Chapter 3: Presenting the Problem SFM 651: Research Methods Dr. Johnson

Sections of “chapter 1” Title Introduction Problem Statement Hypothesis Definitions Assumptions and Limitations Significance

The Title Not always chosen first Conveys message Must be kept short and succinct But don’t skip information Complete after the study is done Becomes easier

The Introduction Should create interest / grab attention 3 goals Persuade readers of significance Provide background info Give ideas of research Do not be technical in writing / jargon. Needs to be Well written Smooth To the point Quick No statistics

Stating the problem VERY short Make a statement Introduce the variables Control (could influence the result) Independent (cause) Categorical (can not be changed – age, race, gender) Dependent (effect)

Variables What can be manipulated and controlled Some variables we want to be constant Some variables we want changed (to test what happens)

Silly people….. Watch word choice and syntax “To compare the anaerobic power of sprinters and distance runners while running up a flight of stairs.” “to assess gains in quadriceps strength in albino mice using electrical stimulation.”

The Hypothesis Research hypothesis – expected result Null hypothesis – assumes there is no difference Ideas of hypothesis? Anyone?

Defining Terms Operational Definition – describes an observable phenomenon What do important terms mean Make sure readers know what your talking about Give a list – with definitions

Assumptions and Limitations Assumptions – state what is not fact, but you are using as fact. Teachers know how to teach Humans are alive in the study No one is lying on a survey People try in exercise Limitations – shortcomings of the study that cant be controlled Delimitations – imposed by the researcher (a choice) Using only football and basketball players Using a specific test instead of a different one

The Significance of the Study Why is this important Conflicting information in studies Gaps in knowledge How it effects real life

Thesis vs article Thesis Article Younger less knowledgeable people Need to explain steps Article Can skip some of the formality Usually shorter Cost Space Time