Research Methods and the Process of Research
Step 1: Identify a problem or topic of interest
Step 2: Gather background information/literature review
Step 3: Identify Aims and hypothesis, or research questions
Step 4: Choose a research method
Step 5: Conduct a pilot study
Step 6: Collect data to test hypothesis
Step 7: Analyse the data
Step 8: Draw conclusions and report findings
Step 2: Gather background information/literature review
Step 3: Identify Aims and hypothesis, or research questions
Step 4: Choose a research method
Step 5: Conduct a pilot study
Step 6: Collect data to test hypothesis
Step 7: Analyse the data
Step 8: Draw conclusions and report findings
Session A:
Aims and Hypothesis
Aim: The purpose of the study
Hypothesis: A clear unambiguous statement that predicts the outcome of the research
Hypothesis: A clear unambiguous statement that predicts the outcome of the research
Session B:
Reliability & Validity
Reliability: The extent to which the findings are replicable and consistent.
External Reliability: The extent to which the same participant is consistent over time.
Internal Reliability: The extent to which the questionnaire/interview/ test is consistent.
Ways to improve Reliability include Test-Retest and the Split-half method.
External Reliability: The extent to which the same participant is consistent over time.
Internal Reliability: The extent to which the questionnaire/interview/ test is consistent.
Ways to improve Reliability include Test-Retest and the Split-half method.
External Reliability =Test-RetestParticipants complete the questionnaire/interview and are given no feedback, then at a later time (usually at least a week later) they are given the survey/interview again. If the findings are reliable then the results should be consistent (the same).
|
Internal Reliability = Split-half MethodThe scores on the first half of the test/interview/questionnaire should be consistent with the scores on the second half.
|
Internal Validity can be tested in two ways: Face validity and concurrent validity
1. Face validity: Ask an independent researcher to read the questionnaire/interview/test, to identify whether the questions look as if they are measuring what they claim to.
2. Concurrent validity: Compare the results with those of a test which has been recognised as demonstrating high validity.
1. Face validity: Ask an independent researcher to read the questionnaire/interview/test, to identify whether the questions look as if they are measuring what they claim to.
2. Concurrent validity: Compare the results with those of a test which has been recognised as demonstrating high validity.
Session C:
Non-experimental method = Observations
A non-experimental method
There are two types of observation:
Naturalistic: The normal environment; everything is left as it normally is. One weakness is that it may allows extraneous variables to effect the IV therefore the researcher cannot claim cause and effect.
Controlled: The environment is changed by the researcher, the situation is controlled. This reduces the number of extraneous variable.
In each observation, the researcher must consider three elements:
1. Whether they are going to observe as a participants or as a non-participant.
2. Whether they are going to disclose to the participant that they are being observed or keep it disclosed.
3. Whether they are going to structure the observation or allow it is be conducted in an unstructured manner.
Naturalistic: The normal environment; everything is left as it normally is. One weakness is that it may allows extraneous variables to effect the IV therefore the researcher cannot claim cause and effect.
Controlled: The environment is changed by the researcher, the situation is controlled. This reduces the number of extraneous variable.
In each observation, the researcher must consider three elements:
1. Whether they are going to observe as a participants or as a non-participant.
2. Whether they are going to disclose to the participant that they are being observed or keep it disclosed.
3. Whether they are going to structure the observation or allow it is be conducted in an unstructured manner.
Session D: Ethical Issues & Guidelines
Session E: Variables
Variables are the the things we want to investigate, they can vary and can be measured.
Variables should be 'operationalised' - we should be very precise about describing them and how they are measured.
Variables should be 'operationalised' - we should be very precise about describing them and how they are measured.