Chapter 21: Completing the Research Process SFM 651: Research Methods Dr. Johnson

Research Proposals Come in many forms 3 section 4 section 5 section This is what we are doing

Writing Make sure you are clear and straightforward Do not be confusing with wording Do not “outsmart” yourself Be to the point

Order of events Complete the title at the end Tables and figures An idea for a title is good, but work out the detail of it after the later Tables and figures Need to have appropriate information to be useful Usually comes after data is analyzed Reference list This can be started and worked on as you go Research added to support what is found

Introduction Convincing people that the problem is worth investigating. Include significance and rationale Problem or purpose statement Needs to be clear.

Literature review Describes and critiques the current research Not just the same things as yours, but similar Add things that support or help verify parts of your study Equipment or technique validity

Methods How will the data be collected How will it be analyzed How will participants be found What methods / techniques will be used to collect the data

Results Should be clear and concise Include tables to show results Summarize statistical information in the text as well as tables

Reporting statistics Describe the size and meaningfulness of the data Describe the reliability of the results

Good ideas Info on how sample size was determined Any complications (missing data, bad monitor) Use minimally sufficient analysis Report p values and confidence levels Report variability in standard deviation Use appropriate decimals

Preparing tables Like characteristics should be vertical Headings should be clear Not need text to read table