Steps for Planning a Hypothetical Quantitative Research Project

Step 1: Rationalization for your study

In your previous lab you were asked to think more “sociologically” about variables and themes in the MIDUS dataset. As stated, the purpose of that lab assignment was “to get you to start thinking about how you might measure and study very complex social issues with pre written survey questions from large datasets”. The goal of this assignment was to get you to start thinking about different elements of the research process.
 

Building from this exercise, I would like you to plan out a hypothetical research project that begins from the data collection and sampling stage of the research process. You cannot choose the same topic from lab #4. The goal of this assignment is to immerse yourself in the early stages of the quantitative research process by addressing the following 5 steps.

Step 1: Rationalization for your study
a.Discuss your research topic. Why is this topic worth studying from a sociological perspective? What is your specific interest in this topic and why? 

b.What key theories, debates, or arguments have already been put forward by researchers in the past. Here you are required to cite at least 5 academic sources 

c.Based on your (very brief) review of literature, do you think there are “gaps” in the field that might be useful in exploring? Why? 

Step 2: Data / sampling technique
a.You want to be able to generalize the results from your sample of data. Are you going to choose probability or non-probability sampling? Why or why not?
b.Describe the population for which you will derive your sample. Be very specific. What is your unit of analysis? How large will your sample be? Are you interested in data from all of Canada, or is it province/city specific. Why?
c.Given your explanation in part (b) above, which is the most appropriate (non)probability sampling technique to use in your research? Begin by describing the technique itself in detail. Then, explain specifically why this technique is best suited for your research.

Step 3: Variables
a.What five variables do you think you might include in your survey? Why are they important (i.e., perhaps reflect on Step 1 in your review of literature).
b.For each of these variables, write out a formal survey question, listing all important response categories.
c.List the level of measurement (and why) for each of these 5 variables.

Step 4: Statistics
a.Once your data is collected, what statistical tools might you use to start analyzing your data? Be as detailed as possible.
b.What do you expect to find in your analysis? This section can reinforce or can deviate from the literature review above.

Step 5: Conclusion
a.Conclude this assignment by reflecting on why this is an important research avenue. Does it have, for example, important political or policy outcomes? If this research that is meant to raise awareness about a social issue? Is it a topic that is understudied? There is no “correct” answer here. Be creative and thoughtful about your topic and research design. This is an opportunity to further justify your study.