I-Biology Excel StatBook

Statistical Analysis, Data Collection and Processing and Excel
Shadowed boxes are links to resources
Compare the means of two sample populations... Learn about error bars and variability in Biology Plot changes 'before and after' a condition is changed Plot the change in a variable over time (the '5 x 5' Determine if there is a correlation between two Compare outcomes to expected data (Chi-squared test)
What do you
Quick guide to tables and graphs (DCP)

More calculations for % difference vs %
magnifications & scales

Stephen Taylor. IBDP Biology Excel Statbook. From http://i-biology.net/ia/statexcel
Last updated 27 Se
Processing and Excel

..under one experimental condition ..under two (or more) experimental conditions
mple populations...
riability in Biology
..where individual trials are repeated Learn more about the tt-test practice
' a condition is changed
ver time (the '5 x 5'
"5x5" means 5 increments of the IV over 5 times, with 5 repeats
tion between two squared test)
monohybrid cross dihybrid cross

codominant cross polygenic cross
Yeast population growth
% difference vs %
magnifications & scales
Links: Front Page i-Biology.net

A Creative Commons work by Stephen Taylor
Last updated 27 Sept 2011
ative Commons work by Stephen Taylor
Variability and Error Bars in Biology
Data show variability.
The mean is a measure of the central Data show variability - this is how spre We could use the range of the data (m
Standard deviation (sd) is a very u
34% of data fall one sd above and one If a calculated value for the sd is large 95% of all data fall within 2sd of the Consider this set of raw data: repeat Population A Population B
68% 95%
Image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_deviation
Comparing the means of Population A and Population B. Error bars show standard deviation.
Mean Value of the Dependent Variable 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0
Population A has a higher mean than Calculate mean with the formula "=AV
Click on the cells to see the formula. Change the raw data in the table to se
Pop A (n=10) Pop B (n=10)
When describing data, include the
Error bars are a graphical re
You could use range, sd, standard erro The top graph uses sd for the error b
Comparing the means of Population A and Population B. Error bars show 95% confidence.
Mean Value of the Dependent Variable
6.0
4.0 2.0 0.0
The bottom graph shows 95% confide This is useful in determining the signif The larger the overlap between 95%C Where there is no overlap in 95%CI er We can test these deductions further Further useful resources: Click4Biology Error Bars Error Bars in Biology
Pop A (n=10) Pop B (n=10)
Can we tell how significant the difference is from the overlap in the error bars?
DV (unit, uncertainty)
repeat Population A Population B 1 1.0 2.0 2 2.0 2.0 3 3.0 1.0 4 4.0 2.0 5 3.0 1.0 6 2.0 2.0 7 1.0 1.0 8 2.0 2.0
endent variable
Comparing the means of Populations A and B. (Error bars represent 95% confidence)
3.5
Mean value of dependent variable (unit, )
3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Population B (n=10)
Population A (n=10)
In the default data here, you can a small overlap, but significant difference. What happens as the datasets become more similar or more different?
Data show variability.

The mean is a measure of the central tendency of a set of data. It useful, but not by itself. Data show variability - this is how spread the data are around the mean. We could use the range of the data (max - min values) to show variability, but this is skewed by outliers.
Standard deviation (sd) is a very useful tool in descriptive statistics.

34% of data fall one sd above and one sd below the mean. Therefore 68% of all data fall within 1sd of the mean. If a calculated value for the sd is large, it suggests a lot of variability in the data. If it is small, there is less variability. 95% of all data fall within 2sd of the mean. We can use this for 95% confidence limits. Consider this set of raw data:
1 1.0 1.0 2 1.0 1.0 3 2.0 1.0 4 3.0 1.0 5 2.0 1.0 6 1.0 1.0 7 3.0 2.0 8 6.0 1.0 9 7.0 2.0 10 6.0 1.0
mean 3.2 1.2
Population A has a higher mean than Population B. Calculate mean with the formula "=AVERAGE(data)" Click on the cells to see the formula. Change the raw data in the table to see what heppens.
Population A shows greater variability in the data. Calculate sd with the formula "=STDEV" Calculate 95% confidence with the formula "=CONFIDENCE.NORM(0.05, sd, sample size)"
When describing data, include the standard deviation as an indictor of variability.
Error bars are a graphical representation of the variability of a set of data.

You could use range, sd, standard error or 95% confidence on the error bars. The top graph uses sd for the error bars. You can see a clear difference in variability.
Go to to practice setting up error bars.
Notice that the sample size of each population is labeled on th graph (n=10) The bottom graph shows 95% confidence. This is useful in determining the significance of a difference between the means. The larger the overlap between 95%CI error bars, the larger the value of P (see t-test). A small overlap might still be a significant difference. Where there is no overlap in 95%CI error bars, the difference is very likely to be significant. We can test these deductions further by carrying out a t-test. Link: t-test resources Further useful resources: by John Burrell Thanks also to Dave Ferguson here at Canadian Academy. by GraphPad.com Error Bars in Biology by the Journal of Cell Biology (pdf well worth reading) Links: Front Page i-Biology.net
A Creative Commons work by Stephen Ta
the error bars?

