The Scientific Method 1. Develop the problem 2. Develop a theoretical solution to the problem 3. Formulate the hypothesis or question 4. Formulate the research plan (methods) 5. Collect and analyze the data 6. Interpret the results and form conclusions 7. Refine the theory
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The Scientific Method1. Develop the problem2. Develop a theoretical solution to the
problem3. Formulate the hypothesis or question4. Formulate the research plan (methods)5. Collect and analyze the data6. Interpret the results and form
conclusions7. Refine the theory
Identification of the Research Problem
Steps to be Taken
1. Identify a general problem area2. Revise & narrow the problem
statement
1. Identify a general problem area
Criteria to use: Interest Theoretical value Practical value Workability Critical mass
Worthwhile?
1. Identify a general problem area
Why do people drop out of recreation programs?
How do you make this applied research vs. basic research vs. action research?
1. Identify a general problem area
Review the literature Get broad overview using secondary
sources Write a general problem
statement
Outline of the Problem
I. Topic: Attrition in Recreation Programs
II. Statement of the Problem: The problem was to determine why participants in recreation programs drop out.
Writing Problem Statements Tells what will be (or was) done Identifies variables & relationships
to be studied
2. Revise & narrow the problem statement
Review primary sources in the literature
Identify primary sources Read & record the literature Focus should be on identifying
questions that need to be answered (theoretically & practically)
2. Revise & narrow the problem statement
Review primary sources in the literature
Make a list of research questions Provide a rationale for the
problem Identify variables to be studied Rewrite the problem statement
Outline of the Problem
III. Results of Previous StudiesIV. Questions to be Answered:
A. What is the extent of the attrition?B. What is the nature of the attrition?C. What are the causes of the attrition?D. What is the relationship of the cause of
attrition to each type of attrition?E. Are there any factors that explain the
causes of attrition?
Statement of the Problem The problem was to determine the
extent to which participants in recreation programs drop out, the reasons for their dropping out, and the relationship of various facts to loss of enrollment.
The Scientific Method1. Develop the problem2. Develop a theoretical solution to the
problem3. Formulate the hypothesis or question4. Formulate the research plan (methods)5. Collect and analyze the data6. Interpret the results and form
conclusions7. Refine the theory
Development of the Research Question or Hypothesis
Steps to be Taken
1. Delimit the problem2. Rewrite the problem statement3. Write the hypotheses/research
Hypotheses Research hypothesis Alternative hypothesis Null hypothesis
Examples of Research Hypotheses
If children are taught to read via whole language, then their reading comprehension will be higher.
If children watch 3 or more hours of TV per day, then their behavior on the playground will become more aggressive.
If children learn in small cooperative groups, then their social interactions will be more positive.
Form of Research Hypotheses
IF, THEN: If young children take piano lessons, then they will have higher math aptitude 10 years later.
STATEMENT: Young children who take piano lessons will have higher math aptitude 10 years later.
QUESTION: Will young children who take piano lessons have higher math aptitude 10 years later?
Null Hypothesis & Statistics
STATISTICAL QUESTION: How likely is it (what is the probability) that the actual findings in the sample would be obtained if the null hypothesis was true?
STATISTICAL ANSWER: p value(probability value p =.05)
There is a 5% (5 in 100) chance that the actual findings in the sample would be obtained if the null hypothesis is true.
Examples RESEARCH: If children watch violent TV,
then they will act more aggressively at recess.
ALTERNATIVE: Children prone to aggression simply watch more violent TV.
NULL: In a population of school-age children there is no relationship between TV violence and aggressive behavior.
Steps to be Taken
1. Delimit the problem2. Rewrite the problem statement3. Write the hypotheses/research
Limitations - Example This sample represented college
students in the Northwest United States. Caution should be taken in extrapolating these results to people of other age groups in other geographic locations.
Assumptions - Examples All participants who sign up for
recreation programs do so voluntarily.
All outdoor recreation programs are taught by qualified personnel.
Assumptions - Examples All subjects completed the
questionnaire honestly and correctly.
The subjects understood the directions as they were intended.
The subjects were a representative sample of college students in the Northwest.
Steps to be Taken
1. Delimit the problem2. Rewrite the problem statement3. Write the hypotheses/research