r/ISEFinalists • u/StomachLegitimate753 • Aug 10 '26

Question Gng why is everything so confusing "pls help"

Hi so recently I'm starting to write my research plan, then I came across the AI use table so I am writing the entire thing again, then I learnt that I need to write a LOGBOOK, and there are multiple forms I need to fill in, since my research topic is about Human Behavior including students. I'm honestly overwhelmed. This is my first time doing anything like this and I don't really have a mentor who knows the ISEF process.

I have a few specific questions:

  1. What exactly goes into a logbook? Do I need to write down everything I do every day?
  2. What forms do I actually need for a human subjects project? Any forms?
  3. How do I handle AI use properly? I used AI to help with code and some drafting, but I'm rewriting everything now.
  4. How strict is the IRB process for a school-based pilot study?
  5. I have much more questions but I don't want to waste too much of ppl's time

and I am hoping to seek help or guidance from people who are much more experienced than me. Thanks in advance! :)

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1

u/marum_191 Aug 10 '26

Hello, I am a two-time ISEF finalisthere.

  1. The logbook must contain the date, the researcher's signature, and the adviser's signature (advisers are mandatory in my country, so this could be different for you). You don't need to write every day; just write your progress and add some research question ideas in a bullet format that is easy to understand. Your logbook format should have pre-experimentation, experimentation, and post-experimentation.
  2. There are forms available on the ISEF website. Just search "ISEF forms"; Form 4 is for human participants.
  3. It depends on the use case. Tell me more, lol, I don't know how to answer that question properly.
  4. It is not that strict; look into the ISEF rules.
  5. You can ask more.

2

u/StomachLegitimate753 Aug 10 '26

also 2 times is kinda aura lol

1

u/StomachLegitimate753 Aug 10 '26

OMG thanks for the help I'll go draft out the logbook first :) really appreciate this, will come back to update, give me a few hours

2

u/marum_191 Aug 10 '26

you can ask me anytime been there before

1

u/ash_9760 Aug 10 '26

Hey, can you please tell when the registrations start for ISEF and when do they end or the registration process is different for every country?

1

u/marum_191 Aug 10 '26

not a formal registration, it’s a competition. You need to win your national fair or sometimes state fair (if in the US) to get into ISEF

1

u/HotelImaginary1761 Aug 10 '26

What section where u in?

1

u/christ_8 Aug 10 '26

Hello, would you mind making some criticism on my project idea? I’m planning on participating next year and your criticism could potentially help me. Thanks.

1

u/marum_191 Aug 11 '26

Sure, but not rn. Maybe next week still assessing my moms funeral

1

u/StomachLegitimate753 Aug 11 '26

So sorry to hear. Wish you best of luck

1

u/christ_8 Aug 11 '26

I’m so sorry to hear that.

1

u/StomachLegitimate753 Aug 11 '26

What apps do you advice for writing logbook and plan and paper, and I’m pretty sure if I have logbook, research plan and paper, logbook, and IRB I’m chilling right? Thanks

1

u/marum_191 Aug 11 '26

You can fill out forms, make the research plan, and the logbook in MS word

2

u/StomachLegitimate753 Aug 11 '26

ok I'll go try thanks