Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Chapter 4 Developing the Research Plan

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Selecting the Research Approach Historical – Descriptive – Qualitative – Experimental –

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Hypotheses Research hypothesis – predicted outcome Null (statistical) hypothesis – H 0 that is tested by the data

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Hypotheses Research hypothesis – There is an association between a genetic variation in the CHRNA4 gene and smoking. Null hypothesis –

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Data-collecting Methods & Techniques Observation – viewing documents, observing subjects in research setting Measurement-measure specific variables using instruments or tests Questioning-ask subjects questions about past, present, or future

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Observation Techniques Direct – subjects know they’re being observed and why Indirect-videotaping a group of subjects Participant-researcher participates in research situation

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Measurement Techniques Types of measurements –Physical measures –Cognitive measures –Affective measures Methods of measurement –Inventory –Sociometric Technique –Projective Technique –Scaling Techniques

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Types of scales Rating scales Semantic Differential Scale Rank Order Scales Paired-comparison scale Likert scale

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Questioning Techniques Structured questionnaire Unstructured questionnaire Checklist Structured interview Unstructured interview Focus group interview Delphi technique

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Criteria for selecting methods & techniques Demands on subjects Cost –Energy, money, time Personal ability to handle methods and data analysis

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Data-Collecting Instruments “The way you get your data” Paper-and-pencil test or measure Mechanical or electronic equipment measure Physical performance test to collect data

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Good data are… Objective Reliable Valid

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Selecting the instrument Consult the literature Determine its objectivity, reliability, and validity Also consider feasibility (cost, time, scoring ease, etc.)

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Revising the instrument Often need permission from original instrument designer May revise for gender, age, race, etc.

Chapter 4 Conducting & Reading Research Baumgartner et al Instrument development Survey literature Develop tentative plan Reflect and revise Consult other experts Conduct a pilot study –Assess objectivity, reliability, & validity Revise Use the instrument