1. Understanding the Research Process
Chapter 2
Understanding the Research Process

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

13. 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

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