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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.

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Research Methods

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  1. Research Methods Social Science Department

  2. 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

  3. 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.

  4. What is a Variable? • A concept whose value changes from case to case • Two variables are inherent in any hypothesis • Independent • Dependent

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  10. 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

  11. Common Methodological Designs • Surveys • Interviews • Questionnaires • Observations • Participant • Unobtrusive • Simulated • Case studies • Experimental Studies

  12. Pretest Post-test DV DV Controlgroup DV DV Experimental Group Apply IV Experimental Design

  13. 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”

  14. Report Results • Publish findings • Debrief participants, if needed • Support theoretical perspective • Spin off next studies

  15. Ethical Issues • Do not deceive, coerce or harm the subjects • Collect data using ethical procedures • Protect confidentiality of subjects • Report results accurately

  16. Exit Exercise • Now test your knowledge of the vocabulary with the following matching and flashcards game:http://www.quia.com/jg/279164.html

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