Developing a Research Plan - Assignment Example

Developing a Research Plan Developing a Research Plan How Would You Describe the Relationship Between a Research Topic, a Research Question, and a Set of Hypotheses? The relationship between a research topic, a research question, and a set of hypotheses can be described as causally correlative. A successful research plan begins with the development of a research topic which sets a sound conceptual foundation for the development of research questions and the hypothesis. The research topic is the main idea on which the research is based. The planning process begins with a review of relevant literature in order to develop sound research questions and hypotheses. A research question is a phrased question about a relationship between two or more variables. It is developed in alignment with the research topic with an aim of providing more illumination on the research topic. A research question should be well researched and thought out carefully in order to focus on information and all the ideas regarding the research topic when gathering the relevant data. Since gathering data for research is mostly the critical part, the research questions are very important as they direct the research in terms of how, when, where, and what data should be collected. As such, research questions are a significant link between logistics and conceptual aspects of the research plan. Once the research questions have been established firmly, the development of the hypothesis is the next logical phase. Development of a set of hypothesis is based on the research questions posed by the research topic. A hypothesis can be described as a declarative statement that makes a positive or negative prediction attempt in order to establish a relationship between two variables. Strong hypothesis should provide more insights into the research questions posed, me testable and measurable, they should be developed directly from the research topic and they should have a well-founded and logical rationale for their formation. Since a set of hypotheses determines the outcome of the study, there is a need to test the hypothesis by developing alternative and a null hypothesis in order to accept one and reject the other. As such, it is important that a clear distinction be made between facts and hypotheses in the methodology of science. A fact can be developed to become a hypothesis in later stages of research, and so can a hypothesis develop to become a fact at some later stages. Since hypotheses are based on prediction and facts are based on true statements, it is imperative that the research conducted and the opinion of research be based on secure facts. 2. Think of a Topic of Interest to You and Appropriate for an Action Research Study. State the Topic, a Research Question, and All Three Types of Hypotheses for Your Topic Topic The topic for my action research study would be the impact of peer pressure and social interaction influence on binge drinking trends of teenagers in the United States. Research question The formulation of this research will be based on the research topic in order to provide more insights into new and old research: What is the relationship between peer pressure and social interaction influence and binge drinking behavior patterns in teenagers in the United States? Three Hypotheses A directional hypothesis asserts that sociable teenagers interacting with the older people and drinking peers are more likely to engage in binge drinking compared to those who strictly comply with their norms and traditions. A non-directional hypothesis will assert that there is a difference on how teenagers chose to behave when they are influenced by older people and their peers with regards to binge drinking. The null hypothesis will then determine the outcome of this research by negating the earlier hypothesis and implying that; there is no relationship between the binge drinking patterns of the teenagers and peer influence. 3. Think of Another Research Topic Of Interest To You. Develop A Research Question For Investigating The Topic Using A Qualitative Approach And Another For Using A Quantitative Approach. Are Your Questions Different? Could They Be Identical? Explain Your Answers The research topic of interest would be the influence of conformity to group norms on consumer purchase behavior. The research questions would be: Is there a relationship between the desire for conformity and the consumer buying choices / to what extent does the desire for conformity to group norms influence consumer buying behavior? Both qualitative and quantitative questions are different as they their focus in terms of the outcomes of the research is different. 4. Correlation Research Is A Commonly Used Quantitative Research Design. The Mass Media, Such As Newspapers And Television News, Often Summarize The Results Of Correlation Studies. Find And Discuss An Example Of Correlational Research That Has Appeared In Newspapers Or On The News. Are There Any Misconceptions Or Misinterpretations Evident? An example of correlational research is: “The Preschool Figure Drawings Correlate With IQ a Decade Later” by Traci Pedersen, which implies that the ability of children to draw in preschool determines how intelligent they will be a decade later. The results of this research are moderate and reported and therefore lacks the element of being conclusive. Source: http://psychcentral.com/news/2014/08/20/preschool-figure-drawings-correlate-with-iq-a-decade-later/73836.html 5. For the Two Research Questions You Listed In Number 3 Above, Briefly Describe An Appropriate Research Design For Each The most effective research design to use is a mixed method since the topic requires both qualitative and quantitative analysis of data. Quantitative data will be used at the entail stages of the research plan in order to draw more theories and concepts related to binge drinking in the existing research. The quantitative research approach will then be employed in order to statistically analyze figures and numerical data and then present it in charts and tables for easy comprehension of the binge drinking trends in teenagers. 6. Based on one of the research question and design you listed in number 5 above, draft an informed consent letter for parents or students. Informed Consent Form March 28, 2015 Name School Position Contact Dear [parent], My name is XXX I am a fourth grade teacher in Elementary School. It is my intention to carry out an investigative research on the influence of peer pressure and social interaction on binge drinking behavior patterns. This consent request is for the involvement of students in this research, and will only include those students whose parents give their contest. Students are free to make their contribution and can withdraw from the research at any stages of the research as they wish. However, their contribution will be highly appreciated. Teenage drinking has for a long time been associated with the association of teenage students with much older people who have access to money and the means to purchase alcohol. This is mostly so in parties and social celebration events. The popularity to teenage binge drinking is also a dangerous trends in young children who are at risk of suffering from accidents due to drunken driving. Peer pressure has also been noted to spread the drinking vice to young children who only think they are being exploitative but in essence, they are being vulnerable. It is therefore imperative to note the contribution of the children in this research in order to get to the actual problem as a way of getting to the solution. The participation in this research will be voluntary, and it will take the form of a workshop where students will be assisted by students from other levels as well as the school psychologist. The contribution will be anonymous and students will be required to drop their suggestions in a box which will be used to collect data. For additional details or questions, feel free to please contact me on the contact provided above or write me on my email nalenaziy@sycamores.indstate.edu Sincerely, Name By signing below, I agree on including my child in the above-explained study. Parent’s name__________________ Child name_____________ Date____________________________ Signature______________ Reflection and Summary Summary of “Action Research: Three Approaches” by Emily F. Calhoun In “Action Research: Three Approaches,” Calhoun provides three types of action research which are significant when utilized by educators in a teaching environment. The different types of action research presented investigate the problems that students encounter in the learning process in the quest to find solutions to such problems. The three scenarios of action research involve; individual teacher research the one carried by an individual teacher, collaborative action research which is carried out at the school level by collaborative efforts of the teachers and school administration and finally, school wide action research which is carried out at the community level. Action research today is applied in schools to identify the problems that students face in their leaning process and find solutions to such problems with a view to improving the teacher’s professional practice specifically and the community at large. The rationale for action research in school environment is based on the need to comprehensively enhance cognition of pedagogy through application of different principles of sources so that the outcome of the learning process can be explored through the use of different approaches of study methods. The application of different types of research methods are thus significant in the development of the research area extensively in social sciences and especially in the field of education. In this article, Calhoun tries to define the concept of action research. The definition of action research from different authors indicate that action research is emphasized by collaboration, knowledge, social change, action (change, improvement) and research (understanding, knowledge). However, there is no definite single definition of action research that is standard and universally accepted. The role of action research is reported to be very influential in the accomplishment of teaching aims and goals through data collection and analysis with an aim of diagnosing learning problems and providing a guiding platform for designing solutions. Therefore, it is important for schools and the community at large to implement action research as an exhaustive methodology of studying learning behavior. Read More