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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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* 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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=== Establishing a baseline === | === Establishing a baseline === | ||
− | + | After establishing a personal science question and finding out how to collect observations it can be tempting to dive right into trying out any interventions ("let me drink less caffeine to see if my sleep improves", "How does diet X improve my weight loss", …). Before doing so it is advisable to collect enough data at a baseline before changing anything, as this will allow to compare the impact of any interventions against the "normal" state without any changes. Unless one has already recorded observations over a period of time to establish such a baseline, the start of a new personal science project is a good time to do so. How much observations are needed depends on the question one tries to answer and the frequency of the phenomenon in question. | |
− | After establishing a personal science question and finding out how to collect observations it can be tempting to dive right into trying out any interventions ("let me drink less caffeine to see if my sleep improves", "How does diet X improve my weight loss", …). Before doing so it is advisable to collect enough data at a baseline before changing anything, as this will allow to compare the impact of any interventions against the "normal" state without any changes. Unless one has already recorded observations over a period of time to establish such a baseline, the start of a new personal science project is a good time to do so. | ||
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− | How much observations are needed depends on the question one tries to answer and the frequency of the phenomenon in question | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
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