#research-methods

Conduct a systematic literature review. Process: 1. Define research question and scope. 2. Develop search strategy (databases, keywords, Boolean operators). 3. Set inclusion/exclusion criteria. 4. Screen titles and abstracts. 5. Full-text review of selected papers. 6. Extract data systematically. 7. Synthesize findings thematically. Use tools: Zotero, Mendeley for reference management. Create PRISMA flow diagram. Assess quality of studies. Identify gaps in literature. Aim for 30-50 key sources. Document search process for reproducibility.

Design a valid and reliable survey instrument. Steps: 1. Define constructs to measure. 2. Review existing validated scales. 3. Write clear, unbiased questions (avoid double-barreled, leading). 4. Choose appropriate response scales (Likert, semantic differential). 5. Organize logically (demographics last). 6. Pilot test with small sample (n=20-30). 7. Assess reliability (Cronbach's alpha >0.7). 8. Validate with factor analysis. Keep under 10 minutes. Use branching logic. Ensure mobile-friendly. Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey. Calculate required sample size.

Create a comprehensive statistical analysis plan. Components: 1. Research questions and hypotheses. 2. Variables (independent, dependent, covariates). 3. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, distributions). 4. Data cleaning and missing data handling. 5. Assumption testing (normality, homogeneity). 6. Primary analyses (t-tests, ANOVA, regression). 7. Secondary and exploratory analyses. 8. Multiple comparison corrections. 9. Effect sizes and confidence intervals. 10. Software and packages (R, SPSS, Stata). Pre-register plan before data collection. Avoid p-hacking.