# data[].attributes.body
I must admit that this course daunted me at the inception due to stories I heard from past students. However, along the way, I discovered it was not as challenging as I perceived it to be.
Each unit presented me with a wealth of invaluable information. I learned about the importance of research to the business, the research process, communication and why it is important, the research design, data collection, questionnaire design, data preparation and presentation and data analysis. I probably still struggle with creating a short questionnaire. The content taught in this course can be applied some way or another to daily life.

I learned about the types of sampling, the difference between qualitative and quantitative data, the importance of validity and reliability in research, how to avoid bias, the different communication tools and the importance of a literature review and peer reviewed journals. I think this is one thing that will stick with me. I used to use information from Google articles but never practiced using peer reviewed journals. The use of these as sources makes an assignment more credible.

I also learned how to analyse qualitative data which was a new process to me. I learned how to use SPSS software to analyze quantitative data.

The activities helped me prove that I understood what was learned. Albeit, I found that the grading was tough.

Deadlines were nearly impossible to meet  for me sometimes due to work, but I tried my best to complete my assignments before the due time.

I enjoyed the research report and the individual presentation more than the other assignments. Generally, each assignment was engaging and ensured I remembered the objectives for the week.

I appreciate Ms Mohammed for her announcements and encouragements to complete assignments. Ms Badal-Charles was also helpful.

Thanks for contributing to a good semester.

# data[].attributes.body
Recording via the Screencast-o-matic was an interesting experience. It allowed recording of a presentation to a future audience. I struggled recording without mistakes. One slight mistake caused me to record over and over again. I think I started recording about 50 times for a day. Getting my background to be quiet was a task. However, it is a useful tool. My nerves were calm because of the constant recording and lack of live audience. I know if I had to present to an audience I would have been nervous and would not be able to present as well.
In the future, I plan to use this to practice my presentations if I have to present to a live audience.

The Q and A was engaging, although I was only questioned by one person. The presentations I listened to/watched were enlightening and helped me to use the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the course to do the critique and assessment. It forced me to do research to argue my points. For example, convenience sampling would produce unscientific and data lacking credibility.

# data[].attributes.body
Unit 8 exposed me to the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. The analysis process for qualitative data by Seidel enlightened me on the process which I can use in future qualitative research. I also learned about the analysis of quantitative data. The assignment helped re-enforce what was read. This assignment furnished my knowledge of determining frequency, central tendency, dispersion. Bi-variate analysis is what I should have used in my research report. Confidence intervals would help in determining sample size. Perhaps I was behind in my readings but this unit would have been helpful in the compilation of my research report. However, I will employ the knowledge gained from this unit to future research.

# data[].attributes.body
Working in a virtual group is quite the challenge. Everyone has work and other commitments. Some struggled with illness and lack of electricity due to inclement weather but we weathered the storm of submitting our debate on time. Our preferred choice of communication was Whatsapp which facilitated easier communication. My group members were very cooperative and understanding, for which I am grateful. We each assisted in the initial post, Darlene and Sheba worked on the second and I worked on the counter-rebuttal. No one lazed around which is substantiated by the research and effort put into the debate. I enjoyed the debate and working with my group members. Our group members made group work seem easy and effortless. I look forward to working with similar groups in the future.
My knowledge on quantitative and qualitative data was deepened by the debate and research. This group debate encouraged us to learn from each other as each one contributed something unique. One type of data is not superior to the other as both provide a different type of analysis.

# data[].attributes.body
In this unit, we learned about coding and editing data. Editing and coding data is important in data compilation. Errors must be edited to preserve the integrity of the data. I learned how to edit errors, check for consistency, omissions and legibility in preparation of coding. The examples helped me to better identify errors and how to edit these errors. The editor must make objective, intelligent and experienced decisions. I also learned about coding, how to construct a code bot and using the codebook.

# data[].attributes.body
During this week, I completed a quiz based on the topics covered prior to the quiz. The quiz was daunting to me as I thought it would be challenging. I hesitated to attempt it due to this and attempted on the final night. When attempting the quiz I realised it was very simple. I Should have gotten full marks but I think I messed up in one answer. Quizzes test how knowledgeable you are on the topics covered. With the options available, it is easy to recognize the correct answer among the choices. Sometimes, I may not know the answer but carefuly re-reading the question gives little hints at what the answer might be. More quizzes should have been given to both test our knowledge and to get easy marks.

