My Padlet for Research Methods- Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. by Cekela Knights

My Padlet for Research Methods- Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. by Cekela Knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce Semester One en-us 2017-12-04 07:54:31 UTC 2017-12-04 08:04:45 UTC hello@padlet.com Unit 8: Data Analysis cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731116 Session 8.1 dealt with Qualitative analysis which I learnt from the session is the "non-numerical examination and interpretation of observations, for the purpose of discovering underlying meanings and patters of relationships" according to (Babbie p.463). I learnt that quantitative analysis has to do with the systematic analysis of numerical data collected or the analysis of data that is converted to numerical form. Unit 8 the final unit for this course was really challenging for me. However, the information gathered was very important for the completion of my research paper. After reading and rereading each session, I learnt how to conduct comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis. The session taught me about systematic analysis which dealt with the conversion of numerical data or the analysis of data to numerical form. I also learnt about uni-variate and bi-variate analysis which are the two forms of descriptive data analysis. This unit taught me how to determine or calculate frequencies, dispersion, correlation etc of the quantitative data. It showed me how tables, graphs and chats are use to represent descriptive data. I was also afforded the opportunity to gather information about how to use the data collected to draw conclusion and how to carry out a hypothesis testing and how to use the information to make inferences pertaining to whether or not the data supports a particular hypothesis from the sample of the population. Over all it was a very informative and practical which the information can be use in any research being carried out,

]]> 2017-12-04 07:56:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731116 Unit seven- Data Preparation and Presentation cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731325 Session 7.1 dealt with "Editing and Coding" after reading this unit below is an explanation of what I've learnt. I learnt that when data gathered is checked for omissions, consistency and legibility in the preparing to be coded it is known as the editing of data. Zikmund, Babin, Carr & Griffin 2009 alluded to the fact that "intelligent, experienced and objective decisions" must be made by researchers when editing and cleaning data. The Session also highlighted about coding data where data that were edited would be assigned a code which would allow the information to be entered into computer to be analysed. However it was said that these codes are not always numerical but can also be in the form of words and phrases. I also learnt about the code-booking which is also a coding scheme which contains details about the research conducted.

Session 7.2 dealt with " The Data Dictionary" I learnt that when working with database, it allows the researcher to have their data organized and stored for the ease of manipulation and analysis. This database maybe structured based on fields, records and files. The session also discussed data dictionary which is a collection of descriptions of the data objects or items in a database. I learnt that it is important because it allows for any clarification within the analytical process in other words it is there as a backup source where researchers can draw back too if there is any misunderstanding about a specific data. Another subtopic was data entry where data is being stored in a database for manipulation, storage and analysis. One important step that researchers must ensure that they take before processing their data is data cleaning as it controls the quality of the data stored. Finally the session ended by looking at data modification where by the data is being altered in order for researchers to combine several indicators to create an index.

Session 7.3 dealt with "Displaying the data" this had to do with how researchers can present or represent their data. I learnt that one of the simplest way to present data is by the used of a frequency table as it is easy to read and interpret. I found out that data can also be presented in graphs and charts such as stem and leaf plots, bar graph, pie charts, line graph etc. This session ended by advising me ensure that when i am presenting my data I must ensure that I select the most appropriate technique to facilitate the preliminary data analysis and the use in reports to be read by others.

This unit gave me a clearer understanding of what I must do in order to ensure that I select the most appropriate technique to present my findings for my research paper.

]]> 2017-12-04 07:57:52 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731325 Unit Six- Questionnaire design cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731505 Session 6.1 dealt with "Communicating with Respondents" where questionnaire was stated as an instrument in data collection. It was highlighted that the medium of communication is important when designing questionnaires as it impacts the way the respondent would interpret and answer the questions. Hence the reason why the questions should suit the mode and ensure effective communication. Session 6.2 dealt with "Questionnaires" The questionnaire is used as a mode of communication with respondents. Questionnaires should be appropriately designed to suit the mode and to best facilitate effective communication responses. It was said that questions written for the questionnaire must be written, sequenced and laid out based on the communication mode. Questions may be interviewer-administered or self-administered. I also gathered from the readings that the design of the questionnaire is an important aspects of the survey research process. Questionnaire should be constructed effectively so that the collection of data would be both accurate and relevant. It was stated that poorly designed questionnaire can lead to the misinterpretation of questions by respondents resulting in irrelevant answers. Session 6.3 dealt with " Types of errors" I learnt that researchers should keep a look out for two types of error when dealing with questionnaires. These errors include the interviewer error which deals with errors that were cause from the interviewer, this would be a result of the interviewer cheating, b inserting fake responses. Secondly, Respondent error this occurs during the respondent's engagement with the questionnaire as a result of the respondent providing fake or inaccurate responses or incorrectly completing the questionnaire. I also learnt that errors may sometime occur in the research process and the minimization of such errors when collecting data is particularly important.]]> 2017-12-04 07:58:59 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731505 Unit 5- Data Collection cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731627 Session 5.1 dealt with "Sources of data" which I learnt are used by researchers to find answers to research questions or hypothesis. I found out that data can be in the form of primary data whereby individuals or researchers collects original data that are necessary for the study from his/her own efforts with a particular purpose and objective in mind. Such primary data includes surveys, diaries, letters and interviews. The unit also highlighted some of the advantages (it allows for greater control over the quality of data collected, it also give way for the collection of additional data if needed) and disadvantages ( collection of primary data can be costly, time consuming and may not be feasible) of primary data. It can also be in the form of secondary data which is data that was not originally collected by the current researcher. On the same note I got to understand that secondary data can be internal such sources include management reports, budgets, complaint letters, sales results. So too, they can be external in the form of journals, articles, reports etc. Like the primary data; secondary data has its advantages (these sources saves time and money and can add credibility to the research that is being researched} and disadvantages ( these data maybe outdated, its relevance maybe questionable and the accuracy of the data may not always be known). Session 5.2 dealt with the "data collection process" which I now understand is a critical point in a research. It is therefore vital that the appropriate methods be selected because the quality of the research rests on the quality of the data. Session 5.3 dealt with "Preparation and management of field processes" which had to deal with fieldwork which entails the gathering of primary data from respondents or participants outside of the organization. This session made me aware that in order to maintain quality and ensure the validity and reliability of data collected fieldwork/fieldworkers must be well managed. Over all it was a very informative unit as information gathered can be used when conducting a research.]]> 2017-12-04 07:59:43 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731627 Unit 4- Research Design cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731721 The unit dealt with Research Design and measurement. These mark the second and third stages of the research process. However, measurement was not treated as a separate stage but rather how decisions and measurement are involved in planning the overall design of the research study.

