As we've worked through the research process, you've seen that there are a lot of steps before researchers even ask the first participant to complete a questionnaire! Much like the backstage of a theater, a lot of preliminary work takes place before the show can go on. But once researchers identify their research question, hypotheses, variables, operational definitions, and research design and have obtained IRB or IACUC approval, the show can go on. This section of Student as Researcher will address the steps involved in collecting data from participants: choosing a sample of participants, seeking permission, recording data, and preparing data for statistical analysis.

How should I choose my research sample?

Do I just ask people if they want to be in my research study?

How do I record information about my research participants?