West High School – Research Methods & Ethics with Statistical Analysis

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

This course presents fundamental concepts and statistical reasoning underlying scientific research and engineering design. Students will investigate contemporary issues in scientific research while conducting an independent research or engineering design projects outside of class. Course topics include research technical writing, design strategies, ethical research behaviors, use of primary research literature, preparation of a study proposal, completion of supporting documentation required the Tidewater Science & Engineering Fair, and graphical and statistical methods of data analysis. Students will focus on the use of statistical analyses in real-world applications rather than mere computation. Scientific calculators and Excel will be used. Topics include probability, sampling, estimations, regression analyses, confidence intervals, tests for means and proportions, ANOVA and non-parametric tests. Students give oral presentations of their work and present posters at the GSST Science Fair which is judged by professionals in various fields. Students are encouraged to participate in regional, state and international competitions.