In most cases, the research proposal is based in the steps of the scientific method, which is entrenched in the philosophy of science. They are intrinsically linked. Many texts detail the scientific method as a 4-6 step linear process. However, in practice, the method is more iterative. The figure to the right is a better interpretation, it consists of 6 primary steps with backtracking and repetition as needed.
Please review the steps of the scientific method below. |
We will complete this process many times during this course. Lab 1 is designed to expose you to both the scientific method and to the construction of a research proposal.
Lab 1: ProtocolIn today's lab you will work with your new group to develop a team contract that will serve you throughout this course. You will also begin your first research project by creating a research proposal and running some initial analyses.
Exercise I. Develop a Group Contract Exercise II. Create a Research Proposal Exercise III. Begin Analysis |
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Your first research project: The ultimate goal is for you to create a technical report that expands our understanding of the diabetes epidemic in the U.S., using our diabetes data set. You must first get your project idea approved, and therefore need to construct a research proposal.
In the pre-lab, you learned what a research proposal is and how it is linked to the steps of the scientific method. This initial proposal is very basic and we will build on it in subsequent labs. Remember, you are creating a research question that deals with the relationship between the rate of diabetes (any blue variable in the data set) and another variable (green variables in the data set). You will be asked to generate a null and alternative hypothesis for your question (see below)
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Remember: A quality hypothesis must be objective, measurable and testable. It must also include a prediction and potential rationale (examples). Think about how your questions may connect with what we already know about the diabetes epidemic and related factors.
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...Why do we need to run a correlation?
Before you begin, make sure you have downloaded the diabetes data Excel sheet and saved it in your own files. The first tab should remain as the diabetes data set. You will use the subsequent tabs for your correlation results and analysis. Keep your data and results organized! Procedure
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Email: [email protected]
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Dr. McElroy is a solver of puzzles. He enjoys trying to make the pieces fit and finding new ways to understand old problems. Often, he applies the processes of scientific inquiry to new issues that have not befitted from the approach in the past. PLUS, he is a statistical expert. Much of his perspective has been translated into Unit 1. Dr. McElroy's current research focuses on applying evolutionary principles and multivariate statistical methods to examine processes of curricular change and assessment in higher education. Past research interests have addressed questions related to wildlife molecular forensics, morphometrics and conservation of desert fishes, genetics and speciation in African cichlid fishes, and the statistical analysis of population genetic data. Reach out to him if you have interests in statistics or evolutionary biology. |