Cheaper By the Dozen/Research Methods

You will be given a copy of the following worksheet:

After watching a clip from the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, we will look over a research article that refers to this book and movie and addresses some developmental issues as they pertain to large families.  This will act as a guide in reading research reports or journal articles in the future.  Reading research is not easy!

1.  Read the article's abstract.  An abstract is a summary of the article.  In this case, instead of an abstract, the author provides a background to her research questions.  While doing so, answer the following questions:

a.  What is the author's thesis (stated in the first paragraph), what topic is she interested in finding more about?

b.  In paragraph 2, she mentions a Developmental Theory.  What is it called?  Give a brief definition of the theory:

Based on this theory, how does her question change?

c.  In paragraph 3, she mentions another theory.  What is it called?  Give a brief definition of the theory.

What is her thesis statement now?

d.  In paragraph 4, the author sites an important study that will influence her research.  Briefly summarize this study:

e.  In paragraph 5, she explores one more facet that might influence personality.  What is it?

f.  Now, what exactly are the author's research questions (paragraph 7)?  List them here:

Now that you know what you're looking for (answers to the research questions), you do not have to read the entire article.  In fact, you just need to look for RESULTS! 

2.  There are 2 research methods the author employed.  List the first method below:

a.  In the first method, is the author looking for qualitative or quantitative data?                                             

Is this type of research method good for collecting this type of data?  yes or no

Now, skip ahead to Survey Results!

b.  In the first paragraph of Survey Results (pg 11), What were the average results for the personality traits measured?

Are there any correlations (otherwise known as relationships)?  If so, list them below:

3.  What is the second Research Method?

a.  Briefly describe the scope of the research (how was it distributed, gathered, who were the participants, etc.)

b.  Is there anything more learned from this method that was not learned with the first method?  If so, summarize it below:

c.  What are the limitations of this method?

You can turn this worksheet in to Katie after class, or take a picture of your worksheet and upload it on Canvas.