Category: Research methods

Literature Review Assignment
You have now read 15 peer-reviewed journal articles that
describe research conducted on the causes of extremism.  To organize information contained in the
research, you placed the research into various categories., themes and or
paradigms.  From these categories, you
will now write a literature review that summarizes the literature on your
chosen topic.
Imagine that you’re writing this literature review for an
employer in a research organization, who has assigned you the task of reviewing
the literature.  You need to lay out for
your employer the main points in the literature you have reviewed, and present
a summary of the information that is relevant and useful to understand the
problem.
Begin with a statement of the problem.
Then examine the categories or themes you pulled out.  Each one of your themes should be a topic
sentence with a paragraph or two to support it.   
Once you have described the themes, the last paragraph will
describe what research you propose to do—if we were doing a full research
proposal. 
Examine the model literature reviews that we went over in
class.   Look at how the author tells a
story of the literature about treating eating disorders, and then how she
proposes to conduct her own research that gets at the problem.  This model will help you structure your
thinking.
The literature review should be  5-10 pages. 
Be sure to provide the proper citation for each article both in the text
and in a bibliography.

summary should provide a through examination of the purpose of the study, research question(s), methodology, results, and conclusion. You should also provide a brief critical evaluation of the paper. Please refer to the resources below for a worksheet (this gives you guidelines as to what to discuss), tips for reading journal articles, and an example.
The reference must be formatted in full APA style. The summaries should be IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Absolutely no quotes should be used. Remember, this is a summary; you should not be providing a lot of detail but rather synthesizing what the authors did. 
A special note: Reading journal articles is hard. They are designed for an audience that knows something about the topic or methods. As new psychology students, you don’t have that knowledge (that is why you are in school!). So be sure to allow plenty of time to read and understand each paper. Only when you understand the paper will you be able to summarize the paper. Don’t get discouraged; every psychologist started precisely where you are now. The only way to get better at reading empirical journal articles is to practice.
A quality summary will be well formatted, comprehensive, free of spelling/grammar errors, and
accurate. Your summary should be no longer than 2 pages. 
Logistics:
Typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on the top, sides, and bottom. Left justify (line up on the left side), and do not justify on the right side.
Use Times or Times New Roman font, set at 12
Use correct APA citations within the body
The paper should be no longer than 2 pages in length. Use proper formatting.
Save as a .doc or .docx and submit to Canvas [do not submit a google doc or any other type of document)

The objective of this quantitative analysis is to determine how much physical movement I have on school days Vs. Workdays. I am sedentary in school and sedentary at work; however, I am curious to know on which days I am more sedentary or active. The method used for collecting this information will consist of using my smartwatch to track my steps. 

1 – Introduction (3-4 pages) 
Provide an engaging opening that introduces the research topic and its significance.
Clearly state the research problem or question that the study aims to address.
Offer an overview of the entire research proposal and what the reader can expect in subsequent sections.
2 – Statement of the Problem (History? Current Condition?) (2 pages) 
Provide a historical context or background information related to the research problem.
Present the current conditions or circumstances that highlight the relevance and urgency of the problem.
Clearly articulate the specific research questions or hypotheses that will guide the study.
3 – Literature Review (6-7 pages) 
Summarize existing research and theories related to the research problem, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge.
Identify gaps, controversies, or unresolved issues in the literature that justify the need for the proposed study.
Synthesize and analyze the literature to build a strong theoretical foundation for the research.
At least 5 peer articles must be used in the research.
4 – Methods Used (You must select 3-5 of the 5 methods and tell me why that method is good to test the hypothesis and appropriate for that population. That must be supported by citation) (2-3 Pages) 
Select and justify the choice of research methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews, observations) based on their suitability for the research questions and population.
Explain how each chosen method will help test the hypotheses and address the research problem.
Cite relevant literature or studies that support the appropriateness and effectiveness of the selected research methods.
5 – Results (1-2 Pages) 
Clearly present the findings of the research, including any statistical analyses or data visualizations.
Organize the results section logically, following the sequence of research questions or hypotheses.
Ensure that the results are objective and unbiased, providing accurate information about the study’s outcomes.
Tables and graphs are highly encouraged.
6 – Discussion of the Results (4-5 Pages) 
Interpret the results in the context of the research questions and the existing literature.
Discuss any unexpected findings and their implications for the research problem.
Address limitations and potential sources of bias in the study. (limitations of the study) 
7 – Conclusion of the Study and Your Recommendations as a Researcher (2-3 pages) 
Summarize the main findings and their implications for the research problem.
Reiterate the significance of the study and its contribution to the field.
Provide specific recommendations for future research or practical applications based on the study’s outcomes.
The research paper should have a minimum total of 20 pages.
Please remember to have a minimum of 8 APA style citations for this assignment in your reference page.
Research Scenario 1: Investigating the Impact of Therapeutic Interventions on Children with Specific Disorders
Abstract: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on improving the well-being of children aged 8 to 12 diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). By employing a comprehensive research design, we seek to shed light on the potential benefits and limitations of various therapeutic approaches for these young individuals.
Statement of the Problem: Despite the increasing prevalence of neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders among children, there is a critical gap in our understanding of the outcomes of therapeutic interventions in real-world settings. This study addresses the lack of empirical research assessing the impact of therapeutic interventions on children aged 8 to 12 with specific disorders. It aims to determine whether these interventions contribute to improved mental health, social functioning, and overall well-being in this age group.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique needs of children with ADHD, ASD, GAD, and MDD will lead to significant improvements in their mental health, emotional regulation, and social interactions.
Methods to Capture the Data:
Participant Selection: Random sampling of children aged 8 to 12 diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, GAD, and MDD from clinical databases.
Experimental Design: Employ a longitudinal quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
Data Collection: Utilize standardized psychological assessments, parent/caregiver reports, and teacher observations to measure changes in symptoms, emotional regulation, and social functioning.
Therapeutic Interventions: Administer evidence-based therapeutic interventions tailored to each disorder.
Statistical Analysis: Employ statistical techniques such as ANOVA and regression analysis to analyze the data and determine the effectiveness of interventions over time.