9 3.0 1.0 10 4.0 2.0 mean 2.5 1.6 stdev 1.08 0.52 95% CI 0.67 0.32
The error bars here represent 95%CI. Manipulate the data and see what happens to: - The overlap of The error bars
- The value of P (t-test) H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
P = 0.029
If P < 0.05 then REJECT H0 There is a significant difference. If P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the H0 There is no significant difference.
sd 2.3 0.4
95% confidence 1.4 0.3
"Comparing Means" to practice setting up error bars. Notice that the sample size of each population is labeled on th graph (n=10)
erlap might still be a significant difference.

Comparing two population means.

repeat Population A Population B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
This graph is set up for you to play with. Put some sets of raw data in the table. Mean value of dependent variable (unit, ) See what happens to the means. What happens to the sd? The error bars represent 95% confidence. Are your data significantly different? The t-test can be used as a significance test. We set a confidence limit of 95%. OR: the probability of the difference being due to chance (P) is 0.05 or less. Here's how to present it: T-test:
1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0
Descriptive title which makes clear the purpose of the investigation. (Error bars represent 95% confidence)
Population A (n= )
H0 = There is no significant difference between population A and population B.

df = TTEST = ###### (total sample size minus 2) Formula =TTEST (PopARawData:PopBRawData, 2, 2)
Analysis If P > 0.05, accept H0 (less than 95% confident that differences are not due to chance) If P < 0.05, reject H0 (more than 95% confident that differences are not due to chance) I reject / accept the null hypothesis. Conclusion: There is / is not a significant difference between population A and population B.
Can we tell how significant the difference is from the overlap in the error bars?
repeat Population A Population B 1 1.0 2.0 2 2.0 2.0 3 3.0 1.0 4 4.0 2.0 5 3.0 1.0 6 2.0 2.0 7 1.0 1.0 8 2.0 2.0 9 3.0 1.0 10 4.0 2.0
e of dependent variable
3.5 3.0
The error bars here represen Manipulate the data and see - The overlap of The error ba - The value of P (t-test)
3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Population B (n=10) Population A (n=10)
H0 = "There is no significant d
P=
If P < 0.05 then REJECT H0
There is a significant differen
If P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the H
There is no significant differe
mean stdev 95% confidence #DIV/0! ###### #DIV/0! #DIV/0! ###### #DIV/0!
Standard deviation (sd)is used in descriptive statistics. It is a measure of the spread (variability) of most of the data. 34% of data falls above (1sd) and 34% below (1sd) the mean. Therefore 68% of all data falls within 1 sd of the mean. 95% Confidence (95% CI): confidence in the mean (link) We can plot this 95% confidence on error bars on graphs. If error bars do not overlap, the sets of data are likely to be significantly different. When setting 95% confidence: Select =CONFIDENCE.NORM as a function Alpha is 0.05 (95% confidence) STDEV select the STDEV cell Size = number of samples for that value
makes clear the purpose of the rs represent 95% confidence)
Quick guide to setting up error bars in Excel:

Click on the data points, then Chart Layout, Error bars Select Error Bars Options, Custom, Select Value For positive error bar, highlight all '95% confidence' cells. Do the same for the negative error bar. Delete horizontal error bars if they are produced.
Population B (n= )
Click here "T-test" to find out more about the t-test.

ot due to chance) not due to chance)
Thanks to Dave Ferguson for help on this one!
rror bars?
mean stdev 2.5 1.08 1.6 0.52 95% CI 0.67 0.32
The error bars here represent 95%CI. Manipulate the data and see what happens to: - The overlap of The error bars - The value of P (t-test)
H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
0.029
e significantly different.
The t-test
The t-test tests the significance of the difference between two means. You need to know how to apply the t-test in two ways. 1. By using a calculated value of t and comparing it to a critical value on the t-table (exam). 2. By using Excel on your dataset (for lab reports)
Conditions for using - Two population means to comp - At least five data points in each
In Biology, we usually work at th (P < 0.05) level. This means that
repeat Population A Population B 1 1.0 2.0 2 2.0 2.0 3 3.0 2.0 4 4.0 2.0 5 5.0 3.0 6 6.0 4.0 7 7.0 5.0 8 8.0 5.0 9 9.0 5.0 10 mean stdev 9.0 5.4 2.88 5.0 3.5 1.43
Always start by stating the null hypothesis. H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B" This is always the same. Now test it.
Quick Excel Method

Use the formula "=TTEST(array1, array2, tails, type)" tails = 2, type = 2 P is calculated directly.
t-Table method
Degrees of freedom = P= Critical value (c.v.) of t =
(for example data) 18 0.05 2.10
P=
0.08
Confidence= 92.22 %
Calculated value of t= 1.87 (From http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/ttest1
State the Conclusion: If P < 0.05 then REJECT the null hypothesis. If t > c.v. then REJECT the null hypothesis. There is a significant difference between A and B. There is a significant difference betw If P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the null hypothesis. There is no significant difference between A and B. Links: Front Page i-Biology.net
If t < c.v. then ACCEPT the null hypothesis. There is no significant difference betw
repeat Population A Population B 1 1.0 2.0 2 2.0 2.0 3 3.0 1.0 4 4.0 2.0 5 3.0 1.0 6 2.0 2.0 7 1.0 1.0 8 2.0 2.0 9 3.0 1.0 10 mean stdev 4.0 2.5 1.08 2.0 1.6 0.52
3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0

