Common Mistakes in Student Research


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	Introduction

	Incomplete Search of the Literature

	Selective Attention to Study Findings

	Haphazard Sampling

	Poor Controls

	No Pilot Test

	No Manipulation Check

	Failing to Check the Data Before Testing Hypotheses

	Low Power/Sample Characteristics

	Unwillingness to Draw Conclusions

	Drawing Conclusions Not Supported by the Data

	Final Suggestions

	Summary

	Workshop Quiz

Low Power/Sample Characteristics		< back		28 of 34		next >

Research Team Our research team concluded in their final report that their nonsignificant findings may be due to the fact that college students are not very compliant. They also thought that using only 20 participants may have reduced the statistical power of their tests. Knowing what you do about their study, what other explanations might you offer for their nonsignificant results?