Due in 24 hours

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING UP YOUR PROJECT

Research Question:

State the research or policy questions you hope to answer with your data. Describe why this question is of interest or is important to answer. State any hypotheses you have about what you expect to find and why. Ideally, briefly describe what research has been done before on this question.

Methods:

Describe the method used to obtain your data. For example, if you Use a survey, describe how the survey was designed and how your sample was chosen. If you are using archival data (data obtained previously by another researcher), describe how the data was originally gathered, and how you obtained the dataset.

Describing Your Dataset

Describe what each variable measures. A copy of the dataset with labeled variables must be emailed to your instructor and TA. If your data set is extremely large, handing in a subset of observations is acceptable.

Description of Statistical Analyses, Procedures Used, and Reporting of Results

After providing the description of your dataset and research question, you should apply what you have learned about descriptive statistics, graphical methods, and inferential statistics (e.g. confidence interval, hypothesis testing) to your data set. Focus on methods that help you answer your research or policy ques- tion. Use Excel for this part of your project. Hand in a written description of statistics you compute, and report the results of these analyses.

Interpretation of Results

Interpret the results of your analyses. What do they mean statistically and in terms of your research question?

Discussion

This is an opportunity for a free-ranging discussion summarizing what you have learned from your data. Include speculation about the theoretical implications for your particular findings and the relationship of your findings to current theory in your field. Also provide a critique of your own methods including issues pertaining to the reliability and validity of your data, and appropriateness of the statistical analyses per- formed. Include suggestions for future research.

The goal is not to do an unfocused exhaustive data analysis i.e., do not calculate every statistic and procedure you have learned for every variable, but rather demonstrate that you are proficient at selecting appropriate statistical methods, and interpreting and presenting the results. Also pay attention to your presentation. Neatness, coherency, and clarity are important parts of any presentation.

Grading of the project:

The point distribution for the project will be as follows:

 20% Content - What is the quality of the data collected, and relevancy of the data to the questions being asked? Does it appear that time and effort went into the planning of the project?

 40% Statistical Mastery - Are the written descriptions accurate? Are a variety of appropriate statistical procedures carried out and interpreted correctly? How sophisticated are the statistical

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analyses?

 20% Writing and Presentation - Is the writing clear and concise? Is the presentation clearly organized? Are graphs, tables, statistical analyses, and any attachments neatly presented?

 20% Creativity and Critical Thought - Are implications of the findings thought through? Are the limitations of the study recognized? Is the project persuasive?