Choosing a Research Topic

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appropriate, and ethical topic for research.  TEKS

 TEKS: : 112211..112 2 11A, A, 11B B TAKTAKS ELA 1S ELA 1, , 33, , 66 Science 1 Science 1 K

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When considering topics for a workable research problem, answer the following When considering topics for a workable research problem, answer the following questions for a quick reality check about variables which may limit the research process: questions for a quick reality check about variables which may limit the research process:

•

• Do Do I I posspossees the s the skiskilllls nes necescessasary ry to comto complpleete thte thiis studs study?y? •

• DDo I o I hahave ave access to the ccess to the tooltools, ls, labab, equi, equipmpmenent, and tat, and target poprget popululatiations toons to

complete this project? complete this project?

•

• DDo I o I hahave the ve the titimme ae and mnd moneoney necey necessassary ry to complete thito complete this projs project?ect? •

• DDo I o I hahave the ve the resources resources nenecessacessary to obtairy to obtain sun suffffiicicienent dat data?ta? •

• Do I Do I hahave ve aacceccess tss to a o a profesprofessisionaonal l iin tn thahat ft fiieelld whd who wio willl l be be wiwilllliing ng aandnd

abl

able to ae to advidvise mse me e iin the n the researesearcrch process?h process? A

Avoivoid d ququesestitions/problemons/problems:s:

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• IInvolvinvolving ng mmoraoralliity or value sty or value systeystemms – s – thethese se aare dre diiffffiicult to expcult to explloreore

properly properly

•

• Dealing with complex social, psychological, and/or behavioral issues –Dealing with complex social, psychological, and/or behavioral issues –

these are hard to mea these are hard to measursuree

•

Choose a research topic that interests you. Then……….

*Find a study that has already been done and duplicate that study.

Replication is an important part of the research process.

-or-*Find a study that has already been done and replicate it using new

definitions of some of the variables in the study.

-or-*Find a study that has already been done and replicate it using

additional moderator or control variables

-or-*Find an existing study and develop a different way to test the

hypothesis

-or-*Follow an author’s suggestions for further research needed – usually

found at the end of an article

-or-*Contact the author of an interesting study using the internet for ideas

for further study

-or-*Choose a problem, analyze it, and invent a completely new study

-or-*Use a combination of the above techniques

II. Identify a Mentor…………

A mentor is:

•

Patient - ENJOY S working with and sharing knowledge with

students

•

Consistent- willing to help students through the long haul – through

all phases of the research project

•

Effective – qualified and knowledgeable on the topic and able to

Where to look for a mentor:

•

Community health care workers

Local hospitals, clinics, and offices

Local health department

•

College or university

•

Bibliographies of related articles

Professional journals

•

Ask parents for ideas

•

Ask other teachers for ideas

Ask classmates for ideas

 Y ellow pages

•

Newspapers

Internet

http://www-smi.stanford.edu/people/pratt/smi/advice.html-

http://www.ipl.org/teen/aplus/step2.htm-

http://tax.cch.com/help/welcome.htm -

Each student will select a research topic to share with the class. The class will critique the topic chosen for possible limitations.

Student will choose a mentor for their research project and turn in a signed mentor agreement.

MATERI AL S NEEDED  Topic Choice Rubric

Mentor (Resource Person) Selection Assignment Mentor Agreement

 TOPIC CHOICE RUBRI C

STUDENT’S NAME: __________________________________________ 

Criteria

Possible

Points

Points

Received

1 skills necessary to complete project

20

2 access to the tools, lab, equipment, and

target populations, to complete this project

20

3 the time and money necessary to complete

this project

20

4 the resources necessary to obtain sufficient

data

20

5 access to a professional in that field who

will be willing and able to advise in the

research process

20

 TOTAL POI NTS (100possible)

Mentor (Resource Person) Selection Assignment

Each student shall identify a person to act as a research mentor. This person will assist

in overseeing the research project as well as in the critique of the student and the project.

