GENERATING
RANDOM NUMBER SETS BIO 2500
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.