Research Paper: Major, Age and Gender

Examine the variables in the data file 2004GSS.sav in terms of their labels and values. Develop a research paper with the five sections described below. You should submit your report as one MSWord document with all data and tables copied into that document.

Introduction: The purpose of the paper. Rewrite this section after completing Sections 2-5.

Research Hypotheses: Choose one from the following three variables to be the dependent variable for three alternative hypotheses you will establish:
- Grass
- Fear
- Gunlaw
Choose three other variables in 2004GSS.sav to establish three research hypotheses with the same dependent variable you have selected in Step 4. Each hypothesis should state clearly the direction of the relationship between the pair of variables.

Methods - Secondary Data Analysis: Provide a brief description, in about half a page, of the GSS data in terms of 1) who collected the data, 2) the purpose of the data collection program, 3) data collection method (Experimentation? Self-administered survey? Personal interview? Or existing data?), 4) the study population (i.e., who does the sample represent), and 5) sampling in terms of sample type (e.g., probability/random or none probability/non random?), and 6) sample size. (see 2.2 - 2.5 in the textbook)

Table 1
Descriptive statistics of the variables
Variable Frequency % Mean Std Dev.
Major
Business 253 47.1
Nonbusiness 284 52.9

Gender
Male 253 47.3
Female 282 52.7

Age
Under 30 324 60.6
30 and over 211 39.4

Income $38,620 $17,261

Report descriptive statistics in a table including AGE, RACE, SEX, EDC, INCOME of the respondents. (Hint: Perform descriptive statistics on these variables according to the nature of each variable. For INCOME, you may want to record it into less categories). The following is an example as how to structure the table.
Describe statistical methods you will use to test your three research hypotheses. (Hint: Determine the level of measurement for the variables in each your three hypotheses (in terms of categorical/discrete or continuous/scale).

Findings: Report the results of the observed existence, strength and direction of the relationship (Insert the proper table to where you report the statistics.). (First, perform proper bivariate statistical analysis to test each alternative hypothesis against the H0).

Discussions and conclusion: Do the data bear evidence that support your hypotheses? Any surprises or unexpected results? Your suggestions or recommendations for future studies in terms of data and methods.