Understanding the Research Process Chapter 2 Understanding the Research Process

Steps in the Research Process Identify question State hypotheses Narrow to specific problem Review literature Identify sample Design data collection plan Select collection procedures Develop approach Implement plan Prepare report Choose analysis

Types of Research Questions Descriptive Interview subjects, observe behavior, or measure performance Difference Compare 2 groups Relationship Assess covariation between two variables Most published research studies include multiple questions.

Selecting the Problem - Tips While reading, attending lectures, write down ideas immediately. Research a subject for a paper. What questions seem unresolved? Challenge commonly accepted beliefs. Look at master’s & doctoral studies. Discuss ideas, topics with professors or other researchers.

Defining the Problem Literature search conceptual literature related research Consider your interest in the problem Consider the “importance” of the problem Consider whether researching the problem is a feasible task

Statement of problem problem statement: declarative statement indicting question addressed in research project Example: The focus of the study was to determine whether particular variations within the CHRNA4 gene are associated with smoking behaviors.

Delimitations Description of subjects Description of variables Description of tests, instruments, procedures Description of special equipment Type of training Time and duration of study Analytical procedures

Limitations Approach, design, method, techniques Sampling problems Uncontrolled variables Errors in test administration or data handling Generalizability of data Representativeness of subjects Compromises to internal and external validity Reliability and validity of research instruments

Assumptions Usually drawn from literature or previous experiments Example: We assume the same genes are important in different populations for mediating smoking behavior. We assume the genes contribute enough of an effect to the behavior to be able to be observed.

Variable Characteristic, trait, or attribute of a person or thing that can be classified or measured Examples of variables: eye color, sex, height, weight Variables must be able to have more than one value.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Qualitative variables Quantitative variables Measured in a numerical sense Discrete: Continuous: Ask for examples of different types of variables.

Independent vs. Dependent Independent variables Experimental treatment Variable that is manipulated or selected Doesn’t change during research protocol Active: manipulated or selected Attribute: pre-existing (cannot be manipulated) Dependent variables Expected to change as result of independent variable Observed & measured during research protocol Not under control of researcher The independent variable is expected to cause some effect on the dependent variable.

Extraneous variables Other factors that may influence the dependent variable Aka: intervening variables, modifying variables, confounding variables Source of unwanted or error variance Examples? Examples: sex, age, IQ, ethnicity, SES

Control of Variables Random selection of subjects Equating by matching or some criterion Excluding the variable