1. First 3 Steps to conduct research
1. Generate idea
2. Review literature
Review related theories
3. Develop research questions Develop testable hypotheses

2. Steps to conduct research -- continued
4. Choose research design (experimental, non-, quasi-, etc.)
# and timing of observations,
quantitative, qualitative)
5. Decide what to observe
Select variables
and measures

3. Steps to conduct research -- continued
6. Choose study population
Select sampling technique
Select sample
7. Consider ethics of study
8. Pretest measures
Pilot test study

4. Steps to conduct research -- continued
9. Conduct study / Collect data
10. Analyze data
(quantitative: use descriptive & inferential statistics)
Interpret results
11. Report and present results

5. Sources of research ideas
Casual observation of world around us
Systematic observation
you or research reports
Theory
Need to solve practical problem
Reading the literature

6. Choosing a research topic
Is it interesting to you?
Is it do-able? Can it be done over the next few months?
What is already known about this area?
What are the unanswered questions in this area?
Why is your study important?

7. Research Question
A broad open-ended question your research tries to answer
Research questions are “How” “Why” “What” questions
(Avoid “yes” “no” questions)
Ask a question that can be answered
empirical question rather than metaphysicial one

8. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are UHM students’ attitudes toward the proposed legalization of gambling in HI and its possible effects?
What factors influence UHM students choice of contraceptives?

9. Research questions are central
Your entire research project revolves around the research question(s).
Your study should be designed to answer the research question(s)
(internal validity)

10. Research Hypotheses A prediction statement of the outcome of a study
“Educated guess”
May describe relationship between variables
A specific statement that can be tested to which you can answer with “yes” or “no” based on the data you collect
(Don’t use “why” “how” “what” questions)
Your research tries to find out whether your hypothesis is supported or rejected

11. Research questions
How are traffic cameras impacting safety?
How does the public feel the traffic cameras affect their driving?
Hypotheses
Drivers slam on their brakes when they see a speed van on the road.
The speed cameras reduce the amount of speeding.

12. Research question
How do living environments affect college students’ sexual behavior?
Hypothesis
College students who live on their own (in dorms or apts.) are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior.

13. Research question
What are UHM students attitudes toward the proposed legalization of gambling in Hawai’i and its possible effects?
Hypotheses
UHM students predict that prostitution would increase with the legalization of gambling in Hawai’i.
UHM students think the legalization of gambling would bring more tourists to Hawai’i.

14. Homework 1: Possible research questions & research hypotheses
(6 points) Due: January 23
Write research questions you might like to study
List at least 1 possible hypothesis under each question.
E.g., Res ? How do UH students cope with stress?
Hyp. 1: UH students are most likely to report that they exercise to cope with stress.
Hyp 2: At least 50% of male UH students will report that they listen to music to cope with stress.

15. Types of Hypotheses Non-directional Hypotheses Directional Hypotheses
Null Hypotheses

16. Non-directional Hypotheses
State what variable has an impact on DV, but does not say what kind of impact it has
Example:
Colors of clothing affect people’s mood

17. Directional Hypotheses
State what variable has an impact on DV and say what kind of impact it is
Example:
Bright color of clothing uplifts people’s mood

18. Null Hypotheses
State that there is no relationship between two variables
The opposite of the non-directional research hypothesis
Example:
Colors of clothing has no impact on people’s mood

19. Hypotheses
The speed cameras have no affect on the amount of speeding. (null hypothesis)
The speed cameras affect the amount of speeding. (non-directional hypothesis)
The speed cameras reduce the amount of speeding. (directional hypothesis)

20. Example
Research Question:
What influences the growth of plants?

21. Example: Hypotheses Non-Directional Hypothesis Directional Hypothesis
The amount of sunshine affects the growth of plants
Directional Hypothesis
The amount of sunshine enhances the growth of plants
Null Hypothesis
The amount of sunshine has no influence on the growth of plants

22. In-class exercise
Write a null, non-directional, and directional hypotheses for each and label:
1. Peers influence whether a person will binge drink or not.
2. Female UH students prefer to be under their current body weight.
3. UH M students will pay more to attend a nightclub with live music over DJ music.
4. College students that do smoke would prefer to date someone that does not smoke.