1. The Structure of Research

2. Begin with broad questions narrow down, focus in. Operationalize. OBSERVE Analyze data. Reach conclusions. Generalize back to questions. The "hourglass" notion of research

3. The Structure of Research What is the opinion of a group of people? How is their opinion related to other characteristics? What factors affect their opinions? What kinds of questions does science address? Descriptive: Relational: Causal:

4. The Structure of Research Major Components in the Process l l The problem l l The problem as conceptualized l l The problem as experienced

5. The Structure of Research l l The problem l l The research question l l The theory or idea l l The hypothesis -- stated in operational terms Major components in the Process

6. The Structure of Research l l The problem l l The research question l l The program (cause) l l The program construct -- stated theoretically l l The operationalized program Major Components in the Process

7. The Structure of Research l l The problem l l The research question l l The program (cause) l l The units l l The population l l The sample Major Components in the Process

8. The Structure of Research Major Components in the Process l l The problem l l The research question l l The program (cause) l l The units l l The outcomes (effects) l l The outcome construct(s) l l The operationalized measures

9. The Structure of Research l l The problem l l The research question l l The program (cause) l l The units l l The outcomes (effects) l l The design l l Who gets the program Major Components in the Process