Pattern seeking
Select here to view links to the scientists and stories highlighted in this video.
This method involves observing and recording natural events or carrying out experiments where the variables can’t easily be controlled.
In pattern seeking, it is still important to note and record variables or factors. The investigator needs to try to identify patterns that result from these variables.
This method is well suited to system sciences like geology, astronomy, ecology or meteorology.
Connections to other methods
Once a pattern has been observed, this may lead to other investigations in an effort to try to explain why a particular pattern occurs and to a classifying and identifying system.
Pattern seeking can also help us create models to explain observations, for example, to explain the phases of the Moon.
Related resources
Climate oscillations – video
Tracking the migratory flight of bar-tailed godwits – activity
Agent Exoplanet – citizen science article
Examples of kairangahau Māori using pattern seeking as part of their research
Project Mātauranga: Bringing the kiwi back – this video explains how a pattern has been observed in decreased survival of kiwi chicks with the introduction of predators such as stoats.
Transcript
VOICE OVER
Pattern seeking involves observing and recording natural events, carrying out investigations or noticing a pattern in existing data. It includes deciding the factors that will be studied, the proposed range of these factors and how the data will be processed.
Trials help confirm whether the decisions that have been made seem appropriate.
In pattern seeking, it is important to observe and record influencing factors. The investigator needs to try to identify patterns that result from how these different factors interact.
This method is well suited to system sciences like geology, astronomy, ecology or meteorology and climatology.
Once a pattern has been observed, this may lead to other investigations in an effort to try and explain why a particular pattern occurs. This can mean different investigation systems are employed, for example, a classifying and identifying system.
Pattern seeking can help us create models to explain observations, like explaining the phases of the Moon.
Video acknowledgements and links to stories
Professor Rangi Mātāmua, University of Waikato. Living By The Stars: Matariki, Webisode 20 – Te Anamata o Matariki, Punarau Media Why study the Alpine Fault? Honorary Associate Professor Virginia Toy and Professor David Prior, University of Otago Researching the link between genotype and phenotype. Professor Peter Dearden, University of Otago How do we know the data is robust? Bonnie Farrant, Stats NZ. Crown copyright 2020, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Collaboration. Dr Shaun Ogilvie, Dr Dave Taylor, Cawthron Institute, and Larn Wilkinson, Hauraki Māori Trust Board Estuary issues and protection. Weno Iti, Dr Andrew Swales and Raiha Tuahine, NIWA Mistletoe research. Professor Dave Kelly and Jenny Ladley, University of Canterbury Glaciers continue to melt away. Dr Andrew Lorrey, NIWA, and Dr Lauren Vargo, Victoria University of Wellington. Courtesy of NIWA Evidence of Zealandia, on-deck coring, by Thanos Fatouros and core lab from expedition #371 by Adam Kurtz. Both courtesy of US Science Support Program and IODP Hunting for planets. Professor Denis Sullivan, Victoria University of Wellington Documenting our fern flora, Dr Patrick Brownsey, Te Papa What is climate change? Professor James Renwick, Victoria University of Wellington. Crown copyright 2020, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Why does the moon (seem to) change shape?, modelling by Jayden Buntting
