GENERATING RANDOM NUMBER SETS BIO 2130 Using "RESEARCH RANDOMIZER"
PURPOSE: To generate a set of random numbers which can be used to randomly locate sample transects and then sample quadrats as part of a random sampling experimental design such as that described in your laboratory procedure. Here's how you should proceed to generate your random number sets:
PROCEDURE:
- Go to the "Research Randomizer" home page at http://www.randomizer.org/form.htm
- Complete the form to indicate the number of sets, numbers per set, and range, and uniqueness preference. The entries will depend upon the experimental design for the particular experiment you are conducting. For our sampling exercise at the "Cedarville University Prairie Restoration" you will need to enter the following specifications:
- Number of Sets = 2 [Note from your Lab Procedure, page 2 that you will need one set of random numbers for deciding the origin of the transect line and a set for determining the location of the quadrats along the transect.
- Numbers per Set = 10 [in order to provide sufficient random numbers for the duration of the experiment.]
- Range = 0 to 9 [single positive integers representing possible starting points for the transect and location of quadrats.]
- Uniqueness preference = Yes [to avoid recurring integers although this is not a critical issue; can you see why?]
- Sort numbers = No [not necessary for our purposes here.]
- Output preference = "Place Markers Off" [do not change default setting.]
- When you have entered the above settings, press "Randomize Now" and receive your pairs of rectangular coordinates. Please print out the number sets and bring the page to laboratory.
