1. Events Concepts Hypotheses Verification Operational Definitions Replication Paradigm of Science What is Science? (Use left mouse clicks anywhere to continue)

2. There is a pattern to the universe - Reliability We are accurately measuring that pattern - Validity These patterns are causally connected – Cause/Effect Knowledge is superior to ignorance Assumptions of Science

3. Where Does Research Come From? I. Personal Characteristics and Interests II. Intellectual Socialization III. Institutional / Market Forces Humphreys - The Tea Room Trade Becker - "On Becoming a Marijuana Smoker" Macro approaches - Functionalism vs. Conflict Theory (Structural Variables) Micro approaches - Symbolic Interaction vs. Exchange (Interpersonal Variables) Grants vs. Contracts (20% - 80%) Public vs. Private (esp. the 1986 Tax Reform Act)

4. The Basic Steps in Research 1. Determine the Event of Interest – the Dependent Concept 2. Ask the Question – Developing the Independent Concept 3. Research the Literature a. Find the Purpose (Explore, Explain or Predict) b. Understand the Time Frame (Cross-sectional vs. Longitudinal) c. State the Unit of Analysis (Macro vs. Micro) a. Determine the Sequence (Antecedent vs. Intervening) b. Developing the Causal System (Deductive vs. Inductive) a. Journals (e.g. Infotrac or JStor) b. Periodicals (e.g. Lexus-Nexus) c. Books (e.g. GEAC, Carl-Uncover) d. The Web (e.g. Yahoo or Google) e. Data Archives (e.g. The Census or ICPSR)