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Chapter 2
Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Develop a research question(s), usually
based on a thorough review of a theory or an area of interest.
2. .
3. Design a study to test the hypothesis.
4. .
5. Evaluate the data in terms of the
prediction and hypothesis.
6. Draw conclusions and modify your research
idea as needed.
GETTING STARTED
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DO YOUR HOMEWORK
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FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS
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FINDING A GENERAL TOPIC AREA
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COMMON SOURCES OF RESEARCH TOPICS
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Personal interests and curiosities
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Practical problems or questions
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Reading reports of others
observations
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Reviewing past research.
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Challenging common sense
explanations of behavior.
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COMMON MISTAKES IN CHOOSING A
RESEARCH TOPIC
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Topic does not interest the
student
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Topic is too difficult
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Sticking with the first idea that
comes to mind
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FINDING & USING BACKGROUND LITERATURE
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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES
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THE PURPOSE OF A LITERATURE SEARCH
CONDUCTING A LITERATURE SEARCH
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USING ONLINE DATABASES
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BEGINNING A LITERATURE SEARCH
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THE PROCESS OF CONDUCTING A
LITERATURE SEARCH
Using the Internet
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Guidelines for Evaluating
Information from the Internet
Demo
APA Research Articles
Abstract
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
References