Developing a research question and hypothesis, reviewing the relevant literature, planning and carrying out the study, analyzing and interpreting the data, sharing the findings, carrying out additional research by replicating the study, generalizing and applying the results, and assessing the study’s impact are all steps in conducting a scientific research. Example of a hypothesis is: “Listening to classical music improves cognitive function in older adults.”
Hypothesis
Formulating a research question and hypothesis is the first step in a scientific research process, where the researcher identifies a problem or area of interest and formulates a research question. A hypothesis is then developed, which is a proposed explanation or prediction about the relationship between variables. Experimental design with a control group and an experimental group, both groups of older adults will be given a cognitive function test before and after listening to either classical music or silence for a certain period of time and the results will be compared. By using experimental design and manipulating the independent variable (whether participants listen to classical music or remain silent), this study will establish causation (cognitive function).
Reviewing the Literature
In this step, the researcher reviews existing literature on the topic to gain a better understanding of the current state of knowledge and identify gaps in the research. A literature review is a comprehensive and critical summary of the existing research on a specific topic. It is an important part of any research project, as it allows researchers to understand the existing body of knowledge on a topic, identify gaps in the research, and provide context for their own research. A literature review typically begins with a general overview of the topic, followed by a discussion of the key studies and findings. The review may also include a critical evaluation of the research, including its strengths and weaknesses, and an assessment of the overall state of the field. In the end, a literature review should provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the current state of research on a topic, and it is often used to guide future research and to inform decision making.
Designing the Study
The researcher is responsible for designing the study, which includes the technique of sampling, the methods of data collecting, and the strategy for data analysis. The study design that a researcher chooses must be suitable for the research issue that they are attempting to answer. Studies using experimental, observational, and survey methods are the most common types of research designs (Medic et al., 2017). During this step, you will be designing a plan for the research. This involves calculating the sample size, choosing the participants, and describing the procedures that are to be followed during the course of the research.
Conducting the Study
The researcher collects data according to the study design. This step involves collecting data from participants and analyzing it using statistical methods to answer the research question. Analyzing the data then follows. The researcher uses statistical methods to analyze the data and test the hypothesis. Data analysis is the process of systematically examining and interpreting data collected during a scientific research study. It is a crucial step in the research process, as it allows researchers to answer their research question and draw conclusions from their findings. The following are some common steps that occur during data analysis in scientific research:
- Data cleaning: This involves checking and cleaning the data for errors and inconsistencies.
- Data transformation: This involves transforming the data into a form that is suitable for analysis.
- Data exploration: Researchers explore the data to understand its distribution, patterns and outliers.
- Data visualization: Researchers use various graphical representations to visually explore the data and identify patterns.
- Data analysis: Researchers use statistical methods to analyze the data and test hypotheses.
- Interpretation of results: Researchers interpret the results of the data analysis, drawing conclusions and making inferences about the research question.
- Report writing: Researchers report their findings and conclusions in a written report or a scientific paper
Replicating the Study
In order to confirm the validity of the study, it is important to replicate the study with a new sample and similar conditions. The researcher should then attempt to generalize the findings of the study to a larger population. This is done by comparing the sample used in the study to the population from which the sample was drawn. The researcher will, as well, attempt to apply the findings of the study to real-world situations. This can include creating interventions or policies based on the results, or making recommendations for future research.
Evaluating the Impact
The researcher will evaluate the impact of the study, including any changes in knowledge, policy, or practice that have resulted from the study. According to Spielman et al (2014), this step helps to determine the overall significance of the study and its contribution to the field. In summary, the steps involved in scientific research are as follows: conceiving of a question and hypothesis; reviewing the existing literature; planning and executing the study; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the data; reporting the findings; encouraging additional research through replication; generalizing the results; applying the results; and assessing the study’s impact.
References
Medic, G., Wille, M., & Hemels, M. E. (2017). Short-and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption. Nature and science of sleep, 9, 151.
Spielman, R. M., Dumper, K., Jenkins, W., Lacombe, A., Lovett, M., & Perlmutter, M. (2014). Psychology. OpenStax.