Applying the Scientific Method, Research Paper Example

Effects of Increased Ambient Temperatures on The Feeding Rates of Cockroaches

Conjecture/Initial Question

Initially, the question to be researched was the determination of any effect from the ambient temperatures on the rate of feeding of cockroaches. The effects of global warming have been profound, spreading to influence all organisms in ways that have yet to be discovered. Many studies have already been conducted on the influences of global warming; the feeding habits of organisms such as the mongoose and bats have become more frequent and more voluminous in the quantity of food consumed. Through the use of inductive reasoning, it is likely that the eating habits of cockroaches have been influenced as well. Therefore, it is the goal of this experiment to determine how global warming has impacted the cockroach.

Background Research

Research so far has mainly focused on the migratory patterns of insects due to the global warming phenomenon.  The feeding habits have not been observed in cockroaches yet. A preliminary investigation of the research that has been conducted thus far shows many studies focusing on larger mammals such as bats and mongooses.

Constructed Hypothesis

Due to the fact that global warming has increased the intake of food in several mammals, it is hypothesized that the same effect will be seen in the cockroach. This is inductive reasoning based on what has been observed in other species.

Experiment

The framework is used for this experiment will be observing the average intake of food by cockroaches per day. As mentioned before, the last 40 yearshave cumulated in an increase of 1°C on average among the overall surface area (epa.gov, 2009). The analysis could review the eating habits and intake for cockroaches as recorded entomologists before 1960. This can be used as the control group, which will stand for the normal feeding rituals of the cockroaches. The mean data derived from former studies will compared to the observed cockroach daily intake of food currently. Any changes seen with all other variables held ceteris paribus will be attributed to the 1 °C increase in global temperature.

To obtain the daily eating habits of the cockroaches in this experiment, a set of roughly 20 cockroaches, keeping them in separate glass cases. Each day food will be given and measured by weight. If the cockroach ingests all food, more will be given so that the excess can be recorded as well. The daily food intake will be recorded for two weeks before a statistical comparison will  be completed regard the intake of the cockroaches now as opposed to the daily ingested food in studies back in the 1960s.

Analysis of Data and Conclusion

The research conducted for this experiment was basic, or seeking to broaden the scientific community’s understanding of the long-reaching effects of global warming. By investigating the effects on the smaller organisms such as cockroaches, this research will add a new level to the ecological and environmental ramifications of warmer climates.

References

“Global Warming Impact”. (2009). Retrieved on October 2, 2010 from EPA.gov