Chapter 2: Where to Start
Abstract
A summary of the research report & typically runs to more than 120 words. Includes information about the hypothesis, the procedure, & the broad pattern of results.
Hypothesis
A tentative idea or question that is waiting for evidence to support or refute it. Once a hypothesis is proposed, date must be gathered & evaluated in terms of whether the evidence is consistent or inconsistent with the hypothesis.
Theory
Consist of a systematic body of ideas about a particular topic or phenomenon that serves to organize and explain data & generate new knowledge.
Discussion
Interpretation of study results.
Method Section
Is divided into subsection, with the number of subsection determined by the author and dependent on the complexity of the research design.
Results Section
Research present finding in 3 ways: 1. Description in narrative form. 2. The results are described in statistical language. 3. The material is often depicted in tables & graphs.
Research Question
Researchers use research questions to identity & describe the broad topic that they are investigating, and then conduct research in order to answer their research questions.
Methodology
Methods: Detailed description of study design.
Introduction
Outline the problem, tie to part research, point to question & method.
Science Citation Index (SCI)
Search computer database: Biology, chemistry, bio-medicine & pharmacology
Social Science Citation (SSCI)
Search computer database: Social & behavioral science, sociology & criminal justice
Science Citation Index (SCI) & Social Science Citation (SSCI)
Two related search, they are usually accessed together using the Web of Science computed database. Allow you to search through citation information such as the name of author or article.
Abstract
brief summary of the article
References
list of all work cited.
Prediction
A guess at the outcome of a hypothesis.
Method Section Divided Into Subsection
1st: presents an overview of the design to prepare the reader for the material 2nd: Describe the characteristics of the participants. 3rd: Details the procedure used in for the study. 4th: Others subsection may be necessary to describe in detail any equipment or testing material that were used.
Web of Science
Computer database.
Literature Review
Good to explore past research. Theses article summarize the research in a particular area also useful.
Results
Objective report of study results.
PsycInfo
The abstracts are maintained in a computer database.
Introduction
The research outlines the problem that has been investigated. Past research & theories relevant to the problem are described in detail.
Discussion Section
The researcher reviews the research from various perspective. The author should respond why it worked or why it didn't.
