1. Problem Identification and Hypothesis Formation ♣
Chapter 4
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Sources of Research Ideas 
Gender Bias in Research Ideas
Ideas Not Capable of Scientific Investigation
Review of the Literature 
Feasibility of the Study 
Formulating the Research Problem 
Formulating Hypotheses 

2. 4.1 Sources of Research Ideas
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Everyday Life
Practical Issues
Hypnosis ― eyewitness Fig 4.1
Drug abuse
Past Research 
Theory 
Many other sources

3. 4.1.3 Past Research Experimental design: Control
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Experimental design: Control
Explanation of the data
Alternative explanations (EV)
Implication of the results
Alternative explanations (Mechanism, Theory)
Further research
Issue
不同研究間之矛盾結果、理論之間的論爭
>> 4.1

4. 4.1.4 Theory Definition Function
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Definition
A group of logically organized and deductively related laws (Marx, 1963)
Function
Goal: summarize and integrate existing knowledge
Tool: guide research
>> 4.1

5. 4.4 Review of the Literature -1
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Purpose of the literature review
Identify if the topic has been researched
Provide design ideas
Identify methodological problems
Identify special needs
Provide information for the research report

6. 4.4 Review of the Literature -2
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Getting Started
Know how to use the library
Narrow down the topic area
Defining Objectives

7. 4.4 Review of the Literature -3
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Doing the Search
Books
Psychological Journals (Psychological Abstracts)
Computerized or Electronic Databases
PsycINFO Tab & Others Tab 4.3
Search (Keyword)  Abstract (Exhibit 4.2 p.108)
 Full article
Guide for reading journal articles Tab 4.2

8. 4.4 Review of the Literature -4 (end)
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Doing the Search
Internet Resources
Listserv: discussion groups
World Wide Web Tab 4.4 Tab 4.5
Obtaining Resources
obtain a copy; full-text electronic copy; PubMed
Additional Information Sources
Professional meetings Tab 4.6
Contact with individual researchers

9. 4.5 Feasibility of the Study
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Time
Type of research participants
Expense
Expertise of the experimenter
Ethical sensitivity

10. 4.6 Formulating the Research Problem
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§ 前言
1. Defining a Research Problem
2. Specificity of the Question

11. 4.6.0 Formulating the Research Problem
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文獻回顧
1. 目前對該問題的瞭解 (currently known)
2. 過去如何探討該問題
有助於：
構想問題
How collect data
By what method
(Paradigm 實驗典範)
>> 4.6

12. 4.6.1 Defining a Research Problem
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Definition of a research problem (Kerlinger, 1973)
An interrogative sentence that asks:
“What relation exists between two or more variables?”
Criteria for good research problems
Variables should express a relation
Stated in question form
Imply possibilities of empirical testing
>> 4.6

13. 4.6.2 Specificity of the Question
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例: (a problem, but vague)
What effect does the environment have on learning ability?
Why specify
1. 確認瞭解研究問題
2. 幫助作必要的決定
(例) 受試者、儀器
>> 4.6

14. 4.7 Formulating Hypothesis -1
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Definition of “Hypothesis”
The best prediction or a tentative solution to a problem
Sources
Literature review
Formulated from theory
Criteria
Must be capable of being refuted or confirmed

15. 4.7 Formulating Hypothesis -2 (end)
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Scientific hypo. vs. Null hypo.
Reject null hypo. → support scientific hypo.
If hypo. Not confirmed
Hypo. Is false
Some Error in conception of hypo.