1.5 Population B (n=10)
The error bars here represent 95%CI. Manipulate the data and see what happens t - The overlap of The error bars - The value of P (t-test)
Population A (n=10)
H0 = "There is no significant difference betwe
P = ####
Mean value of dependent va (unit,
1.5
Population B (n=10)
1.0 0.5 0.0
Conditions for using the t-test: Two population means to compare At least five data points in each population In Biology, we usually work at the 95% confidence (P < 0.05) level. This means that any differences
Confidence
90%
0.1
95% 0.05
12.71 4.30 3.18 2.78 2.57 2.45 2.37 2.31 2.26 2.23 2.20 2.18 2.16 2.15 2.13 2.12 2.11 2.10 2.09 2.09 2.08 2.07 2.07 2.06 2.06 2.06 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.02 2.02 2.02 2.02 2.02 2.01
98%
0.02
31.82 6.97 4.54 3.75 3.37 3.14 3.00 2.90 2.82 2.76 2.72 2.68 2.65 2.63 2.60 2.58 2.57 2.55 2.54 2.53 2.52 2.51 2.50 2.49 2.49 2.48 2.47 2.47 2.46 2.46 2.45 2.45 2.45 2.44 2.44 2.43 2.43 2.43 2.43 2.42 2.42 2.41 2.41
Increasing significance 1 6.31 DF 2 2.92
(n-2)
95% confidence 1.78 0.89
Notice that as P decreases,
etween population A and B"
(for example data) (total sample size minus 2)
Click here for some practice
(this is given to you in exams) p://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/ttest1.cfm)
hen REJECT the null hypothesis. There is a significant difference between A and B.
hen ACCEPT the null hypothesis. There is no significant difference between A and B. There's more
ns work by Stephen Taylor
95% CI 0.67 0.32
he error bars here represent 95%CI. anipulate the data and see what happens to: The overlap of The error bars
= "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 44 46
2.35 2.13 2.02 1.94 1.90 1.86 1.83 1.81 1.80 1.78 1.77 1.76 1.75 1.75 1.74 1.73 1.73 1.73 1.72 1.72 1.71 1.71 1.71 1.71 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.68 1.68 1.68
If your degrees of freedom lie
P < 0.05 then REJECT H0
here is a significant difference.
P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the H0
If your degrees of freedom lie between values (e.g. 55 on this table), then use the critical value of the lower number (in this case 50).
here is no significant difference.
48 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 150 200 300 500
1.68 1.68 1.67 1.67 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65
2.01 2.01 2.00 1.99 1.99 1.99 1.98 1.98 1.98 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.96
2.41 2.40 2.39 2.38 2.37 2.37 2.36 2.36 2.35 2.35 2.34 2.33 2.33
99%
0.01
63.66 9.93 5.84 4.60 4.03 3.71 3.50 3.36 3.25 3.17 3.11 3.06 3.01 2.98 2.95 2.92 2.90 2.88 2.86 2.85 2.83 2.82 2.81 2.80 2.79 2.78 2.77 2.76 2.76 2.75 2.74 2.74 2.73 2.73 2.72 2.72 2.72 2.71 2.71 2.70 2.70 2.69 2.69
2.68 2.68 2.66 2.65 2.64 2.63 2.63 2.62 2.61 2.60 2.59 2.59 2.58
Practice with the t-test

Always start by stating the null hypothesis. H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B" 1. Total sample size = 24. t = 2.33. H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
Degrees of freedom =
If t > c.v. then REJECT the null hypothesis.
Critical value (c.v.) of t = Conclusion: t There
There is a significant difference between A and B.

