1

Characteristics of good problems

Theoretical or practical significanceProblem can be answered through the research processThis is a good problem for you

2

Statement of the problem

Defines all relevant variablesType of subjects to be involvedBackground of problemSignificance of problem

3

Review of literature

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

4

Getting started

Select relevant articles, bigger does not mean better!

Abstract each reference

5

Annotating abstracts

Read the abstractSkim the article for the main pointsWrite the reference in APA style

Wood, C.A. (1996). The art of writing for publication. Journal of Meaningful Findings, 11,10-19.

6

Make sure it is accurate

Classify and code the articleAbstract the referenceIndicate any thoughts that cometo mindIndicate direct quotations

7

Analyzing, organizing, reporting

Outline the introduction to researchSort references support or does not support

Save most important articles for lastConclude with a brief summary

8

Statement of the hypothesis

Tentative explanationStates researcher’s expectationsThe hypothesis determines the study

9

Characteristics of good hypotheses

Sound rationaleBased on previous researchStates as clearly as possible the expected relationship(difference) between one or more variablesIs testable

10

Types of hypotheses

Derived Inductive -

generalized from observation

Deductive - derived from theory

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

Stating hypotheses

Ss who get X do better than Ss who get Y S = subjectsX = the treatment, independent variableY = the dependent measure

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 riskreduction programs tailored to women likethemselves.

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 riskreduction programs tailored to women likethemselves.

Behera, S.K., Winkleby, M.A., & Collins, R. (2000). American Journalof Health Promotion, 14, 301-305.