The aim of this assignment is to formulate a testable hypothesis and design an experimental study to test it. Survey and other designs are not acceptable.
The written report on your original design must include the following sections:
Introduction: A clear statement of your research problem (no more than 1 page) (10%)
Literature Review: Minimum five (5) APA (American Psychological Association) style in-text citations and references. List your references on a separate references page (10%)
Methods: Minimum two full pages. (50%)
Discussion (Minimum one full page) (25%)
(5) References (5%)
In the section of Methods, state your hypothesis clearly, and show how they relate to previous research in the area. A hypothesis is often expressed in the form of an “if-then” statement. The Methods Section includes the following requirements.
a. A hypothesis
b. Independent variable
c. Dependent variable
d. Operational definitions: How are the variables operationalized and measured?
e. Target population and subjects: What is your target population? Explain why they would aid your proposed study.
f. Sample and sample size: How many subjects do you plan to include in the sample? Anything special about the sample?
g. Sampling procedure: Random selection, matching, etc.? You must describe your sampling procedure.
h. The unit of analysis.
i. Treatment and control group: How do you create them? Are they equivalent?
j. Pre-test: How and what do you pre-test?
k. Treatment: How do you administer or manipulate your treatment?
l. duration of your study: The length of your study?
m. Post-test: How and what do you post-test?
n. Without data, discuss the three possible outcomes of your proposed study.
Which of these outcomes will support your hypothesis.
.
In Discussion, you should discuss threats to the validity (internal and external) of your design. You ought to ask yourself questions such as, “In what ways could the design be faulted?” and “What would I do to deal with this problem?”
Last but not least, you want to address the potential legal and ethical concerns your research design may bring about.
Have trouble formulating a hypothesis? If, after making a genuine try, you don’t succeed, make an appointment with the instructor. Since time is limited, please don’t come in with a complete blank.