If t < c.v. then ACCEPT the null hypothesis. There is no significant difference between A and B.
c.v. so I the null hypothesis. a significant difference between the population mea
2. An ecologist measures 23 leaves on the East side of a hedge and 32 on the West. The means are compared. "t" H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
Degrees of freedom = Conclusion: t There Critical value (c.v.) of t =
c.v. so I the null hypothesis. a significant difference between the population means.
3. Rugby squad A has 22 players with a mean sprint time of 11.5s. Squad B has 20 players, mean time 9.3s. "t" is ca H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
Degrees of freedom = Conclusion: t There Critical value (c.v.) of t =
c.v. so I the null hypothesis. a significant difference between the population means.
repeat Population A Population B 1 1.0 2.0 2 2.0 2.0 3 3.0 1.0 4 4.0 2.0 5 3.0 1.0 6 2.0 2.0 7 1.0 1.0 8 9 2.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 10 mean stdev 4.0 2.5 1.08 2.0 1.6 0.52
3.5
3.0
The error bars here represent 95%CI. Manipulate the data and see what happens to: - The overlap of The error bars - The value of P (t-test)
2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0
Population A (n=10) Population B (n=10)
H0 = "There is no significant difference between
P = ###
If P < 0.05 then REJECT H0
Mean value of dependen
1.0 0.5 0.0
There is a significant difference. If P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the H0 There is no significant difference.
Confidence
90%
nt difference between population A and B"
0.1
95% 0.05
12.71 4.30 3.18 2.78 2.57 2.45 2.37 2.31 2.26 2.23 2.20 2.18 2.16 2.15 2.13 2.12 2.11 2.10 2.09 2.09 2.08 2.07 2.07 2.06 2.06 2.06 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.03 2.02 2.02 2.02 2.02 2.02
98%
0.02
31.82 6.97 4.54 3.75 3.37 3.14 3.00 2.90 2.82 2.76 2.72 2.68 2.65 2.63 2.60 2.58 2.57 2.55 2.54 2.53 2.52 2.51 2.50 2.49 2.49 2.48 2.47 2.47 2.46 2.46 2.45 2.45 2.45 2.44 2.44 2.43 2.43 2.43 2.43 2.42 2.42 2.41
Increasing significance DF 1 6.31 2 2.92
(n-2)
the null hypothesis. ficant difference between the population means.
the West. The means are compared. "t" is calculated as 1.97.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 44
2.35 2.13 2.02 1.94 1.90 1.86 1.83 1.81 1.80 1.78 1.77 1.76 1.75 1.75 1.74 1.73 1.73 1.73 1.72 1.72 1.71 1.71 1.71 1.71 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.68 1.68
B has 20 players, mean time 9.3s. "t" is calculated as 2.10.

95% CI 0.67 0.32
The error bars here represent 95%CI. Manipulate the data and see what happens to: The overlap of The error bars The value of P (t-test)
H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"
f P < 0.05 then REJECT H0
There is a significant difference.

If your degrees of freedom lie between values (e.g. 55 on this table), then use the critical value of the lower number (in this case 50).
f P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the H0
There is no significant difference.
46 48 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 150 200 300 500
1.68 1.68 1.68 1.67 1.67 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.66 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65
2.01 2.01 2.01 2.00 1.99 1.99 1.99 1.98 1.98 1.98 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.96
2.41 2.41 2.40 2.39 2.38 2.37 2.37 2.36 2.36 2.35 2.35 2.34 2.33 2.33
99%
0.01
63.66 9.93 5.84 4.60 4.03 3.71 3.50 3.36 3.25 3.17 3.11 3.06 3.01 2.98 2.95 2.92 2.90 2.88 2.86 2.85 2.83 2.82 2.81 2.80 2.79 2.78 2.77 2.76 2.76 2.75 2.74 2.74 2.73 2.73 2.72 2.72 2.72 2.71 2.71 2.70 2.70 2.69
2.69 2.68 2.68 2.66 2.65 2.64 2.63 2.63 2.62 2.61 2.60 2.59 2.59 2.58
Data Processing and Presentation

Raw data table of tissue sample masses for populations A and B
Mass of tissue samples (g, 0.1g)

repeat Population A Population B 1 1.1 2.3 2 1.2 2.3 3 1.3 2.4 4 1.4 2.0 5 1.5 2.3 6 1.6 4.3 7 1.7 2.2 8 1.8 2.2 9 1.9 2.0 10 mean 1.1 1.5 3.1 2.5
Associated qualitatvie data: Record observations with the raw data. You cannot get above 0 for DCP aspect 1 without this. These observations could be referred to in the conclusion or evaluation.
Comparing the mean tissue sample masses of Population A and Population B (Error bars represent 95% confidence)
Mean mass of tissue samples (g, 0.1g)
3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 Population A (n= ) Population B (n= )
stdev 95% confidence 0.29 0.18 0.70 0.43
Raw data Give the tables a title. Always remember units and uncertainties. Mean should not got to more d.p. than the precision of the recording. Make sure that all raw data and the means have consistent d.p. This includes zeroes. (Format cell, number, dp) STDEV and 95% confidence can have one extra d.p. Do not allow tables to break across pages.
Processing data: Explain what calculations were used and why. If you used Excel, explain what functions were selected and why. Give worked examples of any calculations you carried out yourself. Where data sets are large, you will need to present processed data as a separate table. Think about units and uncertainties of processed data carefully. Presenting Processed Data Titles must be descriptive of the experiment. You must state what the error bars represent. Do not plot bar charts. Trend lines, if used, should be plotted by you. Error bars need to be for each data set. Include sample size where appropriate (n= ) Label axes clearly, with units and uncertainties. Make good use of space. Do not clutter the graph with unnecessary colours, lines or shading. Ask yourself the question: "Does my table or graph clearly and accurately represent the data?"

