1. Practical issues in research

2. The Research Question Design Sample Variables Data collection Statistical analysis Presentation

3. Research question Personal interest –Eg Brain function in schizophrenia Review of literature –Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder –Executive function deficits evident Rationale and Hypothesis generation: Be specific –Do executive deficits emerge before the onset of schizophrenia?

4. Design Feasibility Issues – cost, time, ethics etc Longitudinal study? –time and cost issues Case-control study –Factorial design Patient study? –Practical issues: ethics, time, sample size BACK TO THE LITERATURE –Analogue study: high risk sample

5. sample High risk sample: schizotypy Volunteers –Student population? –Secondary schools? Sample size Control group

6. Recruitment Factors to Increase Response Explanation of selection Publicity Incentives Confidentiality, anonymity Reminders Length Degree of relevance and interest Rapport Return envelopes

7. Variables Individual or group assessment? Web based data collection? –Operationalise variables on basis of aims –Time, cost issues –Use existing measures? –Devise new measures? –Adapt existing measures?

8. Piloting Time Task difficulty Scoring Data distribution Questionnaires –Items – type (statement; questions; complete statement; open/closed; coding vs ease); scope, clarity, bias Layout, format and ordering Sample for piloting – similar as possible

9. Data collection Lab vs Field experiment? Homogeneity of testing conditions –Reduce error variance –Increase experimentor control

10. Statistical analysis Design, –Correlational? Factorial? Covariates? Variables –Independent, dependent –Categorical, continuous Distribution of data –Normality, homogeneity of variance

11. Presentation Introduction: –Background literature –Rationale –Clarify aims of research –Detail hypotheses

12. Method –Design –Sample –Measures –Procedure –Statistical analysis

13. Results –Prioritise hypothesis-driven results –Use graphs and charts –Present summary data before statistical analyis –Be concise

14. Discussion –Summarise results in relation to study aims and hypothesis –Integrate findings with existing literature –Highlight limitations and areas for improvement