Steps in Conducting Research

Formulating a "testable" hypothesis
Designing the study
Collecting the data
Analyze the data and draw conclusions

Reporting the findings

 

What is a TESTABLE hypothesis?

A prediction that can be precisely measured.

To do this we must identify the variables we wish to study and clearly define how we are going to measure or control them.  This is what is called an OPERATIONAL DEFINITION.
Exercise: Can science assess this question? 

There are several research methods to choose from.  The choice is greatly influenced by the nature of the research question.   For example, if you are simply interested in whether certain groups of people endorse a particular attitude a survey would be the most efficient method.

Once a method of study has been chosen, concerns such as how will it be conducted and who will be the subjects (and how will you obtain the subjects) need to be worked out.

 

 Collecting the data

There are several techniques used to collect data.  With our survey we could decide whether we want to "interview" our subjects or will they complete a pencil and paper "questionnaire."  If we want to assess whether caffeine intake makes people more jittery and anxious we might use a physiological measure such as heart rate to assess anxiety.  As you can see the nature of the topic and the design being used influences the choice of data collection.
 

Researchers use statistics to help them to "organize, summarize, and interpret numerical data" (Weiten, 1998, p. 53).  With the use of statistics researchers can assess whether their predictions (hypotheses) were supported or were not supported by the data gathered.
 

Researchers share their findings with other scientists and with the general public.  This serves two purposes.  First, it informs others about what was found.  Second, it allows others to comment on the research.  Were its methods sound?  Did its conclusions go beyond the established facts?  What new questions does it raise for science?  How might we use this information to better our lives?

Typically, researchers prepare a written report that is submitted to a journal in the appropriate area of research.   For example, if our survey examined the attitudes of mothers and fathers on child care issues, then a journal in Developmental Psychology would be more appropriate than one in Clinical Psychology.  Many journals that publish scientific research in psychology (as in most other disciplines) are "refereed journals."  This means that before the report is published experts in the area review the study.  They consider the appropriateness of the article for the particular journal; the importance of the issue; whether there are flaws in the study's design, or analysis.

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