work by Stephen Taylor
Comparing two population means under different conditions

In this example, lichen and moss populations were compared on the North and South sides of some trees. Northern direction Southern direction % Coverage of lichens and st nd rd st nd rd 1 2 3 1 2 3 mosses on trees (4%) quadrat quadrat quadrat quadrat quadrat quadrat 4 20 10 56 45 65 Tree 1 Moss 100 84 100 12 32 12 Lichen 5 6 23 76 76 65 Tree 2 Moss 87 65 54 23 12 23 Lichen 12 13 14 76 87 65 Tree 3 Moss 3 4 5 12 10 9 Lichen 76 65 54 67 54 23 Tree 4 Moss 3 6 5 3 6 5 Lichen 76 87 78 87 76 67 Tree 5 Moss 2 4 7 12 8 6 Lichen Sample sizes: 15 per side per type Interpret the data and the graphs. Which data are more variable? How do you know? Which sets of data are most likely to be significantly different?

d South sides of some trees.
Processed Data North Side South Side

90.0
Mosses Lichen Mosses Lichen
Mean 36.2 33.1 65.7 11.6
% Coverage on trees (4%) Standard deviation 95% confidence 32.2 16.3 40.4 20.4 22.9 11.6 8.2 4.2
80.0
Mean % Coverage on trees (4%)
70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0

20.0
Comparing % coverage of moss and lichen populations on the North and South aspects of trees in Bandung, West Java. (Error bars represent 95% confidence)
Moss, South 65.7
Moss, North 36.2
Lichen, North 33.1
10.0 0.0
Lichen, South 11.6
ns on the North and bars represent 95%
Lichen, South 11.6
A results table for population comparisons where members of each popula

Population A A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 mean stdev 1 DV unit ( smallest division) 2 3 4 5 mean ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### stdev 95% conf. #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### 95% confidence 95% confidence= #DIV/0!
95% confidence ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### population statistics: mean = ###### stdev = ######
T-test: H0 = There is no significant difference between population A and population B. df = TTEST = Analysis If P>0.05, accept H0 If P<0.05, reject H0 (less than 95% confident that differences are not due to chance) (more than 95% confident that differences are not due to chance)
Conclusion There is / is not a significant difference between population A and population B.
members of each population are repeating trials

Population B B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 mean stdev 1 DV unit ( smallest division) 2 3 4 5 mean ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### stdev 95% conf. #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### ######
95% confidence ###### ###### ###### ###### ###### population statistics: mean = ###### stdev = ###### 95% confidence= #DIV/0!
s are not due to chance) es are not due to chance) population B.

work by Stephen Taylor
Correlations
These examples outline some different types of correlation.
See what happens to the correlation coefficient, the scatter plots and the best-fit lines when you change some raw data points.
Variable A Variable B
Variable B (units, uncertainties) 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 2.0
3.0 2.7
4.0 2.8
5.0 2.8
5.0 2.9
5.0 2.9
6.0 2.9
6.0 3
8.0 3.1
8.0 3.4
9.0 3.6
Correlation =
0.92
correlation = 0.92
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Variable A (units, uncertainties)
Variable B (units, uncertainties) 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 2.0
3.0 5
4.0 2
5.0 7
5.0 9
5.0 6
6.0 7
6.0 8
8.0 3
8.0 2
9.0 10
Correlation =
0.10
correlation = 0.10 (no correlation)
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Variable B (units, uncertainties) 10
3.0 9
4.0 8
5.0 6
5.0 7
5.0 4
6.0 6
6.0 6
8.0 5
8.0 4
9.0 3
Correlation = -0.84
correlation = -0.84
8 6 4
Variable B (units, uncert
4 2 0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 Variable A (units, uncertainties)
Variable B (units, uncertatinies) 10 8 6 4 2 0 2.0
3.0 9
4.0 8
5.0 7
5.0 7
5.0 7
6.0 6
6.0 6
8.0 4
8.0 4
9.0 3
Correlation = -1.00
correlation = -1.00
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
Remember: Correlation does not imply

Try it here:
Raw data points: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 mean #DIV/0! #DIV/0! sd #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Variable A (units, ) Variable B (units, ) Remember, variable A and B must align! Insert columns before the mean for extra data points.
Mean and s.d. are just descriptive here.
A scatter plot to show the relationship between Variable A and Variable B (Correlation = )
1.2 1
Variable B (units, )
0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4
Variable (units, ) Links: Front Page i-Biology.net

More examples down here
riptive here.
Before and After

A 5 x 5 results table to produce a single scatter or line IV Value ( (unit)) repeat 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 recorded value ( (unit)) start end difference 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 % difference ( x%) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
Investigating the effect of changing independent variable on the % change in dependent variable of _____. Error bars represent 95% confidence.
1.0
Mean % change of dependent variable (units and uncertainties)
0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2
Mean % change
0.2 0.1 0.0 0 1 2 3
Independent variable (units and uncertainties)
mean ( x%)
stdev
95% confidence
Calculating % differences allows for comparisons between sets of data where starting values may not be consistent. For example, an increase of mass of 0.1g on a starting mass of 1g is much greater than the same increase on a starting mass of 5g.
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
Calculating % difference: end - start % difference = start
x 100
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
Graph
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
nt variable on the % change in present 95% confidence.

