Research Design 1 Characteristic of Interest Question 2 Hypothesis 3 Sample 4 Data 5 Conclusions Evaluating Research a Random equal chance of being chosen Control Experimental Group b Representative 1 Size and diversity of sample blind double blind a We have to think about what the survey is trying to achieve 2 Are there alternative explanations for the findings Have all of the important aspects of the data been considered a Regression Analysis where you try to figure out which factors are actually the ones that made a difference 3 Are the results statistically significant Is it probable that the reported effect will occur again in similar circumstances 4 Duplication of results by other researchers 5 Does the researcher claim that the study proves more than it was designed to prove 6 Study done by a respected institution 7 Are researchers biased Funding 8 Date of the study Mill s Methods John Stuart Mill was a philosopher in the 18th century 1 Agreement lets find out what is in common in a group that shows certain symptoms or effects 2 Difference now find the difference between those in that similar group and other groups what if those who don t show symptoms have the same thing 3 Joint Method the idea of using the two methods You research to try to continue to prove what you found to be true Double blindness keeps the results unbiased o If the administrators know they may be too enthusiastic to see results when there may not be Drawing conclusions from the data is always making inferences never absolutely certain o This is why you usually ask others to duplicate the results Sometimes hypotheses are often use to organize facts or are drawn from facts or data but do they allow fruitful avenues of research o That is why there is room for theoretical elements in science Make sure to pay attention to the date of the study and how relevant it is does it refer to experiences and knowledge learned from past studies 1 2