First 3 Steps to conduct research

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First 3 Steps to conduct research

• 1. Generate idea
• 2. Review literature
• Review related theories
• 3. Develop research questions Develop testable
  hypotheses

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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?

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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)

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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
• (Dont use why how what questions)
• Your research tries to find out whether your
  hypothesis is supported or rejected

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• Research question
• What are UHM students attitudes toward the
  proposed legalization of gambling in Hawaii and
  its possible effects?
• Hypotheses
• UHM students predict that prostitution would
  increase with the legalization of gambling in
  Hawaii.
• UHM students think the legalization of gambling
  would bring more tourists to Hawaii.

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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.

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Types of Hypotheses

• Non-directional Hypotheses
• Directional Hypotheses
• Null Hypotheses

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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 peoples mood

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Directional Hypotheses

• State what variable has an impact on DV and say
  what kind of impact it is
• Example
• Bright color of clothing uplifts peoples mood

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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 peoples mood

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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)

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Example
Research Question What influences the growth of
plants?
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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

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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.