Add your own trend line. Do not use the Excel lines. Best fit and get between the error bars where possible.
s and uncertainties)
mparisons between sets of data
1g on a starting mass of ase on a starting mass of 5g.
Commons work by Stephen Taylor
where possible.
Continuous variable: 5 increments, 5 repeats, changes over time

A 5 x 5 results table for time trials over 5 increments of the IV (raw data) IV Value ( (unit)) Time ( (unit)) 1 2 1 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Repeat 2 3
Processed Data 4 5
Mean #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! STDEV #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
Investigating the effect of (IV) on (DV). (Error bars represent 95% confidence.)
1.0 0.9
ean of dependent variable uncertainties)
0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5
Mean of dependent var (units uncertainti
0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 0 1 2 3 4 5
Independent Variable (units uncertainties)

IV Value ( (unit)) Mean % change 1 #DIV/0! 2 #DIV/0! 3 #DIV/0! 4 #DIV/0! 5 #DIV/0! sd #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 95% CI #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Use axis formatting tools to sort them out to fit the data and increments appropriately.
over time
Processed Data
95% confidence #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! This is the standard "5 x 5" investigation that can generate "sufficient, relevant data" As so much raw data is generated, processed data should be separated.
Investigating the effect of (IV) on (DV) over time. (Error bars represent 95% confidence.)
1.0 0.9
Mean of dependent variable (units uncertainties)
0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.0 0 1 2 3 4
Time (units uncertainties)

1 2 3 4 5
Link to a completed example

Do more!
A Creative Commons work by S
With such a rich data-set, we can 'lift out' values to see more trends.
Example: see the 'before-after' results for each increment of the dependent variable.
IV Value ( (unit)) Time ( (unit)) 1 5 Difference 1 % Change Mean % change 1 5 Difference 2
1
0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0
Repeat 3
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! sd = #DIV/0! 95% CI 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
2 % Change Mean % change 1 5 Difference % Change Mean % change 1 5 Difference % Change Mean % change 1 5 Difference % Change Mean % change #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! sd = 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! sd = 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! sd = 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! sd = #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 95% CI 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! 95% CI 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! 95% CI 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! 95% CI
ls to sort them out ments appropriately. 5
evant data"
V) over time. idence.)
Front Page i-Biology.net

ent variable.
5
0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0
#DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 0.0 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
Continuous variable: 5 increments, 5 repeats, changes over time

A 5 x 5 results table for time trials over 5 increments of the IV (raw data) CO2 production ( 0.5ml) Repeat Temp ( 0.5 C)
o
Processed Data 5
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.8 1.3 0.0 0.8 1.4 1.9 2.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 Mean 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.3 0.0 0.8 1.2 1.7 2.1 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 STDEV 0.00 0.08 0.08 0.05 0.11 0.00 0.07 0.09 0.11 0.15 0.00 0.11 0.16 0.13 0.12 0.00 0.04 0.31 0.20 0.31 0.00 0.09 0.08 0.09 0.11
Time ( 1 sec)
0 60 120 180 240 0 60 120 180 240 0 60 120 180 240 0 60 120 180 240 0 60 120 180 240
1
0.0 .1. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.2 0.0 0.8 1.2 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3
2
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.6 0.9 1.0 1.2 0.0 0.9 1.6 1.9 2.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3
3
0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.0 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.5 0.0 0.8 0.9 1.5 2.3 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
4
0.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.3 0.6 0.8 1.3 0.0 0.8 0.9 1.7 1.8 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3
10oC
20oC
30oC
40oC
50oC
es over time
Processed Data
95% confidence #NUM! 0.07 0.07 0.05 0.10 #NUM! 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.13 #NUM! 0.10 0.14 0.12 0.11 #NUM! 0.04 0.27 0.18 0.27 #NUM! 0.08 0.07 0.08 0.10
This is the standard "5 x 5" investigation that can generate "sufficient, relevant data"
Investigating the effect of temperature on rate of photosynthesis of Elodea, by measuring release of CO2 over time. (Error bars represent 95% confidence.)
2.5
Mean of dependent variable (units uncertainties)
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0 0 60 120 180 Independent Variable (units uncertainties) 10oC 20oC 30oC 40oC 50oC
You need to edit axes and labels. Best fit should be done yourself. In this case, I chose polynomials which fit.
ficient, relevant data"
of photosynthesis over time.
180
240
certainties)
ive Commons work by Stephen Taylor
How does glucose concentration affect population growth of Saccharomyce

Raw data: Cell counts from the hemacytometer
Glucose concentration Time (
( 1gl )
-1
Raw cell counts (1 Population 1 cells

10
Population 2 cells
9
Population 3 cells
9
4h)
0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96
squares
16
squares
16
0 5 10 15 20
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
Processed Data: Population estimates

Glucose concentration Time (
( 1gl-1)
Population ( x 103 cells cm-3 ) 1

400 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
4h)
0 24 48 72 96
2
360 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
3
360 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
4
400 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
5
480 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
5 10 15 20
0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96 0 24 48 72 96
0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
f Saccharomyces cerevisiae ?
Raw cell counts (1) Population 3 squares
16
Link to data:
Dilution Factor "1 in ___"
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2
http://wp.me/P
Population 4 cells
10
Population 5 cells
12
squares
16
squares
16
The red values have been A dilution factor of "none" If cells become too cluster
Associated Qualitative Da
-1
Samples for 15gl and 20g
16
16
16
The dilution factor was 1 in
16
16
16
16
16
16
A Creative Commons
16
16
16
Processed Data: Graphing

