Reference no: EM133612897
Homework: Literature Research Design
Length: 1250 Words.
The importance of research design can never be over-emphasized. It dictates the approach toward asking a research question, but it also is an indicator of the type of data required to answer the research question(s).
A. The homework begins with selecting two dissertations or well-documented studies. Select one qualitative study and one quantitative research design. [Note: Be sure to choose at least one previously selected dissertation from the first few modules of this course, if possible.
B. Create a matrix shell that will allow you to carefully review the various data collection activities used for each of the selected research studies. This matrix will be a 2 X 8 table with the eight different parts of the data at the left vertically and the two labeled studies across the top (horizontally listed).
C. Insert the data from the two sources into the matrix shell. The completed matrix will facilitate a structured comparison of the instrumentation, the data organization, the data analysis plan, and the discussion findings. Summarize the two dissertations selected for this homework. Explain how the findings may change depending on the research design chosen.
The vertical labels should be as follows:
A. Research Methodology: For a quantitative study, it could be quasi-experimental, descriptive, inferential, etc. For a qualitative study, it could be labeled narrative, phenomenological, Grounded Theory, ethnography, case study, etc.
B. Site and Population: What is the typical way that a site is located in order to do this type of study? Where would they be associated? Would it be as a group or individually discussed?
C. How to Access Population/Rapport: For example, contact the administration for permission? Look for people on the Internet who have had needed experiences? Contact a single person to collect archival data?
D. Sampling Selection Plan: How did the researcher select a site and then the individuals to complete the study? (e.g., purposeful sampling, stratified sample, random sample from a list).
E. Instrumentation: What was the form of the data collected? (i.e., interviews, focus groups, test results, observations, a survey given, special artifacts collected, etc.).
F. Ethics and Data Security Plan: Took notes, used an interview protocol, and transcribed it from recording, collected survey forms and aggregated into a spreadsheet, placed in file folders, computer password protected, etc.?
G. Validity and Reliability: Any problems accessing materials and proving the authenticity of the account? Any possible personal biases in the collection or analysis of data? What were the potential inconsistencies?
H. Data Analysis Plan: Once the data was collected, how was it analyzed to allow discussion of the findings? Was it placed in tables, analyzed with special statistical tests, used coding to find the "essence" of what was presented orally from the interviews, etc.?