Research Methods-Design and analysis

Labib Zaki Ullash

CSE101
Sept.21, 2008

In this paper we develop a base of knowledge about research that will facilitate our
developing research skills; we then follow up on these research possibilities in the next
chapter with hands-on exercises1.
1
This is an exercise to demonstrate my skills at formatting a college paper. This is not a real paper!
Labib Zaki Ullash

This chapter will develop an outline of the research process by discussing, how problems
can be formed, data gathered, and interpretations and conclusions made from the data
gathered. A brief examination of the types, characteristics, and limits, of data collection
techniques will be presented with the major portion of this chapter focusing on research
design (data collection techniques) and data analysis (interpreting, analyzing and drawing
conclusions from data).

“Upon approaching something that is complex one

discovers that it is even more complex then originally
thought

Author Unknown

Under ideal conditions you would select the most appropriate method—field research,
survey, experiment or secondary data analysis for your problem. Realities of available
money, time, access to information, and your own personal skills often are decisive
factors in design choice and data collection. Once the design is firm, you follow through
the steps in your design and collect the data. All of us have collected data, though not
necessarily precisely and carefully in a scientific manner. Frequently we observe people
in a new situation to determine what is expected of us, such as when we first started
college, visited a new city, or started a new job. This method of research is called
participant observation, a particular type of field research. We may ask friends how and
why they are going to vote a certain way in an upcoming election. This research method
is known as interviewing. We may try different ty6pes or amounts of spices in a recipe to
find which combination tastes the best. This method is called experimenting. Most of us
have investigated sources and data in the library to make us in making a decision about a
trip, a car, a house, or a major appliance purchase. This method is known as secondary
analysis, the analysis of data collected by others.

2
 Pre Test Post Test
Experimental Group
A B
Control Group
C D

Table 1

In all cases of scientific research, the goal is to account for all possible causes in a
proposed relationship between variables. Therefore statements can be made about the
relationship between the variables of interest based on the data collected. We have all
seen the simplest version of experiment models expressed in data for pre and post times
for groups selected to be comparative by either random selection or matching, see table 1.
As an example, a classic advertisement proving the efficacy of crest tooth paste in
preventing cavities, evaluations are made of both group A and B for the pre test (all
members of both groups are checked by a dentist and cavities filled). The experimental
stimulus (variable) is presented only to the experimental group (group A brushes with
Crest toothpaste while Group C continues using their normal toothpaste). After a period
of time, say six months, group B and D are again checked by a dentist for cavities.
Differences in cavities between group B and C are seen as due to using Crest toothpaste.
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