1. If you use human subjects, you must have a written consent form for each subject. Submit a blank copy of your consent form to me for review before you begin gathering data. If your experiment is simple (e.g., a taste test), initials on a sheet will suffice. However, if your experiment involves more intervention (e.g., a quiz or psychological study), you must write a consent form--usually one paragraph--and collect each subject’s signature. Projects that use human subjects without approved consent forms will not be accepted. Attach all signed or initialed consent forms to your report when you submit it.

2. Put major effort into the experimental design so that it is as clean as possible before you begin gathering data. Feel free to use me or other class members to review and comment upon your design. Do not be discouraged if people seem to criticize your design; remember, there is no such thing as a perfect experimental design.

1. Length is not important. Clarity, interest, and relevance are.

2. Five to seven pages (plus attachments for raw data printouts, figures, and questionnaires if used) should suffice. This is only a rough guideline to help you scale your writing effort. In some cases, the report may be shorter.

3. Your report must be stapled or securely bound in some effective way (use binder clip for large reports). Loose sheets will not be accepted.

4. If your diagram tells the story, cite it in the text but let the picture do most of the talking. Assume that your reader is a Scientific American or Smithsonian reader; intelligent, though not necessarily an expert in statistics.

5. Number your figures (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, etc.) and use a consistent citation style for any external sources. The library has a guideline on "Electronic Footnote Citations" on the east wall, underneath the lunar phase chart. This requirement will be enforced this time.

6. Remember that your raw data table (one row per experimental unit) must be included in your final report. There will be a significant penalty if the raw data table is missing.

7. (This was mentioned above, but it bears repeating.) If you use human subjects, you must attach all signed or initialed consent forms to your final report.

1. Keep your group working productively. Assign tasks, or resolve disputes if two people want the same task. It’s OK to be laid-back if you wish, but be prepared to step in and take charge if things are bogging down.

2. You are responsible for submitting the proposal on Monday, 1/24/00. You are also the person ultimately responsible for the quality of the final product. That doesn’t mean you have to write everything yourself, but it does mean that have to juggle other people’s schedules and make things come together.

3. If people shirk their responsibilities, you may need to use small sanctions (a few points here, a few points there) to encourage them to do the right thing. Last year only a few groups had this problem, so let’s hope we don’t run into it too often.

4. There are 300 points possible: 45 for proposal and subsequent revisions, 45 for raw data, 10 for group leader report (see below), and 200 for final report. The 200 final report points are subdivided as follows: 50 for interest, 80 for technical accuracy, 35 for quality of writing (including spelling and grammar), and 35 for format, style, and neatness. Remember that if your project uses human subjects, your report will not be accepted for grading if the signed consent forms are not attached.

5. As group leader you must prepare a one-paragraph report justifying the point split you feel is correct for your group. Last year many group leaders, though not all, opted for an even split. If your group leader report is missing or inadequate, your personal score will be reduced by 10 points. The group leader report is not necessarily the final say, but in most cases I will support the group leader’s decision provided it is based on merit, not need. (For example, you can’t divert points from people who already have a solid "A" average in order to help someone else raise his grade.)