RESEARCH METHODS
RESEARCH METHODS
VARIABLES AND HYPOTHESES
Begin with stating the research question, the purpose of the research, the resources needed, and a plan for the research, including a model of the phenomenon under study.
Where do research ideas come from? Curiosity; experience; need for deciding or acting; job; school; building on or contesting existing theory; available funding; etc. A preliminary research proposal, in one or two pages, a. states the research question b. states the purpose of the research c. sketched the initial model d. discusses (explains) the initial model e. identifies pertinent background literature (bibliography)
A model shows how different elements are linked by relationships. The elements for a model can be drawn from personal experience, consulting with key players, published literature, asking experts, existing data sets, and pilot studies. Generally a model is fixed at the beginning of the research; it may be altered as a result of the data analysis.
A model is a visual representation of how something works; it both describes and explains some phenomenon. The advantages and drawbacks of models are:
Advantages Disadvantages
Helps to understand the research project May over-simplify the problem
Explains the idea to others May not meet the client's needs
Guides the research process May not be well-suited to application
Elements of the model are variables. Variables are measurable characteristics or properties of people or things that can take on different values. In contrast, characteristics that do not vary are constants.
A hypothesis states a presumed relationship between two variables in a way that can be tested with empirical data. It may take the form of a cause-effect statement, or an "if x,...then y" statement.
The cause is called the independent variable; and the effect is called the dependent variable.
Relationships can be of several forms:
VARIABLES AND HYPOTHESES
Begin with stating the research question, the purpose of the research, the resources needed, and a plan for the research, including a model of the phenomenon under study.
Where do research ideas come from? Curiosity; experience; need for deciding or acting; job; school; building on or contesting existing theory; available funding; etc. A preliminary research proposal, in one or two pages, a. states the research question b. states the purpose of the research c. sketched the initial model d. discusses (explains) the initial model e. identifies pertinent background literature (bibliography)
A model shows how different elements are linked by relationships. The elements for a model can be drawn from personal experience, consulting with key players, published literature, asking experts, existing data sets, and pilot studies. Generally a model is fixed at the beginning of the research; it may be altered as a result of the data analysis.
A model is a visual representation of how something works; it both describes and explains some phenomenon. The advantages and drawbacks of models are:
Advantages Disadvantages
Helps to understand the research project May over-simplify the problem
Explains the idea to others May not meet the client's needs
Guides the research process May not be well-suited to application
Elements of the model are variables. Variables are measurable characteristics or properties of people or things that can take on different values. In contrast, characteristics that do not vary are constants.
A hypothesis states a presumed relationship between two variables in a way that can be tested with empirical data. It may take the form of a cause-effect statement, or an "if x,...then y" statement.
The cause is called the independent variable; and the effect is called the dependent variable.
Relationships can be of several forms: