General Instructions
Investigate a theoretically-motivated hypothesis using quantitative data. No particular data set need be, submit a one-paragraph abstract sketching your plans for the
research; this should be submitted as the first step.
This is for the complete analysis step two I don’t need this now but look at what will be needed later after you submit an abstract
Overview of Project Goals
The data analysis should accomplish several tasks:
• Set out a (non-trivial) hypothesis, and provide at least one explanation of how it might work
o Multiple explanations may be advisable, if there are multiple mechanisms that could produce
the outcome you discuss. For example, a hypothesis connecting higher age to higher income
might rely either on institutional privileging of seniority or, alternatively, to wisdom and
productivity accrued through life experience.
o An explicit literature review may not be necessary for this assignment, though if you do draw
on particular sources in formulating your theories, you should cite them fully. Note also that
showing your work’s place in preexisting literature can greatly enhance your contribution.
• Identify variables that could measure the key concepts for your hypothesis
o Transform and interact variables – or combine datasets – if appropriate for your hypothesis.
o ‘Key concepts’ include control variables that could reasonably be expected to alter your
results.
o Carefully consider the extent to which your hypothesis is in fact measurable using the data,
and keep in mind that no operationalization is perfect. Clearly articulate any flaws in your
measure even as you make clear why it is the best possible proxy for the underlying concept.
• Test the hypothesis using the data
o At least some regression or other quantitative analysis is probably advisable.
o Do not present raw R output; make it more legible, discarding extraneous information
(including excessive insignificant digits).
• Discuss the results
o Include both the statistical and substantive implications of your argument.
o Suggest research questions that your results raise, and if the results were not as
hypothesized, speculate why this might be so. (Such speculations are often best buttressed
by further tests.)
There is no single way of achieving the above goals, and the logic of your particular hypothesis should
drive how you shape the project. That is, no framework is optimal for all research projects. But one frequently
usable template would proceed in the order presented: first, describe a logical relationship between two
or more ideas. Then discuss how you can quantify those concepts using the data available before using
those measures to test whether your proposed relationship holds. Finally, explain what your test
showed, how the analysis might be improved given more time or data, further hypotheses your results
suggest, and the like
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