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− | + | :''This page is about how to get started with your own personal science project. See'' [[Help:Getting started with wiki syntax|Getting started with wiki syntax]] ''for details on how to use this wiki.'' | |
− | :''This page is about how to get started with your own personal science project. See'' [[Help:Getting started with wiki syntax| | ||
Getting started with [[personal science]] can feel intimidating as there are a lot of components to consider when trying to answer personal questions. This page tries to accumulate best practices and advice to help both newcomers and experienced personal scientists in thinking and designing their personal science efforts. It is based on years of experience of personal scientists and is a living guide, which means that you are invited to edit and improve this article as well. | Getting started with [[personal science]] can feel intimidating as there are a lot of components to consider when trying to answer personal questions. This page tries to accumulate best practices and advice to help both newcomers and experienced personal scientists in thinking and designing their personal science efforts. It is based on years of experience of personal scientists and is a living guide, which means that you are invited to edit and improve this article as well. | ||
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This simplification was done as it can be very hard to differentiate between "design" and "observation" as they often relate to each other and changes in the project design are often related to initial observations. | This simplification was done as it can be very hard to differentiate between "design" and "observation" as they often relate to each other and changes in the project design are often related to initial observations. | ||
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== Questioning == | == Questioning == | ||
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* Creatively expressing oneself through data and visualizations | * Creatively expressing oneself through data and visualizations | ||
* Wanting to learn a new skill | * Wanting to learn a new skill | ||
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==== Framing a question ==== | ==== Framing a question ==== | ||
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There is no fixed "best" way to record any type of observations. Methods for recording data can be as simple as using a notebook in which one can enter all observations by hand, over using spreadsheet software like [[Excel]] or [[Google Sheets]] to the automatic recording of observations through devices like [[Wearables]]. More complex ways of recording data are not necessarily better than simpler approaches. Indeed, if a data recording protocol is too complex, it is more likely that one will not be able to do it consistently (see convenience above). One can also use a tool like [[Google Form]] to create a bespoke survey that one can fill out in regular intervals. | There is no fixed "best" way to record any type of observations. Methods for recording data can be as simple as using a notebook in which one can enter all observations by hand, over using spreadsheet software like [[Excel]] or [[Google Sheets]] to the automatic recording of observations through devices like [[Wearables]]. More complex ways of recording data are not necessarily better than simpler approaches. Indeed, if a data recording protocol is too complex, it is more likely that one will not be able to do it consistently (see convenience above). One can also use a tool like [[Google Form]] to create a bespoke survey that one can fill out in regular intervals. | ||
− | If one decides to use a wearable device or a specific mobile application for recording observations, it is important to check whether one can export and access all observations. If all data is stuck within a device or the data store of a manufacturer it might be impossible to use this data for a personal science project | + | If one decides to use a wearable device or a specific mobile application for recording observations, it is important to check whether one can export and access all observations. If all data is stuck within a device or the data store of a manufacturer it might be impossible to use this data for a personal science project. |
=== When to record observations === | === When to record observations === | ||
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==== Routine observations ==== | ==== Routine observations ==== | ||
If the events one wants to observe can not easily be related to triggers or are not as intrusive, it can be hard to use trigger approach. Instead the use of routine observations can be a viable alternative. While many self-research projects have played with automated alarms, experience shows that they are not very effective in the long term. While automated alarms as reminders can work in the short-term to provide reminders to record observations, their effectiveness quickly wears off due to alarm fatigue, resulting in not recording observations regularly. | If the events one wants to observe can not easily be related to triggers or are not as intrusive, it can be hard to use trigger approach. Instead the use of routine observations can be a viable alternative. While many self-research projects have played with automated alarms, experience shows that they are not very effective in the long term. While automated alarms as reminders can work in the short-term to provide reminders to record observations, their effectiveness quickly wears off due to alarm fatigue, resulting in not recording observations regularly. | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
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