Social Science Inquiry Model An investigation that follows a formal procedure

Identify a Problem or Question The problem provides a reason for the inquiry and indicates a plan of action i.e. “do students who own or have regular access to a car have lower grades in school?”

Why is there so much garbage in the school? (not related to human behaviour) Why do students throw their garbage on the floor instead of the bins? (Better, but still too open to get clear results.) Would student be more likely to throw their garbage in the bins if there were more bins available? (Would lead to clear answers.)

Develop a Hypothesis The possible answer to the question and a starting point for further investigation A hypothesis indicates what needs to be tested and which research method to use i.e. “owning or having regular access to a car has a negative effect on school grades” NOTE: a hypothesis is neither right nor wrong; it can be PROVEN right or wrong

Gather Data Researchers must decided how to gather information to test hypothesis i.e. researcher conducts a survey to find out how many teens own or borrow cars and what their grades are

Analyze the Data Data must be organized, analyzed and interpreted i.e. a graph which shows relationship between access to a car and school grades (see trends, patterns)

Draw Conclusions Decision as to whether hypothesis should be confirmed, changed or rejected Is there a relationship between car access and grades?