 The mentor may be an instructor but not the research course instructor. The mentor

should be a professional who is knowledgeable about the student’s chosen research topic.

 The student must meet with the mentor a minimum of three (3) times each six weeks

once the project has begun (approximately once every two weeks). The meetings will

take place on dates and at locations mutually agreed upon by mentor and student. During

these meetings, the student should obtain documentation from their mentor including:

date, a statement of progress of the project, and the mentor’s signature. Documentation

should be made in the student’s logbook at these meetings. The mentor should also be

asked to include any constructive suggestions or comments that would be helpful to the

student.

 The mentor is not responsible for funding any part of the project nor are they responsible

for the preparation of the technical paper or oral presentation.

Student will have the mentor sign the mentor agreement and return the signed agreement

to the research instructor by the determined due date.

MENTOR AGREEMENT

Student Name: _______________________________________________________________________  Student Address: _____________________________________________________________________  Student Home Phone: ________________________Email: ___________________________________ 

Mentor Name: _______________________________________________________________________   Title _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Business Address _____________________________________________________________________   ______________________________________________________________________  Business Phone: ____________________________Email: ____________________________________  I agree to act as a mentor for the research project this student will complete during the 200_-200_ 

school year.

I understand that I will serve to advise the student and critique the student’s project.

As a mentor, I understand that I am required to meet with the student at a mutually agreed upon and convenient location a minimum of three times each six week period in which he/she is collecting data. During these meetings, I am to document the date, perceived progress of the student’s project, and include my signature in their logbook.

As a mentor, I understand that I am not responsible for the financial expenses incurred or the design, implementation, or technical paper preparation for this project. This is the responsibility of the student. I understand that I may be asked to participate in the evaluation process during the oral presentations. I agree to participate if given proper notification and my schedule permits.

In the event that I am not able to continue my affiliation with the student, I will give the student and course instructor 30 days notice prior to my participation termination. I will offer my assistance in finding another mentor for the student.

Mentor_____________________________________________________________Date: __________________  Student_____________________________________________________________Date: __________________  Parent______________________________________________________________Date: __________________  Instructor___________________________________________________________Date: __________________ 

SAFET Y AND ETHI CS IN RESEARCH

Examination of the ethical implications of a study is vital. Every research study raises a unique set of ethical issues. However, there are accepted ethical standards that every researcher should incorporate into their study:

1. respect for study subjects

2. benefits of the research are proportional to any risks assumed by subjects 3. results of the research are disseminated fairly

Research subjects should be regarded as individuals and treated with respect. Study subjects should always be informed of the purpose of the study. Their written informed consent to participate in the study should be sought. Their involvement in the study, how privacy and confidentiality will be guarded, their right to refuse or stop participating, and the manner in which the data will be used should also be clearly explained. Respect for study subjects will improve the scientific quality of the research by improving compliance with the researcher’s requests and instructions.

 The well-being of the study subjects should be protected. The research should minimize any possible risks and maximize the benefits of subjects participating in the study. A valid research design should be utilized to ensure the benefits of the research are proportionate to the risks. Study subjects participate in research studies in order to benefit society as a whole. Therefore, no single group, especially not the disadvantaged, vulnerable, or minority groups, should be asked to bear a disproportionate share of the risk.

Any benefits resulting from the research should be disseminated fairly. If the problems are too complex to deal with in the amount of time allotted, the research proposal should be modified.

 The Department of Health and Human Services has summarized guidelines, as follows, to ensure that research is conducted in an ethically acceptable manner:

• Risks to subjects are minimized and proportionate to the anticipated

benefits and knowledge

• Data are monitored to ensure the safety of subjects • Selection of subjects is equitable

• If subjects are vulnerable, additional safeguards are included • Informed consent is obtained, including:

o Nature of the research study o Procedures involved in the study

o Potential risks and benefits of the study o Participation is voluntary

o Confidentiality is protected

o Answers to questions that study subjects have are made available