First 3 Steps to conduct research 1. Generate idea 2. Review literature Review related theories 3. Develop research questions Develop testable hypotheses

Steps to conduct research -- continued 4. Choose research design (experimental, non-, quasi-, etc.) # and timing of observations, quantitative, qualitative) 5. Decide what to observe Select variables and measures

Steps to conduct research -- continued 6. Choose study population Select sampling technique Select sample 7. Consider ethics of study 8. Pretest measures Pilot test study

Steps to conduct research -- continued 9. Conduct study / Collect data 10. Analyze data (quantitative: use descriptive & inferential statistics) Interpret results 11. Report and present results

Sources of research ideas Casual observation of world around us Systematic observation you or research reports Theory Need to solve practical problem Reading the literature

Choosing a research topic Is it interesting to you? Is it do-able? Can it be done over the next few months? What is already known about this area? What are the unanswered questions in this area? Why is your study important?

Research Question A broad open-ended question your research tries to answer Research questions are “How” “Why” “What” questions (Avoid “yes” “no” questions) Ask a question that can be answered empirical question rather than metaphysicial one

RESEARCH QUESTIONS What are UHM students’ attitudes toward the proposed legalization of gambling in HI and its possible effects? What factors influence UHM students choice of contraceptives?

Research questions are central Your entire research project revolves around the research question(s). Your study should be designed to answer the research question(s) (internal validity)

Research Hypotheses A prediction statement of the outcome of a study “Educated guess” May describe relationship between variables A specific statement that can be tested to which you can answer with “yes” or “no” based on the data you collect (Don’t use “why” “how” “what” questions) Your research tries to find out whether your hypothesis is supported or rejected

Research questions How are traffic cameras impacting safety? How does the public feel the traffic cameras affect their driving? Hypotheses Drivers slam on their brakes when they see a speed van on the road. The speed cameras reduce the amount of speeding.

Research question How do living environments affect college students’ sexual behavior? Hypothesis College students who live on their own (in dorms or apts.) are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior.

Research question What are UHM students attitudes toward the proposed legalization of gambling in Hawai’i and its possible effects? Hypotheses UHM students predict that prostitution would increase with the legalization of gambling in Hawai’i. UHM students think the legalization of gambling would bring more tourists to Hawai’i.

Homework 1: Possible research questions & research hypotheses (6 points) Due: January 23 Write research questions you might like to study List at least 1 possible hypothesis under each question. E.g., Res ? How do UH students cope with stress? Hyp. 1: UH students are most likely to report that they exercise to cope with stress. Hyp 2: At least 50% of male UH students will report that they listen to music to cope with stress.

Types of Hypotheses Non-directional Hypotheses Directional Hypotheses Null Hypotheses

Non-directional Hypotheses State what variable has an impact on DV, but does not say what kind of impact it has Example: Colors of clothing affect people’s mood

Directional Hypotheses State what variable has an impact on DV and say what kind of impact it is Example: Bright color of clothing uplifts people’s mood

Null Hypotheses State that there is no relationship between two variables The opposite of the non-directional research hypothesis Example: Colors of clothing has no impact on people’s mood

Hypotheses The speed cameras have no affect on the amount of speeding. (null hypothesis) The speed cameras affect the amount of speeding. (non-directional hypothesis) The speed cameras reduce the amount of speeding. (directional hypothesis)

Example Research Question: What influences the growth of plants?

Example: Hypotheses Non-Directional Hypothesis Directional Hypothesis The amount of sunshine affects the growth of plants Directional Hypothesis The amount of sunshine enhances the growth of plants Null Hypothesis The amount of sunshine has no influence on the growth of plants

In-class exercise Write a null, non-directional, and directional hypotheses for each and label: 1. Peers influence whether a person will binge drink or not. 2. Female UH students prefer to be under their current body weight. 3. UH M students will pay more to attend a nightclub with live music over DJ music. 4. College students that do smoke would prefer to date someone that does not smoke.