# data[].attributes.body
The questionnaire is one of the primary tools of communicating with respondents and collecting data. Questionnaire design is important as it influences the way respondents interpret and answer questions. Therefore, questionnaires must be written in a logical manner to facilitate effective communication of responses. Questionnaires modes may be interviewer-led, self-administered. In the unit, I learned about the importance of selecting the correct mode, the importance of questionnaire design, how to write proper questions that will capture relevant and accurate data and avoid bias and the types of errors.

My reflection: Questionnaire design is crucial in the data collection process. If questions are poorly worded, ambiguous or too lengthy, respondents might simply write down any answer to submit.This might lead to errors. Questionnaires must also be logical, clear and relevant to the topic being studied. For example, in real life, you must ask questions that are relevant to a particular situation. If an employer asks you a question such as,  "What color is your bedroom?' you might wonder what is the relevance of this to you being hired. Researchers must take steps to avoid or minimize errors when designing questionnaires and conducting interviews. This unit has taught me how to apply proper questionnaire techniques to real life situations.

# data[].attributes.body
There are different types of data, namely primary, secondary and tertiary data. It is important to know the definition of each type of data and to be able to identify each source of data if one is presented with information. Each type of data has both advantages and disadvantages which helps a researcher select the method which suits the relevant topic best. Selecting the right method of data collection is important as the correct method will better answer and understand the research question at hand. The apt method must be selected because the data collect depends on the planning and management of the data collection process. For example, one will not use a measurement survey to uncover in depth reasons for the dissatisfaction of a customer.
Field workers must be well trained and managed to allow good data collection and interviews and to avoid errors in data collection.

# data[].attributes.body
Research design

In this unit, I learned about the various types of research approaches: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. For each approach, I learned the various features and recognized the importance of selecting the approach that will give you a particular type of data. For example, if you want in depth information, will use the qualitative approach. If you want data in the form of numbers, you will use quantitative data. For each approach, there are research designs linked. Qualitative data would use exploratory research designs and quantitative designs, conclusive designs. Measurement was another topic which i learned about. The measurement criteria can be applied to topics other than research. Sampling can be employed in various situations when everyone cannot be selected.

# data[].attributes.body
Communication is a vital part of the research process. Communication is a two way process between multiple parties. Communication must be effected between researcher/ consultant, the organization and its personnel and interviewer and stakeholders.

The research proposal is one communication process. The research proposal is written document/ plan to address a specific problem. It answers how, when, how, why, where and whom. This is done before the research and sets the path of the research.

The research report is another process. The research report is executed after the research is completed and communicates the results of the findings, strategic recommendations and conclusions. It forms the basis on which management makes decisions.

The oral presentation usually accompanies the research report and follows a pattern of introduction, body and conclusion.

My reflection: I agree that communication is important in the research process as it sets the path and makes the research easier. One cannot simple start writing questions for a questionnaire based on the research question. Writing a plan makes objectives clearer. Each process of communication must be carried thoroughly and must follow the various components that are suitable for each research question.

# data[].attributes.body
The research process is the systematic approach to acquiring, analyzing, interpreting and disseminating data and information to decision makers. (Jackson 2011)

In essence, the research process is a systematic approach at gathering information in an objective way to be used for analyses by researchers and decision makers.

The research process is usually cyclical and depends on the resources available to the researcher.

Nachmias has advanced a six stage research process:
-problem definition
-research design
-measurement
-data collection
-data analysis
-results and findings

Session 2 focuses on problem definition. Problem definition is the process of determining the problems to be studied by the researcher before the commencement the study. This process seeks to identify issues and understand the background to these problems. It is a crucial step because incorrect problem definition leads to failure of the study.

Session 2 focused on the literature review.
A literature review is the body of knowledge that already exists on a particular topic of study.
This process is conducted to identify what is already known about a specific topic of study, identify questions previous research answers and does not answer, justify further research on identified problems and to establish a theoretical approach for the study.

Sources of the literature review may be primary or secondary and may be found in print sources, electronic sources and visual sources.

# data[].attributes.body
Research is the systematic inquiry that is designed to collect information which is used to analyse, interpret and use data.

# data[].attributes.body
Business research is the systematic inquiry into a specific business problem to increase awareness of the topic being studied. Business research is conducted on a myriad of issues to discover solutions to problems, preparing business opportunities, identifying potential customers et cetera.
It is important to keep market trends and to maintain a competitive edge.
There are three types of business research, namely, exploratory, descriptive and causal research. Exploratory is conducted in an area where information is limited. Descriptive uncovers the questions of who, what, when, why, where, how, causal research explains the cause and effect of a problem.
A researcher can take two stances to arrive at knowledge. Postivism takes an objective stance where the researcher remains on the outside looking in.  Interpretivism is concerned with understanding the role of humans as social actors.