Further Processing
Mean 400 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! STDEV 49.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 95% CI 42.9 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
Turn this blank chart into a scatter plot of mean populati
Plot 95% CI as the error bars and for each series, select an Include: a descriptive title, units an uncertainties on the a
0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0.0 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
95% CI #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 95% CI #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 95% CI #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 95% CI #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
http://wp.me/P7lr1-kN
e red values have been entered from the starting populations. ilution factor of "none" is 1 in 1 ells become too clustered to count, we need to dilute and factor.
sociated Qualitative Data (observations)

-1 -1
mples for 15gl and 20gl had to be diluted on day 5 as they were too clustered to count.
e dilution factor was 1 in 2 (5ml sample added to 5ml water, then re-sampled).
Front Page i-Biology.net

r plot of mean population over time, with 5 curves (concentrations). Model:
5 x 5 example
or each series, select an appropriate best-fit curve. n uncertainties on the axes, clear points and lines and make good use of the space.
Chi-Squared Test Calculator: Monohybrid Cross (no

Null hypothesis: there is no significant difference between observed and expected results .
Sample size (N) =

predicted ratio# ratio as a decimal #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Sum: *clear cells if not needed
#
Collected data Observed (O) Expected (E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0!
Description Phenotype 1 Phenotype 2*
#DIV/0!
These totals must equal N
Write as a an integer, e.g. ( 3, 1)
If 2 < critical value, accept the null hypoth
If 2 > critical value, reject the null hypothe

Conclusion: I do/do do not accept the null hypothesis. My results do/ do not fit the
id Cross (not multiple alleles)

Critical Values table
Calculating 2
(O - E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
expected results .
p (certainty)
E
D.F. $
1 2
$
0.1 (90%) 2.70554 4.60517
0.05 (95%) 3.84146 5.99146
0.01 (99%) 6.6349 9.21034
2 Total ( ) =
#DIV/0!
Degrees of freedom:
number of phenotypes minus 1
ept the null hypothesis
ect the null hypothesis
ults do/ do not fit the predicted ratio.

Chi-Squared Test Calculator: Dihybrid Crosses & Lin

Sample size (N) =

predicted ratio# ratio as a decimal #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Sum: *clear cells if not needed
#
Collected data Observed (O) Expected (E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0!
Description Phenotype 1 Phenotype 2 Phenotype 3* Phenotype 4*
#DIV/0!
Write as a an integer, e.g. (9, 3, 3, 1)

rosses & Linked Genes

Calculating 2
(O - E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
expected results .
p (certainty)
E
D.F. $
1 2 3 4
$
0.1 (90%) 2.70554 4.60517 6.25139 7.77944
0.05 (95%) 3.84146 5.99146 7.81473 9.48773
0.01 (99%) 6.6349 9.21034 11.34487 13.2767
2 Total ( ) =
#DIV/0!
Degrees of freedom:

Chi-Squared Test Calculator: Codominant (Monohy

Sample size (N) =

predicted ratio# ratio as a decimal #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Sum: *clear cells if not needed
#
Collected data Observed (O) Expected (E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0!
Description Phenotype 1 Phenotype 2 Phenotype 3* Phenotype 4*
#DIV/0!

nt (Monohybrid)
Calculating 2
(O - E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
expected results .
p (certainty)
E
D.F. $
1 2 3 4
$
0.1 (90%) 2.70554 4.60517 6.25139 7.77944
0.05 (95%) 3.84146 5.99146 7.81473 9.48773
0.01 (99%) 6.6349 9.21034 11.34487 13.2767
2 Total ( ) =
#DIV/0!
Degrees of freedom:

Chi-Squared Test Calculator: Polygenic or Trihybrid

Sample size (N) =

Description Phenotype 1 Phenotype 2 Phenotype 3 Phenotype 4 Phenotype 5 Phenotype 6 Sum: *clear cells if not needed
#
predicted ratio#
ratio as a decimal #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
Collected data Observed (O) Expected (E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! 0 #DIV/0!
#DIV/0!

or Trihybrid Crosses
Calculating 2
(O - E) #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! (O - E)2 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!
expected results .
p (certainty)
E
D.F. $
1 2 3 4 5 6
$
0.1 (90%) 2.70554 4.60517 6.25139 7.77944 9.23636 10.6446
0.05 (95%) 3.84146 5.99146 7.81473 9.48773 11.0705 12.59159
0.01 (99%) 6.6349 9.21034 11.34487 13.2767 15.08627 16.81189
2 Total ( ) =
#DIV/0!
Degrees of freedom:

Percentage Difference vs Percentage Change

Consider these two data points. A = 0.50 B = 0.75
When is the distinction between
If A is simply being compared to B, we us
If A has become B (changed over time), w
% Difference: Simple Comparisons

% Difference =
difference A or B x 100
% Change: Order is importa

% Change =
No negative values - the magnitude of the difference only is considered. Therefore two answers are acceptable. 0.75 - 0.50 0.50 x 100 =
Negative values are possible. Magnitude
50 % 33 %
% Change =
OR
0.75 - 0.50 0.75 x 100 =
Click on the white cells to see the formula used
% Change =
% Change Calculator
Original value: Final value:
1 2
Change =
When is the distinction between these important?

