Abstract：
Experiments are useful scientific tools for testing hypotheses by manipulating variables of interest while controlling for other factors that can bias or confuse the results and their interpretation. To ensures accuracy and reproducibility, experiments must have transparent and repeatable methodologies. Due to the importance of shredder invertebrates in organic matter processing, carbon cycling, and nutrient cycling, we tested experimentally the effect of different methodological approaches in microcosm experiments on the consumption and survival of shredders. We found that the shredder species, the presence or absence of the case, and the use or non-use of air-pumps in the microcosms did not affect shredder performance (i.e., consumption and survival). Furthermore, the type of water (stream or bottled) did not affect shredder performance. On the other hand, the amount of light had a negative effect on shredder performance, with constant light (i.e., 24 h) reducing shredder consumption and survival. Our results demonstrate that the use of different methodologies does not always result in changes in outcomes, thus ensuring comparability. However, luminosity is a critical factor that deserves attention when conducting microcosm experiments. Our findings provide valuable insights that can assist researchers in designing experiments with shredders from neotropical streams and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
摘要：
实验是有用的科学工具，可以通过操纵感兴趣的变量来测试假设，同时控制其他可能使结果及其解释产生偏差或混淆的因素。为了确保准确性和再现性，实验必须有透明和可重复的方法。由于切碎机无脊椎动物在有机物加工中的重要性，碳循环,和营养循环，我们通过实验测试了微观世界实验中不同方法对碎纸机消耗和生存的影响。我们发现碎纸机物种，案件的存在与否，并且在微观世界中使用或不使用气泵不会影响切碎机的性能(即，消费和生存)。此外，水的类型（溪流或瓶装）不会影响切碎机的性能。另一方面,光量对碎纸机性能有负面影响，具有恒定的光(即，24h)减少碎纸机消耗和生存。我们的结果表明，使用不同的方法并不总是导致结果的变化，从而确保可比性。然而,光度是进行微观实验时值得关注的关键因素。我们的发现提供了有价值的见解，可以帮助研究人员设计来自新热带流的碎纸机的实验，并进行系统的评论和荟萃分析。
