Experimental Research in Consumer Sciences

Book excerpt: The food and textile industries play an important role in our daily lives; they are the core of our consumer society. To make these sectors more competitive in Africa, there is need to train competent researchers, who can effectively carry out research to develop more market-oriented products. Experimental research skills are critical for the success of the food and textile industries. This book is intended to specifically address the required experimental research skills needed by graduate students entering the field. A comprehensive coverage of all the elements of the research process, including problem identification, proposal writing, designing experiments, analysing and interpreting data, the use and application of statistical packages and finally scientific report and manuscript writing, have been provided in the book. The practical examples that are presented using data in food and textiles (including apparel), and their analysis and interpretation, will help readers understand the processes of conducting research, presenting data in a scientific way, and compiling a report.