RESEARCH

TECHNIQUES
RES100-4
Methods of Research
Reference: Robert Weissberg and Suzanne Buker
The Research Process
1. Choose an area of interest that you
would like to research. Limit this area to
a specific research topic that will produce
(numerical) data.
2. Write a research question that focuses on
one aspect of your topic.
3. Formulate a hypothesis that is a possible
response to your research question.
The Research Process
4. Design a study that will permit you to
answer your research question.
5. Determine the type of materials you will
need to carry your study.
6. Check the hypothesis and design of your
study, and determine what kind of
statistical analysis should be done to
interpret your data.
Steps in Beginning the
Research Process
1. Select an area of interest.
2. Focus on one aspect of the area.
3. Write a research question.
4. Formulate a hypothesis.
5. Design a study.
6. Writing up the research.
Different Types of Research
Controlled Scientific Experiment
Correlational
Studies that may deal with information
obtained from surveys questionnaires or
from case studies.
Studies that use computer-generated
models that attempt to explain or predict
phenomena observed in the laboratory or
in nature.
Common Characteristics of
Different Types of Research
Studies Research question
Hypothesis
Studies Quantitative
Data one or more statistical tests

Research Question
The basis on which the study is planned or
carried out.
A question that addresses a specific aspect
of the topic in which the researchers are
interested after they focused on a specific
topic of investigation.
Research Question
Example:
Topic/Area of interest: Effect of industrial
pollution on plant life in a particular area
Research Question: What are the effects
of increased concentrations of sulfuric acid
in the atmosphere on production of grain
sorghum?
Research Question
Example:
Topic/Area of interest: Effect of industrial
pollution on plant life in a particular area
Research Question: Do increased
concentrations of sulfuric acid in the
atmosphere lead to a significant decreases
in the production of grain sorghum?
Hypothesis
A possible response to the research
question.
Statement of the expected results.
Hypothesis: Abnormally high
concentrations of sulfuric acids in the
atmosphere have no effect on the
production of grain sorghum.
Hypothesis
Null hypothesis hypothesis stated in a
negative way.
The purpose of the experiment is to
determine whether the hypothesis can be
rejected or not.
Research Report
A paper written by an investigator to
describe a research study that he or she
has completed.
Explains the objectives, methods and
findings of the study to other researchers.
May be published in a professional journal,
or a monograph, or a thesis or dissertation
as part of the requirements for a university
degree.
Organizational Formal for
Research Reports
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References

To be submitted via Canvas
Topic/Area of Interest
Working Title
Research Question
Hypothesis