Week 1 - Introduction to unit & research methods

Question 1

Describe the research process

Answer 1

using the scientific method for the formulation of an idea, generation of a testable hypothesis and conducting research through data collection and analysis.

Question 2

What are the 10 steps in the Research Process?

Answer 2

1. Find research idea: select topic, literature search and find unanswered question/ gap
2. Generate a hypothesis and prediction
3. Define and measure variables - procedures used to define and measure variables (operationalise). evaluate reliability + validity.
4. Identify and select participants/subjects - characteristics, recruitment, ethics
5. Select research strategy e.g. validity, experiment type (experimental, non-experimental, descriptive, quasi-experiment, correlational)
6. Select research design - between-subjects, within-subjects, factorial or single-subject design
7. Conduct study - collect data
8. Evaluate the data - use appropriate inferential & descriptive stats to summarise and interpret
9. Report the results - use correct format to accurately report results in a manner which protects anonymity and confidentiality of participants
10. Refine or reformulate ideas

Question 3

What four elements are important in hypothesis generation?

Answer 3

Logical - based on previous research (explained in rationale) thus being the logical conclusion of logical argument. Assumes the premises found in literature research are facts.

Testable - all variables must be observed and measured; no hypotheticals or use of imagination.

Refutable/ a.k.a FALSIFIABLE HYPOTHESIS - it is possible to obtain results which are contrary to the hypothesis. Scientific method requires objective & public demonstration.

Positive - a hypothesis makes a positive statement about the existence of something (a relationship, difference or treatment effect). Cannot deny the existence of something.

Question 4

Give two examples of an excellent positive hypothesis.

Answer 4

For university students, there is a relationship between quality sleep and academic performance.

The administration of psychedelics will produce significant improvements for patients with anxiety and depression.

Question 5

Give two examples of a bad positive hypothesis

Answer 5

No relationship exists between academic performance and sleep.

There is no difference between the communication style used by males and females.