SOC 573 - Research Project

James G. Anderson, Ph.D.

Purdue University

Planning Your Research

• Choose a Topic

• Specify a Specific Research Question

• Do a Literature Review (Library/Internet)

• State the Specific Problem You Intend to Study

• Specify the population/Sample from which You Plan to Collect Data

• Develop a Data Collection Plan

• Outline a Schedule for Your Research

• Discuss Your Research project with Me

Example 1

• Objectives/Questions: The purpose of the research is to determine the level of public support for prenatal genetic screening (PGS)

• Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that families with a history of genetic disorders will be more favorable to PPGS than other families

• Population: Families with and without a history of genetic disorders

• Data Collection: Surveys, Interviews• Analysis: Compare attitudes of families with and

without genetic disorders

Example 2

• Objectives/Questions: Do patients and health care providers differ in their attitudes toward restricting HIV-positive physicians and nurses from performing invasive procedures?

• Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that patients will more strongly favor restrictions than physicians and nurses.

• Population: Patients, physicians and nurses• Data Collection: Surveys, interviews, focus groups• Analysis: Compare attitudes of the three groups

Example 3• Objectives/Questions: The objective is to compare

the views of Christian Scientists and state child welfare officials on the issue of the state requiring medical treatment for seriously ill children under 18

• Hypothesis: It is hypothesized that Christian Scientists will be opposed to state regulations, while state officials will strongly support regulations

• Population: A Christian Scientist family with an ill child; state welfare officials

• Data Collection: Case study; interviews• Analysis: Case study material , description of the

case, actions, etc.

Example 4• Objectives/Questions: To determine whether scores

on the HIV Knowledge and Attitude Scale (HKAS) are correlated with scores on the Johnson Job Stress Scale (JJSS)among lab technicians who test blood samples from patients who may be HIV+

• Hypothesis: There will be a significant negative correlation between the two scores

• Population: Laboratory technicians • Data Collection: Administer the two scales • Analysis: Correlation of the two test scores

Schedule• 3rd week - Title, statement of objectives, and outline of

your research project• 4th week - Discuss your project with the instructor• 4th through 13th weeks - carry out your research

project and prepare a draft of your report • Thanksgiving week - Turn in a draft of your report• 15th-16th weeks- Class presentation of your research • 16th week - Turn in final report with proposal and data