Barker and Hein theorized that temperature might be more important in this process. They set up four groups of salamanders, two in a high-temperature environment and two in an environment with low temperature. One group from each environment received large amounts of food, while the other two groups received half as much food. After observing and recording the results for nine months, all but three salamanders had completed their metamorphic process. What the data show is that the temperature had a very significant effect on metamorphic timing.
Barker thinks student research is one of the most important elements of an undergraduate education.
Learning how to do statistical analyses, formulate a hypothesis and write up the results are only three on a long list of benefits that Barker attributed to his research experience. He believes this experience will not only make him a better scientist, but also a better science teacher. The research makes it all come together, and you see why you've done all the other course work. Barker is using this project for his senior seminar topic as well as trying to publish the results.