research methods
DESCRIPTION
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. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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