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Common Mistakes

Common errors in formulating a research study

  • Putting off the selection of a problem; in other words, never quite getting started.
  • Uncritically accepting the first research ideas that come to mind.
  • Selecting a problem that is too vast or too vague to investigate meaningfully.
  • Preparing an untestable hypothesis.
  • Failing to consider methods of analysis procedures in developing a tentative research plan.

Common errors in reviewing the literature

  • Carries out a hurried review of the literature.
  • Relies too heavily upon secondary sources.
  • Overlooking information on methods and measurements when reading research articles.
  • Failure to define satisfactorily the topic limits of the review of the literature.
  • Copying bibliographic data incorrectly and is thus unable to locate the references needed.
  • Copying far too much material.

Common errors in use of standard measuring instruments

  • Paying insufficient attention to establishing and maintaining rapport with the subjects.
  • Weaken research design by making changes for administrative convenience.
  • Failure to explain the purpose of measures used in the research to those collecting the data.
  • Failure to evaluate measures thoroughly before selecting those to be used in research.
  • Selects measures to use in research of such low reliability that true differences are hidden.
  • Selects measures to use in research that he/she is unqualified to review.

Common errors in gathering research data

  • The research fails to define the research population.
  • Changes design in ways that weaken the research in order to make data collection more convenient.
  • Attempts to collect too much data, making excessive demands upon the subjects.
  • Attempts to carry out the study in one short period of time with no regard to actual time needed.
  • Starts collecting research data without carrying out a pilot study.

Common errors in the use of statistical tools

  • Selects statistical tool that is not appropriate or correct.
  • Collects research data and then finds a statistical technique that can be used in analysis.
  • Uses only one statistical procedure when several can be applied to the data.
  • Uses statistical tools in situations in which the data grossly fails to meet the assumptions upon which the tools are based.
  • Overstates the importance of small differences.
  • Uses the incorrect correlation techniques.
  • Uses an incorrect correlation significance table to interpret importance of findings.
  • Does not take advantage of statisticians available to assist in computing importance of the study.

Common errors in research design and methodology

  • The researcher fails to define the research population.
  • Uses a sample too small to permit analysis of the performance of interesting sub-groups.
  • Attempts to conduct his/her research using volunteer subjects.
  • Changes his/her design in ways that weaken the research in order to make data collection more convenient.
  • Attempts to collect too much data, making excessive demands upon the subjects.
  • Attempts to carry out the study in one short period of time with no regard to actual time needed.
  • Starts collecting higher research data without carrying out a pilot study.

Isaac S. & Michael WB (1995). Handbook in Research and Evaluation: a Collection of Principles, Methods, and Strategies Useful in the Planning, Design, and Evaluation of Studies in Education and the Behavioral Sciences.

Education Resources
1301 N Columbia Rd Stop 9037
Suite E438
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037
P 701.777.3800
F 701.777.6290
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    School of Medicine & Health Sciences

    1301 N Columbia Rd Stop 9037
    Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037

    701.777.2514

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