Research Method
Assignment #1
1. What is research method? The process used to collect information and data for the purpose of making business decisions. The methodology may include publication research, interviews, surveys and other research techniques, and could include both present and historical information.
a. Formulate research questions.
Example: In the information age, are traditional encyclopedias
Really useful for children’s learning, or do modern computer
Search engines render them obsolete?
b. Formulate hypotheses to address such general questions.
Hypotheses are specific testable assertions.
Example: computers may be faster, but can also lead one to
Misleading or incorrect information; therefore, hypothesize that
Encyclopedia reading will produce more accurate results than
Using computer search engines.
c. Create a research design to test the hypotheses.
Example: Construct an experiment in which children are
Randomly assigned to conditions in which one group uses a
Computer search engine to research an assignment and the
Other uses a standard encyclopedia. Choose a limited topic, such as the war in North America which lasted from 1754 to
1763 (known in the U. S. as the French and Indian War; in the
Former French provinces of Canada [Ontario and Quebec] as
The War of Conquest; and in Britain, France, and the rest of
Canada as the Seven Year’s War.
d. Gather and analyze data, using appropriate measurement and statistical techniques for analysis.
Example: Use an objective, multiple-choice test. Example question: In what Canadian city did the Battle of the Plains of
Abraham take place? (a) Toronto, (b) Halifax, (c) Quebec City,
(d) Montreal. Examine the results (average scores) between the two groups.
e. Evaluate the results and make a decision.
Example: State which method produces more accurate results, and whether or not results were in line with the hypothesis, based on sound
1. What is research method? The process used to collect information and data for the purpose of making business decisions. The methodology may include publication research, interviews, surveys and other research techniques, and could include both present and historical information.
a. Formulate research questions.
Example: In the information age, are traditional encyclopedias
Really useful for children’s learning, or do modern computer
Search engines render them obsolete?
b. Formulate hypotheses to address such general questions.
Hypotheses are specific testable assertions.
Example: computers may be faster, but can also lead one to
Misleading or incorrect information; therefore, hypothesize that
Encyclopedia reading will produce more accurate results than
Using computer search engines.
c. Create a research design to test the hypotheses.
Example: Construct an experiment in which children are
Randomly assigned to conditions in which one group uses a
Computer search engine to research an assignment and the
Other uses a standard encyclopedia. Choose a limited topic, such as the war in North America which lasted from 1754 to
1763 (known in the U. S. as the French and Indian War; in the
Former French provinces of Canada [Ontario and Quebec] as
The War of Conquest; and in Britain, France, and the rest of
Canada as the Seven Year’s War.
d. Gather and analyze data, using appropriate measurement and statistical techniques for analysis.
Example: Use an objective, multiple-choice test. Example question: In what Canadian city did the Battle of the Plains of
Abraham take place? (a) Toronto, (b) Halifax, (c) Quebec City,
(d) Montreal. Examine the results (average scores) between the two groups.
e. Evaluate the results and make a decision.
Example: State which method produces more accurate results, and whether or not results were in line with the hypothesis, based on sound