Research
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National Printing Research
ASF is conducting a nationwide printing study and would like to inform sustainable schools about our research as well as extend an invitation to participate by providing printing records. ASF believes data from a sustainable school like yours can offer critical insights into optimizing paper usage and would be immensely grateful for contributions.
Student Research Process
STEP ONE: LAY GROUNDWORK
STEP TWO: COLLECT DATA
• Learn about the basics of statistics ▹Random sampling methods, reducing bias in surveys​ • Learn how to design a proper research program • Research into previously successful school-held statistics programs • Gather data on average paper consumption of schools across America • Craft a hypothesis/prediction into paper consumption at your school
• Make a clear list of all facets pertaining to paper consumption (toilet paper, lunch trays, copy paper, text books, etc.) • Inquire into those additional realms of paper usage ▹Do not hesitate to ask your school for resources!​ • Design surveys: ▹Teacher Paper Use Survey: assess faculty paper usage ▹Student Technology Survey: gauge student familiarity/comfort levels with using tech in lieu of paper ▹Ensure that there is as little bias present in the questions as possible • Obtain IRB Approval • Employ random sampling method to distribute surveys​
STEP THREE: ANALYZE & DERIVE
• Look for relationships between between different sets of bivariate data • Employ machine learning models linear regressions ▹Linear regression​ ▹K-nearest neighbors ▹Bayes • Train models!
STEP FOUR: CONCLUDE & PRESENT
• Form conclusions of experiment • Write research paper on irresponsible paper consumption in schools ▹ASF Research Paper (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R-tUlYV_NK6Xib4XH1zbRNc_PjIewR8Oai-O8zCcCLU/edit) • Begin drafting a budget plan for your school to present • Advocate for responsible paper consumption among student body
