Research method chapter 1

Define the Problem-What is the question I want to answer?

  • What population will I be looking at?
  • Representative or Random Sample
  • Operational Definitions-definition of an abstract concept in terms of observable features used for the purposes of the study (E.G. –single mother)

Review the Literature- What has been done in this area? Has your study been done? If so, does it need to be repeated? Do you have better data from previous studies?

  • Develop Hypotheses or Guided Research Questions
      • Hypothesis- testable statement about the relationship between variables
        • variables are values that can change or vary over given cases
      • Independent Variable- the variable that you believe causes changes in other variables (Cause Variable)
      • Dependent Variable- influenced by the independent variable (the Effect Variable)
  • Types of Methods

1. Survey-set of questions generally with closed or fixed response answers

      • Advantages: quick, efficient, can reach large numbers, easier to get representative sample, less likely to have researcher bias, privacy
      • Disadvantages: not much depth, forces people to choose narrow answers, can’t tell much about process, detached researcher
      • Example “Would you favor or oppose a war in Iran?”
  • Step 4 (Types of Methods, contd.)

2. Interview-groups of open ended questions that involve greater interaction between the researcher and the subject. Can be highly structured or unstructured.

      • Advantages—more depth, allows complex answers and detail, better able to gauge answers
      • Disadvantages—costly, time consuming, rapport important, no privacy

3. Observation-participant or nonparticipant

      • Advantages—real life setting, researcher actively involved, can check actual behaviors, captures complexity and depth
      • Disadvantages—time consuming, hard to double check, researcher over involved or biased, not random

4. Experiment-researchers control the variables and the environment. Experimental and control group

      • Advantages: Controlled setting, helps show cause, gets around dishonesty
      • Disadvantages: costly, not real life setting, can present ethical issues for experimental group

5. Secondary Analysis-looking at data that is already collected-such as newspapers, music, TV programs, or other researchers surveys (Content Analysis)

      • Advantages: do not have to go into the field, usually cheaper
      • Disadvantages: do not know motives of creators, do not know interpretations of consumers or effects on consumers, may not have questions needed, coders may have different opinions
  • Analyze the Data and Draw Conclusions- What have you found?
    • Mean – the average
    • Median – the middle position
    • Mode – the most commonly occurring value

Step 6

Write Up the Findings-Who’s my audience? What did I find that is important? Are my points clearly stated?

ETHICAL ISSUES

  • Researcher Bias
  • Revealing sources/Confidentiality
  • Dealing with human subjects
  • Honest Reporting