The Inductive Process Within the Scientific Method
Moving from Specific Observations to General Rules.
A researcher consistently observes certain patterns over a long period of time. The patterns consist of specific instances in which a relationship between two variables of interest occurs. The researcher then believes in a general rule or a law that can be reasonably concluded from observing the patterns in the series of specific occurrences.
The Deductive Process Within the Scientific Method
Moving from General Rules to Specific Guesses about Their Consequences.
A researcher acts as if the general rule or a law that they believe in, is actually true. This belief then generates guesses about the specific consequences that would be true if the general rule or a law were true. Research projects can at this point be planned to test whether the general rule or a law is true by observing whether evidence for specific applications of the rule can be observed and collected.
Testing Hypotheses
Hypotheses are the specific statements of the guesses mentioned above.
In order to design a study that will test hypotheses, we need all of the following:
A Problem
A Defined Population
Key Variables
Operational definitions of key variables
Hypotheses
Sampling Plan, Research Design, and Analysis Plan
Problem
Many parents and teachers in our school system are reporting that the Night Reader reading program is very helpful for first graders as they learn to read. Some teachers use similar techniques on an informal basis. The school system is interested in evaluating whether the program is effective enough to implement on a system-wide basis.
Problem Statement
The purpose of this research project is to investigate the effectiveness of the Night Reader reading program in increasing the reading ability of first grade students.
Research Questions
Does the Night Reader program help students increase their reading ability?
Does the Night Reader program help parents to read with their children more often?
Do parents and children actually follow through and complete the assignments?
A Sample Hypothesis
First grade students who complete the Night Reader reading program will score higher on a standardized test of reading ability than those students who are instructed using only the traditional method.
Possible Research Design
Group 1 - Night Reader Program Post Test
Group 2 - Traditional Instruction Only Post Test
Statistical Hypotheses
Directional: Null H0: m1 = m2
Alternative H1: m1 > m2
Non-Directional: Null H0: m1 = m2
Alternative H1: m1 =/= m2
More Powerful Research Design
Group 1 - Night Reader Program Pre-test Post-test Retention
Group 2 - Traditional Instruction Only Pre-test Post-test Retention
with Random Sampling, Random Assignment, Test for Group Equivalence on Pre-test and other relevant variables.
Steps in the Research Process
1. Problem Selection
2. Generation of Research Questions
3. Hypothesis Generation
4. Research Design
5. Sampling Plan
6. Analysis Plan
7. Selection of Methods of Measurement
8. Pilot Study
9. Specification of Theoretical Contingencies
10. Administrative Plan
11. Sampling, Selection, and Assignment to Conditions
12. Data Collection
13. Data Entry
14. Data Verification
15. Analysis
16. Summary and Conclusions
17. Integration of Results into the Theory and Knowledge Base of the Field
18. Examination of the Limitations of the Study / Generalizability Issues
19. Accumulation of Evidence Across Studies
20. Return to Step 1.