Researchers sometimes address a research question by analyzing secondary rather than primary data; that is, they use data collected by someone else for another purpose. The method is called secondary data analysis. In this class, you are expected to complete a portfolio project using this approach and based on information you select from the data file GSS14SSDS.sav (either GSS14SSDS-A or GSS14SSDS-B) located in Course Information.
Examine the meanings and values of all variables in GSS14SSDS Codebooks (A or B). Select two variables, ask a question about the relationship between them, and establish a testable hypothesis by answering your question.
Now you’re ready to develop this project using the following structure.
Problem Statement: Identify a research problem, which prompts you to ask the question about the relationship between the variables you intend to use. Your answers to the question will increase the understanding of the problem or the solution to the problem. (0.5 page)
H1 : Education level is positively related to home ownership.
H0: There is no difference in education level between a person buying/owning or renting a home.
Literature Review: Identify at least three research articles on this topic (less than five years old), review their research questions/hypothesis, review the kinds of data used to answer the research questions in these studies, and summarize their findings, conclusions, and recommendations for future research. After wrapping up your review, state the purpose of your research by raising your own research question and answer it in the form of a hypothesis you will test. (1-2 pages)
Method:
Identify the variables in your hypothesis and how you will operationalize them (e.g., What survey question(s) you will use to measure each of your variables).
Identify your data method (secondary data). Use the GSS codebook to describe dataset from which you draw variables, including who collected/sponsored the data collection and the date of the data collection, the method used for data collection, and the units of analysis (i.e., from whom or what were the data collected?).
Describe the measurement level of the variables you select (categorical or quantitative measurement).
Identify the statistical method your study should employ for hypothesis testing based on the type(s) variables you will use in this study. (1-1.5 pages)
Sample Solution
