Protocol (natural sciences)
A test protocol describes the implementation of a scientific experiment ( experiment ) and documented any results or outcomes. It includes experimental procedure, if necessary observations and explanation and interpretation of results.
Applications
Experimental protocols are available in the research is needed to allow the subject to control by any other researchers ( required reproducibility of the results, see experiment). Exercise Half they are made in the context of science education in physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacy and medicine.
The documentation by means of an experimental protocol used in the industry to demonstrate that a product complies with the legal requirements. This is done in the context of quality assurance and - if necessary - the approval.
Construction
Topic
Experiments usually have a central theme or a central question. This / These is specified first.
Required materials / chemicals
Here, read the general materials and chemicals that were needed during the test / experiment are listed.
Experimental setup
You should make a detailed drawing of the experimental set-up and name the devices and device components used.
Experiment instructions
To allow sufficient scientific interpretation of experiments it requires an accurate logging of the experiment. It belong to the detailed list of the starting materials or starting conditions, exact quantity of materials used and temperature and pressure data. Finally, a sketch or a photo of the experimental set-up is recommended.
Observation
To create an exact experimental protocol, it is imperative to observe all parameters during the experiment exactly behavior and to measure. These include: temperature changes, color changes, change in consistency, potential evaporation, eg precipitation of substances, etc.
Explanation and evaluation
After the experiment, the interpretation ( explanation ) and evaluation ( possibly with error calculation) of the results obtained. The procedure depends very much on the nature of the experiment.
Disposal
In experiments on chemical syntheses, the structure of the synthesized materials is to be determined. The aim of experiments in chemistry, it is often to specify an exact equation, determine the structure of all the reaction products, where appropriate, to describe new reaction mechanisms. This may, in individual cases analytical chemical and physical methods such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray structure analysis, etc., be helpful.