Chapter 1 Outline
Beginning a Research Project

Modified: 2007-01-21

• I. Starting a research project: defining the research question
  • A. Study purpose
  • B. Research questions defined
  • C. On the Research Process*
• II. Organizing the research study: the use of models
  • A. Models defined
  • B. Role of models in research
  • C. On Social Science Theories*
• III. Identifying the elements to study: model building
• A. Making ideas explicit
• B. Importance of peer interaction
• C. Review of existing knowledge
• D. Manipulating existing datasets
• E. Pilot testing the model
• F. On Pilot Studies*
• IV. Presenting the model: types of models
• A. Schematic models
• B. Symbolic models
  • 1. Verbal
  • 2. Mathematical
  • 3. Computer
• V. Limitations of models and model building for specific users
• A. Investigator versus client perspective
• B. Client focus
• C. Theoretical versus applied studies
• VI. The components of models: an introduction to the terminology
• A. Elements of models
  • 1. Variables versus constants
  • 2. Hypotheses
  • 3. Independent variables
    
  • 4. Dependent variables
  • 5. Social Loafing Example*
  • 6. Putting Exampl*e
  • 7. Music Tempo Example*
    • 1. On Independent and Dependent Variables*
• B. The nature of relationships
  • 1. Covariation
    • a. Direct relationships
    • b. Inverse relationships
    • c. Non-linear relationships
  • 3. Control variables (also known as confounding variables)
    • a. Spurious relationships
    • b. Change in strength or direction
    • c. No effect of control variable
    • d. On Confounding Variables*
• VII. Selecting a research question
• A. Student’s selection criteria
• B. Analyst’s selection criteria
• C. Administrator’s selection criteria
  
• VIII. Chapter summary

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