Conducting Good Research in Social Science

1. Conducting Good Research in Social Science Key Terms & Practices

2. Random Sampling:A sampling method where each individual from the parent population has an equal chance of being selected. eg. Get 100 volunteers, put their names in a hat and choose 20 There are other methods of sampling (purposive, snowball, convience) but random sampling is always best

3. Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Qualitative research uses inductive reasoning. The researcher listens to responses and draws conclusions based on what they think the person is representing Quantitative research uses deductive reasoning. A hypothesis is typically tested in an experiment and data is generated

4. Conducting Experiments Experimental Method: Research method using random assignment of participants and the manipulation of variables to determine cause and effect Independent Variable gets manipulated to see that the effect will be on the dependent variable(you measure the effect on DV) What effect does sleep deprivation (IV) have on attention levels of students in class (DV)

5. What evaluating the ethics of a study, examine the following: • Did they get informed consent in writing • Did they avoid deception where possible • Adequate briefing/debriefing • Participants protected from mental/physical harm • Participants have the right to withdrawl • Participants data is confidential • Don’t conduct social science experiments on animals

6. Data Descriptive statistics identify trends in the data such as measures of central tendency. The trends are only applicable to the Sample tested Inferential statistics makes predictions or inferences about a population from observations and analyses of a sample Based on alcohol consumption reported in 30 HSP KCVI students, KCVI has a problem with alcohol consumption

7. Understanding Hypothesis- your prediction Experimental Hypothesis- there will be a difference and here is what I think it will be and why (based on previous research) Null Hypothesis- the ‘hypothesis of no difference’. The IV won’t affect the DV

8. More about Variables The experimenter manipulates the independent variable (IV) to see what affect it will have on the dependent variable (DV) Extraneous variables are variables that could have an impact on the DV. You have to try and put in controls to eliminate extraneous variables If an extraneous variable does impact the result it is known as a confounding variable

9. Observer bias happens when the researcher unconsciously influences the participants responses (tone of voice changes, etc) Hawthorne Effect is the tendency for participants to alter their true behaviour merely because they know they’re bring observed Purposive sampling intentionally selects participants based on a Criteria When evaluating studies you should critically analyze if any bias is present The case of Kluger Hans the mathematical horse, 1904

10. How to Limit Bias In a single blind procedure, participants have no idea which group there in (eg- drug trial, either given the drug or a placebo). Eliminates the Hawthorne effect. In a double blind procedure neither the participants or the experimenter know which group subjects are in. Eliminates observer bias.

11. Experimental Designs In a Repeated Measures Designs (RMD) each participant is tested in both conditions of the experiment (drug and placebo) In a Independent Groups Design (IGD) different participants are used in each of the conditions so each group is independent of each other (need to be randomly assigned) In your ISU you should identify which design you used.