1. 1 Characteristics of good problems Theoretical or practical significance Problem can be answered through the research process This is a good problem for you

2. 2 Statement of the problem Defines all relevant variables Type of subjects to be involved Background of problem Significance of problem

3. 3 Review of literature Collection of documents (periodicals, abstracts, reviews, books, others) Tells reader what has been done and what needs to be done Points out research strategies and specific methodology and procedures

4. 4 Getting started Select relevant articles, bigger does not mean better! Abstract each reference

5. 5 Annotating abstracts Read the abstract Skim the article for the main points Write the reference in APA style Wood, C.A. (1996). The art of writing for publication. Journal of Meaningful Findings, 11,10-19.

6. 6 Make sure it is accurate Classify and code the article Abstract the reference Indicate any thoughts that come to mind Indicate direct quotations

7. 7 Analyzing, organizing, reporting Outline the introduction to research Sort references support or does not support Save most important articles for last Conclude with a brief summary

8. 8 Statement of the hypothesis Tentative explanation States researcher’s expectations The hypothesis determines the study

9. 9 Characteristics of good hypotheses Sound rationale Based on previous research States as clearly as possible the expected relationship(difference) between one or more variables Is testable

10. 10 Types of hypotheses Derived Inductive - generalized from observation Deductive - derived from theory

11. 11 Types of hypotheses Stated Declarative - what relationship is expected, may be directional or non- directional Null - no relationship between 2 variables exists, if one is found it is due to chance

12. 12 Stating hypotheses Ss who get X do better than Ss who get Y S = subjects X = the treatment, independent variable Y = the dependent measure

13. 13 Example S = X = Y = The purpose of this study was to involve low-income African American women in focus groups to elicit their perceptions about CVD and to generate ideas for risk reduction programs tailored to women like themselves. The purpose of this study was to involve low-income African American women in focus groups to elicit their perceptions about CVD and to generate ideas for risk reduction programs tailored to women like themselves. Behera, S.K., Winkleby, M.A., & Collins, R. (2000). American Journal of Health Promotion, 14, 301-305.