively sound and only a few adjustments to my results table are necessary.
Biology Sc1 Scientific Investigation
Analysis
Brief Analysis
From my results, I have come to the conclusion that the most sensitive area of the body that I tested was the fingertips. The least sensitive area of the body that I tested was the forearm.
Anomalies
Though I repeated my tests three times for each body part, I received no anomalous results. Even so, if I had received any anomalous information, it would have been expelled due to the fact that I did each body part three times and would have noticed any anomaly very easily.
Conclusion
From this investigation, I have discovered that the more sensitive area of the body are the ends and tips of limbs, such as the fingertips and the palms of the hands. This is because there are much more nerve endings in the hands, allowing the brain to be more precise in sensing pressure. Areas such as the forearm and back arm are less sensitive because they have less nerve ending, forcing the brain to make a less accurate decision as to how many points of pressure are being applied at any one time.
Prediction Accuracy
As far as this experiment is concerned, my initial prediction was perfect. I predicted that the palms and fingertips would be able to determine points of pressure more accurately than the forearm and back arm and I was correct.
Biology Sc1 Scientific Investigation
Evaluation
Method Evaluation
I feel that my method of giving marks for both single and double jabs and that I completely randomized my jabs was a good idea. I thought that my results table could have done with a little reformatting but I think it didn’t its job well.
Quality of Evidence
I changed the input variable after every test, to avoid repetition for the volunteer. I then repeated each set three times. I measured the output variable accurately by using tally marking so that I would not forget how many jabs I had done.
Reliability of Evidence
To make sure my results where reliable, I not only repeated the experiment but checked answers with other people in my class doing the same experiment to make sure that both sets of answers where reliable and showed an obvious trend.
How I could Extend my Investigation
If I where to be given more time, I could have tested more input variables against the original output variable to see if the trend continues with other parts and areas of the body, such as the legs and feet. It would also back up my idea that the ends and tips of limbs are the most sensitive areas of the body.