I need 8 pages of writing. I have the cover page and the references page I can do myself; I 
just need the references. 
Purpose
At this point, you have spent significant time reading about your topic and considering your position in its conversation. The goal of this paper is to take a position on an arguable issue relevant to your research topic, to explain various points of view, and to support your position with evidence from research.
What is an Argument Paper?
Like the first two papers we’ve written, this paper should also supported by researched evidence and reasoning that is carefully explained for your audience. And like those two papers, you should still consider other perspectives that might conflict with or challenge your own.
But here’s what’s different: instead of simply describing the different viewpoints in the conversation around your topic you will tell your audience which viewpoint you think is most valuable—and why! Your position in the conversation will be the focal point of your paper.
Although we sometimes think of arguments as pro/con debates, they are actually rich, active, and ongoing conversations that involve multiple (i.e., more than two!) viewpoints. As well, you will likely find you don’t always agree or disagree entirely with any one position—you may agree with some aspects of someone’s position but disagree with some of their claims or their method/approach. Don’t be afraid to let your position reflect that kind of nuance.
More information about Arguments can be found in the Little Seagull Handbook (chapter W-7)
Organizing the Argument Paper
Introduction: provide a brief background of the issue, introduce your thesis/stance, and review supporting claims (evidence from your research and/or supporting reasoning).
Supporting claims: you will likely find it most useful to use separate paragraphs for each claim you introduce. In each paragraph, you should (1) explain the claim, (2) support it with evidence, (3) discuss opposing views/problems/complications, and (4) respond to those opposing views.
Other opposing views: after you have discussed your supporting claims (the bulk of the paper!), briefly introduce any remaining opposing views and respond to (refute) them.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis and main reasons you have taken your stance. Remind your readers why your stance is beneficial/valuable (answer the “so, what?”). Finally, discuss future implications (“what’s next? Where does this go in the future?”).
Requirements
At least 8 pages (double-spaced, 12pt font, 1” margins)
Thesis that takes a position on an arguable issue, supported throughout with researched evidence and reasoning
Addresses alternate or opposing viewpoints
Documentation in APA 7th edition.

Use the World Value Survey database for cultural zones
Use the typologies of Culture developed by Almond and Verba Use the V-dem database for regime type Use the Political Institutions (DPI) database for political Do the following: Choose one of the cultural zones and locate it on the chart vertically reading (traditional vs. secular) and horizontally reading (survival vs. self-expressive). Then, group the countries in each cultural zone and list them (you can have all the countries fall under this zone, or you can select a representative sample of at least five countries). What are the main cultural traits – what patterns could be identified? Use WVS. What is the dominant political system (democratic or non-democratic)? If democratic, which type, and if non-democratic, which type? Use V-dem. What is the pattern or what could be identified regarding their formal political institutions? Is there a correlation between the cultural zone and the type of political systems? Use DPI. Based on your selected zone, it is crucial to demonstrate whether we could safely argue that a participant culture is more likely to have democratic political institutions and subject cultures are more likely to produce undemocratic political systems. Remember, you must justify your argument with robust evidence. you must write at least 1000 words and with absolute zero ai and plagarism and only use the sources mentioned in the requirements

