Instruction
Write down the first three steps of the scientific method.
Think of a broad topic that you are interested in and which would make a good sociological study—for example, ethnic diversity in a college, textbook access, athletic scholarships, or college success. Now, take that topic through the first steps of the process.
Ask a question about the topic: write a few sentences or a paragraph.
Do some research and write down the titles of 2 articles or books you’d want to read about the topic.
Formulate a hypothesis in one sentence – remember, a hypothesis is a testable statement.
Identify the dependent and independent variables.
Example: (1) "What variables are related to student success?" (2) Books/articles -- (a) Learning How to Learn and (b) Student Success: What Matters . (These were both retrieved from SCC library (Links to an external site.) site by typing in "student success factors" in the search box) and (3) hypothesis -- "Having access to the required textbook for a class at the beginning of the semester makes college success more likely." Dependent variable = student success; independent variable = access to class textbook.
Do not generalize (ex. all women..., all men...) rather state your opinion/perspective (use "I" statements).