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First 3 Steps to conduct research
1. Generate idea
2. Review literature
Review related theories
3. Develop research questionsDevelop testable hypotheses
Steps to conduct research -- continued
4. Choose research design (experimental, non-, quasi-,
etc.)
# and timing of observations,
quantitative, qualitative)
5. Decide what to observe
Select variables
and measures
Steps to conduct research -- continued
6. Choose study population
Select sampling technique
Select sample
7. Consider ethics of study
8. Pretest measures
Pilot test study
Steps to conduct research -- continued
9. Conduct study / Collect data
10. Analyze data
(quantitative: use descriptive & inferential statistics)
Interpret results
11. Report and present results
Sources of research ideas
• Casual observation of world around us
• Systematic observation – you or research reports
• Theory
• Need to solve practical problem
• Reading the literature
Choosing a research topic• Is it interesting to you?
• Is it do-able? Can it be done over the next few months?
• What is already known about this area?
• What are the unanswered questions in this area?
• Why is your study important?
Research Question
• A broad open-ended question your research tries to answer
• Research questions are “How” “Why” “What” questions– (Avoid “yes” “no” questions)
• Ask a question that can be answered– empirical question rather than
metaphysicial one
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• What are UHM students’ attitudes toward the proposed legalization of gambling in HI and its possible effects?
• What factors influence UHM students choice of contraceptives?
Research questions are central
• Your entire research project revolves around the research question(s).
• Your study should be designed to answer the research question(s) – (internal validity)
Research Hypotheses
• A prediction statement of the outcome of a study
• “Educated guess”
• May describe relationship between variables
• A specific statement that can be tested to which you can answer with “yes” or “no” based on the data you collect
(Don’t use “why” “how” “what” questions)
• Your research tries to find out whether your hypothesis is supported or rejected
• Research questions
• How are traffic cameras impacting safety?
• How does the public feel the traffic cameras affect their driving?
• Hypotheses
• Drivers slam on their brakes when they see a speed van on the road.
• The speed cameras reduce the amount of speeding.
• Research question
• How do living environments affect college students’ sexual behavior?
• Hypothesis
• College students who live on their own (in dorms or apts.) are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior.
• Research question
• What are UHM students attitudes toward the proposed legalization of gambling in Hawai’i and its possible effects?
• Hypotheses
• UHM students predict that prostitution would increase with the legalization of gambling in Hawai’i.
• UHM students think the legalization of gambling would bring more tourists to Hawai’i.
Homework 1: Possible research questions
& research hypotheses
• (6 points) Due: January 23
• Write research questions you might like to study
• List at least 1 possible hypothesis under each question.
• E.g., Res ? How do UH students cope with stress?
• Hyp. 1: UH students are most likely to report that they exercise to cope with stress.
• Hyp 2: At least 50% of male UH students will report that they listen to music to cope with stress.
Types of Hypotheses
• Non-directional Hypotheses
• Directional Hypotheses
• Null Hypotheses
Non-directional Hypotheses
• State what variable has an impact on DV, but does not say what kind of impact it has
• Example:
– Colors of clothing affect people’s mood
Directional Hypotheses
• State what variable has an impact on DV and say what kind of impact it is
• Example:
– Bright color of clothing uplifts people’s mood
Null Hypotheses
• State that there is no relationship between two variables
• The opposite of the non-directional research hypothesis
• Example:
– Colors of clothing has no impact on people’s mood
Hypotheses
• The speed cameras have no affect on the amount of speeding. (null hypothesis)
• The speed cameras affect the amount of speeding. (non-directional hypothesis)
• The speed cameras reduce the amount of speeding. (directional hypothesis)
Example
Research Question:
What influences the growth of plants?
Example: Hypotheses• Non-Directional Hypothesis
– The amount of sunshine affects the growth of plants
• Directional Hypothesis– The amount of sunshine enhances the growth of
plants
• Null Hypothesis– The amount of sunshine has no influence on the
growth of plants
In-class exercise• Write a null, non-directional, and
directional hypotheses for each and label:
1. Peers influence whether a person will binge drink or not.
2. Female UH students prefer to be under their current body weight.
3. UH M students will pay more to attend a nightclub with live music over DJ music.
4. College students that do smoke would prefer to date someone that does not smoke.
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