Download - Research Methods
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
