Consider strategies for finding information. How will you find answers to your research question?
Show and tell the audience about your conclusions.
a chapter from Elementary Statistical Methods
training module series from the Office of Research Integrity at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
a video series from Crash Course
a list of vocabulary from the Texas Education Agency for learners K-8
Research design are the principles by which social scientists create their experiments. Before this process can begin, it is essential to develop a workable research question. This is the stage at which researchers determine their how- the processes of measuring who, what, and when they want to study. Some factors that structure a study's design are duration, indicators, populations, variables, etc.
Research methods are the principles by which social scientists analyze the data collected in their experiments. Once a research question has been created, consider the type of data needed to prove a conclusion. This is the stage at which researchers determine the measurements used in a study. Some factors that determine the methods used are the amount of variables, sample size, etc.
Research in the social sciences requires the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative assessment tries to measure the quality of experiences and outcomes; often data is collected through non-numerical methods. However, numerical values can be assigned to results and computational methods can be used in assessments. These variables are sometimes referred to as intangibles. Common topics in political science include opinion polling in elections, quality of life studies, as well as in-person and phone interviews. Quantitative assessment uses computational methods of analysis and often relies upon standards of measurement, like GDP. In political economy, research often seeks to test mathematical equations of economic theory.
Mixed methods are assessments that use qualitative and quantitative research methods. To obtain the necessary data to support a conclusion, a research project may require the use of both. This is common in public policy research and government contracting. Important to lawmakers are the actual outcomes of policy decisions in addition to constituent perceptions of the success or failure of projects.