The Craft of Research

1. The Craft of Research Week 2: Theory, Problem Statements and IRBs

2. Objectives • What is theory? • Problem Statements • IRBs • Upcoming Reminders

3. What is theory? • "...theory is considered to be an important vehicle for knowledge generation – rightly so, for a number of reasons. To mention just a few basic reasons, theoretical conjectures influence the questions we investigate in the first place; they determine the choice of research methods; and they condition the way we interpret research results as well as the conclusions we draw with a view to practical action. • It is not sufficient for knowledge that our beliefs or hypotheses conform to experience... • we must also be able to explain why this is so • otherwise we cannot have faith in the results

4. What is a good theory? • Social psychologist Susan Fiske lists several criteria for a good theory: • It proposes casual relationships. • Attempts to be coherent (clear, logical, consistent). • Tells a good story • Seeks parsimony (simplicity). • Is testable. • Is "fertile" (inspires other scientists to test it and generate new research ideas). • Solves problems. • Theories are always "on trial" and can be abandoned when their predictions don't come true or new theories better explain the phenomenon in question. • i.e., Cause of Stomach Ulcers

5. What happens without theory • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) for PTSD • Actually increased symptoms of PTSD • It is better to wait a few weeks after a traumatic event and use free-response writing tasks • Scared Straight Interventions to reduce teenage violence • Increased criminal activity in teenagers by 13% • It is much more effective to pair high-risk teenagers with positive role models • Midnight Basketball Intervention • Brought together like-minded teenagers and increase criminal activity

6. Problem Paragraphs

7. Problem Paragraph • Introduces the reader to the space/scope of the problem you intend to address with your investigation and subsequent design • i.e. lack of computer interfaces for the visually impaired. • Why are you doing this research? Why should the reader care?

8. Problem Area Paragraph Milestone

9. Academic Research Problems Conceptual Problems Arises when we do not understand something about the world (i.e., How do people form judgements) Solved by by answering a question that helps us understand the world better • Practical Problems • Caused by a condition in the world that makes us unhappy (i.e., aggression, violence, discrimination) • Costs us • Solved by doing something that eliminates the cause of (or ameliorates) the problem/costs

10. Conceptual Problems with Practical applications 1Topic: I am studying how memory works… 2Question: …because I want to find out how eyewitnesses make decisions about what to report about a crime.. 3Significance: …in order to help reduce the number of innocent suspects being convicted of crimes they didn’t commit. 4Potential Practical Application: …change policies so that a witness’s memory isn’t influenced by outside circumstances.

11. Identifying Problem/Significance

12. Identifying Question/Problem Significance Step 1: Name Your Topic • I am studying/working on __________... • Fill in the blank with your topic and verb derived nouns (e.g., causes, disappearances, beliefs, influence, reasoning, etc.) when applicable Step 2: Add an Indirect Question Step 3: Answer So What? by Motivating Your Question

13. Identifying Question/Problem Significance Step 1: Name Your Topic Step 2: Add an Indirect Question • I am studying/working on __________... • …because I want to find out who/what/when/where/whether/why/which/how __________... • Indicates what you do not know or understand about the topic and why you are pursuing the topic Step 3: Answer So What? by Motivating Your Question

14. Identifying Question/Problem Significance Step 1: Name Your Topic Step 2: Add an Indirect Question Step 3: Answer So What? by Motivating Your Question • I am studying/working on __________... • …because I want to find out who/what/when/where/whether/why/which/how __________... • …in order to help my reader understand how/why/whether __________. • This is the portion of the sentence that your readers should care about

15. Activity 1: Mini-Problem Statement • Work individually for the next 5-10 minutes in creating the following statement: • Topic: I am studying/working on __________... • Question:…because I want to find out what/why/how (etc.) __________... • Significance: …in order to help my reader understand __________.

16. Activity 2: Mini-Problem Statement Addition • Work with your research team for the next 5-10 minutes to amend the following statement: • Topic: I am studying/working on __________... • Question:…because I want to find out what/why/how __________... • Significance: …in order to help my reader understand __________... • Practical Application:…so that readers might ________.

17. Institutional Review Boards (IRB)

18. What is the IRB and what does it do? • Institutional Review Board • Reviews human subjects research projects • Ensures protection of all people involved in the research • Participants, researchers, primary investigators • Can take months to receive full reviews and approval • Can’t work on any of the research prior to IRB approval

19. Primary Goals of the IRB • Protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects who voluntarily give their time, energy, and personal information to better society through research • Maintain institutional compliance with federal requirements

20. IRB Considerations During Review • Risk to subjects minimized • Risk reasonable in relation to benefits • Subject selection equitable • Maintenance of confidentiality and subject privacy • Informed consent obtained • Informed consent documented • Additional safeguards to protect the vulnerable • Adequate provisions for monitoring data collection

21. Types of IRB Reviews

22. Exempt IRB Reviews • Certain types of projects deemed “exempt” from most regulatory requirements • Shorter IRB form • Quicker (usually) review process • Researchers are expected to honor basic ethical considerations • i.e., voluntary informed consent, protecting confidentiality, etc.

23. Exempt IRB Reviews Exemption allowable if all of the following conditions are met: • Research presents little to no risk of harm to participants • Confidentiality of participants will be protected when results are disseminated • The research does not include prisoners • All research procedure fit into one or more of six regulatory exemptions

24. Common Exempt IRB Examples

25. Non-Exempt IRB Reviews: Expedited • Review and approval by an IRB chair and Co-Chair/Vice Chair Allowable if all of the following conditions are met: • Minimal risk (commensurate with routine physical/psychological exams or daily life • All research procedures fit into one or more of nine regulatory categories • Confidentiality of participants protected when results are disseminated • The Chair(s) have the appropriate disciplinary expertise to evaluate the research

26. Common Expedited IRB Examples

27. Non-Exempt IRB Reviews: Full-Board Review • Reviewed by the fill board during a meeting • Reviews the following: • Research projects not eligible for exempt or expedited review • Research projects that the Chair(s), at their discretion, refer for board review • Adverse events, unanticipated problems, cases of noncompliance, and similar issues • IRB policies

28. Common Full-Board Review IRB Examples

29. Reminders • This Saturday: Ropes Course • Pick up time: 8:00am • At Iowa Valley Adventures Challenge Course • Athletic/comfy clothes and gym shoes • Weather: High 70’s with chance of rain! • Bring water!! • EAT BREAKFAST • Lunch will be provided GeoCaching & Barbecue today, 5-7pm -Ada Hayden Game Night, Thursday, 5-7pm -In VRAC