If A is simply being compared to B, we use one method. If A has become B (changed over time), we use another.
% Change: Order is important

(Final - original) x 100 Original Value
Negative values are possible. Magnitude and 'direction' of the change are shown.
0.75 - 0.50 0.5 What if A = and B = 0.50 - 0.75 0.5
x100 = 0.75 0.50 x100 = ? ?
50
% (increase)
-33.3 % (decrease)
100.00 %
You need to adjust the d.p. to the same degree of precision as the measurements.

ative Commons work by Stephen Taylor
Calculating Magnifications
You should be able to:
1. Calculate the linear magnification of an image when given a scale bar.

Magnification= ruler length scale bar = 2.5cm 1m = 25,000m 1m =
get to the same units
2. Calculate the actual size of an object when given the linear magnification.
"An image is magnified 5,000x. Calculate the actual size of an organelle measured as 2mm on the image." Actual size = ruler length magnification = 2mm 5000 =
0.0004mm
horrible notation
3. Calculate the actual size of an object when given a scale bar.

"A scale bar of 10m is 50mm on an image. Calculate the actual size of an organelle measured as 23mm on the image." Actual size = scale bar length x object length scale = 50mm 23mm x 10m
e when given a scale bar.

25,000 x magnification
ven the linear magnification.

of an organelle measured as 2mm on the image."
One of these
4 x 10-4mm 0.4m 400nm

nicer notations
nm m mm m km
nm 1 1 x 103 1 x 106 1 x 109 1 x 1012
is worth _______ of one of these: m mm 1 x 10-3 1 1 x 103 1 x 106 1 x 10-6 1 x 10-3 1 1 x 103
e actual size of an organelle measured as 23mm on the image."
1 x 109 1 x 106 These relationships are factors of 1000
= 21.7m
Pick the most appropriate unit and notation to present your data. Proper scientific notation should have one integer before the decimal place.
is worth _______ of one of these: m km 1 x 10

-9
cm
-12
1 x 10
1 x 10 -7 1 x 10 -4 1 x 10 -1 1 x 10 2 1 x 10 5
1 x 10-6 1 x 10-3 1
1 x 10-9 1 x 10-6 1 x 10-3 1
1 x 103 e relationships are factors of 1000
d notation to present your data. have one integer before the decimal place.

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Statistical Analysis, Data Collection and Processing and Excel

Shadowed boxes are links to resources

Quick guide to tables and graphs (DCP)

magnifications & scales

Processing and Excel

' a condition is changed

ver time (the '5 x 5'

"5x5" means 5 increments of the IV over 5 times, with 5 repeats

tion between two squared test)

monohybrid cross dihybrid cross

Yeast population growth

magnifications & scales

Links: Front Page i-Biology.net

Last updated 27 Sept 2011

ative Commons work by Stephen Taylor

Variability and Error Bars in Biology

Data show variability.

Standard deviation (sd) is a very u

When describing data, include the

Error bars are a graphical re

4.0 2.0 0.0

Pop A (n=10) Pop B (n=10)

Mean value of dependent variable (unit, )

Data show variability.

Standard deviation (sd) is a very useful tool in descriptive statistics.

mean 3.2 1.2

When describing data, include the standard deviation as an indictor of variability.

Error bars are a graphical representation of the variability of a set of data.

Go to to practice setting up error bars.

A Creative Commons work by Stephen Ta

the error bars?

95% confidence 1.4 0.3

erlap might still be a significant difference.

Links: Front Page i-Biology.net

Comparing two population means.

H0 = There is no significant difference between population A and population B.

Mean value of dependent variable (unit, )

There is a significant differen

If P > 0.05 then ACCEPT the H

There is no significant differe

makes clear the purpose of the rs represent 95% confidence)

Quick guide to setting up error bars in Excel:

Click here "T-test" to find out more about the t-test.

Links: Front Page i-Biology.net

ot due to chance) not due to chance)

Thanks to Dave Ferguson for help on this one!

H0 = "There is no significant difference between population A and B"

In Biology, we usually work at th (P < 0.05) level. This means that

Quick Excel Method

(for example data) 18 0.05 2.10

Calculated value of t= 1.87 (From http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/ttest1

Mean value of dependent variable (unit, )

3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0

H0 = "There is no significant difference betwe

Mean value of dependent va (unit,

1.0 0.5 0.0

Increasing significance 1 6.31 DF 2 2.92

95% confidence 1.78 0.89

Notice that as P decreases,

etween population A and B"

(for example data) (total sample size minus 2)

Click here for some practice

(this is given to you in exams) p://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/ttest1.cfm)