Each group should be preparing a PowerPoint presentation of the research paper that is about 10 to 12 minutes long.  
I would recommend preparing about 3 slides containing highlights of the previous research findings that you covered in your introduction section, one slide for your specific research question/hypothesis,  3 to 4  slides for your method section (i.e., participants, instruments, and procedure), and 3 to 4  slides for expected results and discussion section of the paper (i.e., expected results, at least  one limitation, at least one future research direction, at least one implication).
Make sure to divide your presentation among each group member so that each one of you has an opportunity to present. You can record your presentation when you are together or send the file to one another and take turns doing the recording of your assigned sections on the same file so that you have one file to submit.

All work must have a proper in-text citation in order to receive credit. Only if the question asks for your opinion or experience will credit be given without a citation. The citation must be positioned immediately after the referenced material. It is not enough to add it at the end of the assignment. 
To cite the textbook, include BOTH authors’ last names, the publication year, and page numbers: e.g., (Jhangiani et al., 2019, p. XX).
To cite a powerpoint slide, include the author’s last name and first initial, the date of the presentation in parenthesis (year, month, day), the title of the presentation (italicized), [PowerPoint slides]. If it is from a presentation outside of our class, include the name of the department and school as well. If it is from our class, the department and school name may be omitted. e.g., (Estrada, G. (2023, February 23). Ch3 Cognitive development, [PowerPoint slides].
To cite a Canvas content page, include  (Author’s last name,  (year of publication). Title of page).  e,g.,  (Estrada (n.d.) APA.5: Title page).
To cite an electronic source in-text: include the author’s last name and year of publication. If there is no author and it is a government or non-profit institution, use the name of the institution as the author e.g., (National Institute of Health, 2022). If there is no date, use (n.d.) e.g., (National Institute of Health, n.d.)
At the end of the assignment, include links to any sources used. No citations = no credit.
Write in complete, grammatically-correct sentences.
Be sure to clearly label and address each question.
If asked to give examples, don’t just provide definitions. 
Be sure to submit it on Canvas by the due date. No submissions are accepted after answers have been posted.  For late submissions (up to 3 days only), there is a 10% per day late deduction.
These assignments are intended to aid students in monitoring their comprehension of the material in this course.
Grading
Completed homework will be given 50 points if completed with full effort
Deductions will be taken if there are questions omitted, partially answered, or inadequately answered.
Answers will be posted in the same location as the assignment in Canvas after the deadline. 
Students are responsible for monitoring their comprehension and should ask questions if they do not understand the posted correct answers.

Assignment:  Write a short research paper (roughly 5 pages)
Be sure to properly cite your work & include a “References” section (any
citation format is fine).  The goal of
this research project it to first using simple linear regression to analyze the
volatility of a stock of your choice. 
The second part of the assignment is to do some simple forecasting
analyses of the stock and examine your findings.  
FYI: retrieved the data from Yahoo
Finance
Analyses:
* Choose
one unique stock from Yahoo Finance (note that each student will choose a
different stock).
1.  CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model) → Use
simple regression to perform a CAPM analysis and interpret your results.
2.  Simple Forecasting Methods → Compare
the methods and determine which method yields the best 1-year forecast for your
stock (e.g. mean, naïve, seasonal naïve, drift).
3.  Reg with trend and seasonal dummy
variables → Fit a regression line with a trend and seasonal dummy variables
to get a 1-year forecast of your stock.
4.  Excel Trendline Forecast → Use Excel’s
trendline tools to get a 1-year forecast.
Suggested sections:
I.  Abstract
II.  Literature and Background
III.  Data and Analysis
• Interpret
the results from your CAPM.  How does
your stock compare to the market?
• What is
your best simple forecasting method? 
Show the results.
• Findings
from the trend/seasonal regression…  Is
the trend/seasonal aspect statistically significant?
• What is
your best “trendline forecast”?  Show
your results.
• Please
include any relevant Figures and Tables. 
Please include a table that compares the monthly forecasts for each of
the three forecasting methods from sections 2-4.
IV.  Conclusion
V.  References/Works Cited

Discussion response. Instructions attached with format for reply, original discussion instructions/format, discussion you are responding to and text book chapters being referred to.