Unit 4: Research in Social Science
a. Brainstorming a Topic
b) Phase 1 - Central Research Question
Sample ISU Phase 1 | |
File Size: | 7 kb |
File Type: | docx |
ResearchTips for ISU
What is APA FORMAT? Secondary Research - Search Engines - Google Scholar - SweetSearch - ERIC Helpful Links APA Referencing and Citations Lab - OWL APA Writing Style Online Lab- OWL 1) How to write an APA Research paper 2) Sample APA Research Report - second sample 3) Reviewing Research to determine the Central Research Question 4) Developing your Hypothesis 5) Designing a Survey 6) Literature Review & Determining the Central Research Question 7) Organizing Survey Data 8) Reporting on Survey Data 9) Designing Interview Questions 10) How to write a Psychology Lab Report
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Research Report Format with Subheadings |
ISU Phase 2 - Primary Research & Empirical Report
Analyzing and Interpreting your primary data
Data analysis and interpretation is the process of assigning meaning to the collected information and determining the conclusions, significance, and implications of the findings. The steps involved in data analysis are a function of the type of information collected, however, returning to the purpose of the assessment and the assessment questions will provide a structure for the organization of the data and a focus for the analysis.
Numerical (QUANTITATIVE) Data:
The analysis of NUMERICAL DATA is represented in mathematical terms. The most common statistical terms include:
Narrative (QUALITATIVE) Data:
The analysis of NARRATIVE DATA is conducted by organizing the data into common themes or categories.
It is often more difficult to interpret narrative data since it lacks the built-in structure found in numerical data. Initially, the narrative data appears to be a collection of random, unconnected statements. The assessment purpose and questions can help direct the focus of the data organization. The following strategies may also be helpful when analyzing narrative data.
Focus groups and Interviews:
Interpreting the analyzed data from the appropriate perspective allows for determination of the significance, findings and implications of the assessment.
Numerical (QUANTITATIVE) Data:
The analysis of NUMERICAL DATA is represented in mathematical terms. The most common statistical terms include:
- Mean – The mean score represents a numerical average for a set of responses.
- Standard deviation – The standard deviation represents the distribution of the responses around the mean. It indicates the degree of consistency among the responses. The standard deviation, in conjunction with the mean, provides a better understanding of the data. For example, if the mean is 3.3 with a standard deviation (StD) of 0.4, then two-thirds of the responses lie between 2.9 (3.3 – 0.4) and 3.7 (3.3 + 0.4).
- Frequency distribution – Frequency distribution indicates the frequency of each response. For example, if respondents answer a question using an agree/disagree scale, the percentage of respondents who selected each response on the scale would be indicated. The frequency distribution provides additional information beyond the mean, since it allows for examining the level of consensus among the data.
Narrative (QUALITATIVE) Data:
The analysis of NARRATIVE DATA is conducted by organizing the data into common themes or categories.
It is often more difficult to interpret narrative data since it lacks the built-in structure found in numerical data. Initially, the narrative data appears to be a collection of random, unconnected statements. The assessment purpose and questions can help direct the focus of the data organization. The following strategies may also be helpful when analyzing narrative data.
Focus groups and Interviews:
- Read and organize the data from each question separately. This approach permits focusing on one question at a time (e.g., experiences with tutoring services, characteristics of tutor, student responsibility in the tutoring process).
- Group the comments by themes, topics, or categories. This approach allows for focusing on one area at a time (e.g., characteristics of tutor – level of preparation, knowledge of content area, availability).
Interpreting the analyzed data from the appropriate perspective allows for determination of the significance, findings and implications of the assessment.
Reporting Your Findings
A reporting format allows for communicating the assessment findings to the appropriate audiences. Different types of reports may be necessary depending on the needs and interests of the recipients. For example, an administrator may be interested in an executive summary of the assessment, whereas the director of the program/project may prefer a technical report. Assessment information can be shared in a variety of formats, including:
- Written report
- Technical report – includes the assessment purpose and questions, sampling procedure, methodology, analysis and interpretation, conclusions, implications, relevant attachments (e.g., survey instrument, focus group protocol)
- Executive summary – an abstract of the technical report focusing on the conclusions and implications
- Oral presentation
- Content of presentation is dependent on the audience
- Visual presentation summarizing components of written report is an asset
- A written report often accompanies an oral presentation
- Media release
- Newspaper
- Journal
- Website
- Newsletter
Written Report COMPONENTS
* TITLE PAGE *
1. Abstract
2. Introduction / Literature Review
3. Method (methodology)
4. Result Analysis
5. Discussion (w/ findings and limitations of study) - whats that?
6. References
7. Appendices (Data Collection Tool, Tables, Figures)
***HSP Students***
THIS IS A GREAT RESOURCE on
HOW TO WRITE AN EMPIRICAL REPORT IN APA STYLE
* TITLE PAGE *
1. Abstract
2. Introduction / Literature Review
3. Method (methodology)
4. Result Analysis
5. Discussion (w/ findings and limitations of study) - whats that?
6. References
7. Appendices (Data Collection Tool, Tables, Figures)
***HSP Students***
THIS IS A GREAT RESOURCE on
HOW TO WRITE AN EMPIRICAL REPORT IN APA STYLE