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Week 3 - Discussion 2

Hypothesis Testing

Hypothesis testing is a method for testing a prediction or hypothesis about a measurable variable in a population. Hypothesis testing involves five steps including: stating the hypotheses, collecting data, calculating the statistics, comparing the statistical findings with a critical value, and making a decision to accept or reject the null hypothesis.

Instructions:

· Present a research topic and research question you are interested in studying and develop a null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis to answer the research question.

· Discuss whether your alternative hypothesis is directional or non-directional.

· What would be a type 1 error and type 2 error in the examples you provided? Explain how both of these could be minimized in your example.

· What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect of defining hypotheses and why?

Your post should be at least 300 words.

Introduction: Apply Theory

During Week 3, we will be shifting the focus to provide an introduction to quantitative research methods.

In Week 3, you will focus on descriptive methods in quantitative research. Through this week’s readings and discussions, you will explore the basics of statistical methods and the four types of measurement scales utilized in quantitative research, as well as examine hypothesis testing and how to minimize type 1 and type 2 errors. This week’s reading will help you build foundational knowledge about quantitative research and how to interpret data and make predictions about a population. You will also develop a comprehensive literature review on a topic of interest.

Resources

Required Text

Malec, T. & Newman, M. (2013). Research methods: Building a knowledge base. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. ISBN-13: 9781621785743, ISBN-10: 1621785742. Section 1.6: Writing a Research Proposal Chapter 2: Research Design, Measurement, and Testing Hypotheses Appendix: Example of a Research Proposal

Required References

Ijalba, E. (2014). Using qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct research in parent education with immigrant families of children with autism spectrum disorders. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. doi: 10.4135/978144627305014533926

Recommended References

Anderson, J. D. (2006). Qualitative and quantitative research. Available at http://web20kmg.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/82037432/QualitativeandQuantitativeEvaluationResearch.pdf (Links to an external site.)

Park, J., & Park, M. (2016). Qualitative versus quantitative research methods: Discovery or justification? Preview the document Journal Of Marketing Thought, 3(1), 1-7.