1. Chapter 3: Presenting the Problem
SFM 651:
Research Methods
Dr. Johnson

2. Sections of “chapter 1” Title Introduction Problem Statement
Hypothesis
Definitions
Assumptions and Limitations
Significance

3. The Title Not always chosen first Conveys message
Must be kept short and succinct
But don’t skip information
Complete after the study is done
Becomes easier

4. The Introduction Should create interest / grab attention 3 goals
Persuade readers of significance
Provide background info
Give ideas of research
Do not be technical in writing / jargon.
Needs to be
Well written
Smooth
To the point
Quick
No statistics

5. Stating the problem VERY short Make a statement
Introduce the variables
Control (could influence the result)
Independent (cause)
Categorical (can not be changed – age, race, gender)
Dependent (effect)

6. Variables What can be manipulated and controlled
Some variables we want to be constant
Some variables we want changed (to test what happens)

7. Silly people….. Watch word choice and syntax
“To compare the anaerobic power of sprinters and distance runners while running up a flight of stairs.”
“to assess gains in quadriceps strength in albino mice using electrical stimulation.”

8. The Hypothesis Research hypothesis – expected result
Null hypothesis – assumes there is no difference
Ideas of hypothesis?
Anyone?

9. Defining Terms
Operational Definition – describes an observable phenomenon
What do important terms mean
Make sure readers know what your talking about
Give a list – with definitions

10. Assumptions and Limitations
Assumptions – state what is not fact, but you are using as fact.
Teachers know how to teach
Humans are alive in the study
No one is lying on a survey
People try in exercise
Limitations – shortcomings of the study that cant be controlled
Delimitations – imposed by the researcher (a choice)
Using only football and basketball players
Using a specific test instead of a different one

11. The Significance of the Study
Why is this important
Conflicting information in studies
Gaps in knowledge
How it effects real life

12. Thesis vs article Thesis Article Younger less knowledgeable people
Need to explain steps
Article
Can skip some of the formality
Usually shorter
Cost
Space
Time