1. Pre-research
1.1. 1.Ask a specific question about a limited topic
1.2. 2. look for evidence
1.3. 3. take a sample
1.3.1. A sample is a relatively small group out of a population
1.3.2. Sample must be Representative, meaning it must represent the population as a whole
1.3.2.1. Random sample
1.3.2.2. Stratified Sample
1.3.2.2.1. subgroups of a population are represented in the sample
2. Experiment
2.1. 1. Starts with a Hypothesis, or an educated guess
2.2. 2. Identify the Variables in the experiment
2.2.1. 2.A the Independent variable is the variable that is being tested. It is the effect being measured, the catalyst of the experiment.
2.2.1.1. think of it as the amount of hours you study for an English test.
2.2.2. 2.B the Dependent variable is the reaction after the independent variable is introduced.
2.2.2.1. think of it as the grade of the English test after X amount of hours studying.
2.3. 3. Create an Experiment group and a Control group for your experiment.
2.3.1. 3.A The Experiment Group is the group being affected by the Independent variable. It is the group you want to record the reactions
2.3.2. 3.B The Control group is the group in your experiment that is NOT affected by the independent variable
2.3.2.1. The Control Group is used as a basis of comparison to measure the change the independent variable had on the experimental group.
3. Methods of Research
3.1. 1.Naturalistic
3.1.1. 1.A a method of research that relies on studying the subject in its natural state/environment.
3.2. 2. Cross-Sectional
3.2.1. 2.A a method of research that separates the subjects into groups based on age, then is randomly surveyed, tested, observed, or any combination thereof.
3.3. 3. Case Study
3.3.1. 3.A a method of research that focuses intensive study on an individual or a specific group of persons.
3.4. 4. Surveys
3.4.1. 4.A a method of research that involves many people, and uses interviews or questionnaires to gather data.
3.4.1.1. 4.B Interviews allow an ability to reword a specific question to a subject if the question cause confusion, but also has the disadvantage of sometimes influencing the subject to answer certain ways for approval.
3.4.1.2. 4.C Questionnaires provide a means for subjects to answer freely, without thoughts of approval from there answers, but are set questions, without the means of re-wording or otherwise removing confusion
3.5. 5.Longitudinal Study
3.5.1. 5.A a method of research that studies the same group of people, or individuals at regular intervals for several years.
3.5.1.1. 5.B The purpose is to determine if any changes in a. Behavior or b. Feelings, or both, and if so, why?
3.6. 6. Correlation
3.6.1. 6.A method of research that compares the relationship between two or more sets of data.
3.6.1.1. 6.A There are positive, negative and random correlations.