research methods

Research Methods

Social Science Department

Steps in the Scientific Method

• Identify and Define the Problem• Formulate Hypotheses• Select Methodology• Collect and Analyze Data• Draw Conclusions relevant to

Hypothesis• Report Results• Expand to Future Studies

Formulating Hypotheses

Hypothesis = statement of the relationship presumed to exist between dependent and independent variables.

Cause and Effect implications Must be testable; dependent

variable must be measurable.

What is a Variable?

• A concept whose value changes from case to case

• Two variables are inherent in any hypothesis–Independent

–Dependent

Variables

• Independent Variable (IV)–“cause”– it is the part of the study the

researcher can control– the independent variable

influences some change in the dependent variable

Variables

• Dependent Variable (DV)–“effect”– it is what the researcher counts or

measures– it is the recorded change that

results from the influence of the independent variable.

Sample Hypotheses

• Stress influences need for affiliation.

• Women respond to stress differently than men.

• Women seek affiliation when stressed; whereas men will seek solitude.

Reference: UCLA study, Cousino Klein, et al

Sample Hypotheses• Stress influences need for affiliation.

– IV = Stress– DV = need for affiliation

• Women respond to stress differently than men.– IV = Sex (being male or female)– DV = response to stress

• Women seek affiliation when stressed; whereas men will seek solitude.– IV = being male or female (sex)– DV = seeking affiliation (or not) when stressed

Correlation

• Correlation – a relationship in which two or more variables change together– Positive correlation – both variables change

in the same direction• The more you study, the higher your grades will be.

– Negative correlation – one variable increases as the other decreases

• The more checks you write, the lower your bank balance will be.

Causation

• Cause and Effect -- a relationship in which we know that change in one (independent) variable causes change in another (dependent) variable

• Stated in hypothesis• Demonstrated by results of

experimental design only

Common Methodological Designs

• Surveys– Interviews– Questionnaires

• Observations– Participant– Unobtrusive– Simulated

• Case studies• Experimental Studies

Experimental Design

DVDV

DVDVControlgroup

Experimental Group

Pretest Post-test

Apply IV

Collect and Analyze Data

• Employ the research design• Organize and analyze the data• Statistical analysis• Make decisions relevant to the

hypothesis• “Accept” or “Fail to accept”

or “Support” -- never “prove”

Report Results

• Publish findings

• Debrief participants, if needed

• Support theoretical perspective

• Spin off next studies

Ethical Issues

• Do not deceive, coerce or harm the subjects

• Collect data using ethical procedures

• Protect confidentiality of subjects

• Report results accurately

Exit Exercise

• Now test your knowledge of the vocabulary with the following matching and flashcards game:

http://www.quia.com/jg/279164.html