First 3 Steps to conduct research

1. Generate idea

2. Review literature

Review related theories

3. Develop research questionsDevelop testable hypotheses

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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)

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Types of Hypotheses

• Non-directional Hypotheses

• Directional Hypotheses

• Null Hypotheses

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

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

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

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)

Example

Research Question:

What influences the growth of plants?

Example: Hypotheses• Non-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

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.