The Research Method Cycle

How do the major constructs of the research cycle create a scientific, logical, and orderly flow between them?

If we omit ANY construct, will the "house still stand"?

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, the student will be able to satisfy the following outcomes:
- Case
o Discuss the research method cycle and its major components.
o Review, differentiate, and work with: Research questions, Hypotheses, IVs and DVs.
o Choose the appropriate statistical test per the study hypotheses and variables' level of measurement.
- SLP
o Implement within a "real-world" project: The definition of research questions and their derivative hypotheses; Examine data; perform appropriate statistical test: t test, ANOVA/ANCOVA, Chi Square; interpret and report results.
- Discussion
o Discuss how the major constructs of the research cycle create a scientific, logical, and orderly flow between them.

Module Overview

1. In this module we will focus on: The Research Method Cycle.

2. In order to conduct ANY research, we need (in a nutshell) to define our research question (RQ), the variables/factors of interest, and plan an appropriate study design for our study. Then, we go out to the "field" and gather the data we need to address and answer our research question.

3. Once said data has been collected, we will need to review it for errors, missing datum, outliers, distribution patterns, etc., and if complete - we then prepare it for statistical examination (See Module 1).

4. One of the cornerstones of research is hypothesis testing, for which we need to: (a) derive a null and alternative hypothesis from the RQ to include our independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV), (b) decide on the appropriate statistical test to use based on the variables' levels of measurement, (c) run the statistical tests and interpret the results/findings, and (d) decide (based on the statistical significance of the test) whether to reject (or not) the null hypothesis.

5. Now, we can go full circle and answer the research question (RQ).

6. Hence, this module will cover and practice all of the above elements of the research cycle.

7. It is recommended that you FIRST view the modular Case and SLP assignments, and see what is required of you to do. With this in mind, review the Background page for reading and support materials.

Steps of the Research Process

The following seven steps outline a simple and effective strategy for finding information for a research paper and documenting the sources you find. Depending on your topic and your familiarity with the library, you may need to rearrange or recycle these steps. Adapt this outline to your needs. We are ready to help you at every step in your research.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP YOUR TOPIC
STEP 2: FIND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
STEP 3: USE CATALOGS TO FIND BOOKS AND MEDIA
STEP 4: USE INDEXES TO FIND PERIODICAL ARTICLES
STEP 5: FIND ADDITIONAL INTERNET RESOURCES
STEP 6: EVALUATE WHAT YOU FIND
STEP 7: CITE WHAT YOU FIND USING A STANDARD FORMAT

Research Question & Hypothesis

RQ:
Is there a difference in the academic performance of high-school students based on gender?

Hypothesis:
H_null: There is no statistical significant difference in the academic performance of high-school students based on gender.
H_alt: There is a statistical significant difference in the academic performance of high-school students based on gender.

Question: What are the IV and the DV in the hypothesis above?

The relationship between school characteristics and student performance on standardized tests in the denver metro region

Attachment:- Assignment.rar