From the information gathered from the unit is that a research design is a plan of action or blueprint for a study. It involves selecting the methods and procedures that the research will use to collect, analyze and interpret data. It outlines the strategy to answer a research question.

I learnt about the influence that paradigm has on the choice of research. A paradigm is a cluster of beliefs which can influence what to study and how to interpret the results.

I now know that a research can take on one of three approaches including qualitative, quantitative and mixed method approach. Research design specify what the researcher wants to find out and the best approach to do so. Quantitative research provide an objective measure of what people think from a statistical and numeral point of view while quantitative research try to understand behavior and institutions by getting to know the persons involved and their values, beliefs, rituals etc. While the mixed method as its name suggests has to do with a combination of qualitative and quantitative method, this is used to eliminate biases with in the data collection and report.

I also learnt about the concepts of measurement. In investigating a problem, I will need to identify the variables to be measured, these being independent variables – which are variables that can take on any value, and depend variables – whose values depend on the values of the independent variable. This unit was very insightful and the knowledge gained would be useful in many research to come.

]]> 2017-12-04 08:00:18 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731721 Unit Three- Communication in the Research Process cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731835 Session 3.1 dealt with "Research Proposal." The unit had different subtopic one of such topic is the role of communication research from which I learnt that communication comes from the Latin word "communio" which means sharing. It said that it is the ethical duty of the researcher to communicate the research results. I learnt that communication is important because if the results are kept quiet it can cause dire consequences. It is said that communication occurs between all parties such as the researchers or consultant throughout the research process. I found out that the researcher serves as the intermediary between the organization and the interviewers. They provide the guidance and direction for the respondents. Another subtopic is 'the purpose of a research proposal.' It is said that this is a written plan for a research in order to address a specific problem. The proposal helps the management team to determine if the study designed will achieve its purpose, provide useful results and within the given time frame and budget. Session 3.2 dealt with "The Research Report" this report serves provides the management with information on the results of the study. From the session I found out that their are many different components of the research report including introduction, results, literature review, abstract and many other. It also gave guidelines as to how to go about writing a research report. I learnt that when writing up my report I should use formal language using the APA format. Session 3.3 dealt with "The Oral Presentation." I learnt that when preparing for an oral presentation, one must know their audience in order to capture their attention. I found out that the presentation must follow a similar structure to the research paper in that it should have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

]]> 2017-12-04 08:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731835 Unit two- The Research Process cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731947 Unit 2.1 dealt with the Research Process which I learnt from reading the sessions is a systematic approach to acquire, analyze, interpret and disseminate data and information to the decision makers (Jackson, 2011, November 18. The research process is said to be a linear process since it flows from the beginning to the end. I found out that there are six stages within the research process which include: problem definition, research design, measurement, result and findings, data analysis and data collection. Session 2.2 dealt with Problem Definition, I learnt that when researchers define a problem it doesn't necessarily mean that there is a problem within the business but it can mean that the business is looking for opportunities. It was said that during this stage it is very critical as it determines the destination of the business. I found out that if the problem definition is clear done the it would be easier for the researcher to go through the research paper. On the other hand, if the researcher fails to lay out a clear problem it can cause failure in the research. I found out that like the research process the Problem-definition has six stage including: identifying key symptoms, identify problems from the symptoms, write management decision statement and research objectives, determine unit of analysis, determine relevant variables and write research questions and /or hypothesis. i learnt that the research questions tell what would happen. Session 2.3 dealt with The literary Review which is a study or review of many literature. I learnt that before one can carry a literature reviews. They must also have a clear understanding of the types of data that you would be looking for. The literature review 5 way journey process include: define problem, search literature, Evaluate literature, Analysis finding and write on eyes. It is said that one can obtain information from many sources such as google, primary, secondary and tertiary sources.

]]> 2017-12-04 08:01:34 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212731947 Unit One Reflection cekela_knights https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212732051 Unit One was consisted of three sessions. Session 1.1 dealt with the Introduction to Business Research which according to (Wilson, 2013: 3) is a research that can be defined as a "step-by-step process that involves the collecting ,recording, analyzing and interpreting of information." While a business research is defined as the objective and systematic inquiry into a specific business problem in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. From reading the unit it clear that these business researches are important as they allow the businesses to keep up with market trends and to maintain their competitive edge. Business research also give the business an idea as to who their customers are and their preference for a product, this would allow the business ensure that they produce goods and services that the customers are interesting in. Session 1:2 dealt with the Research Methods or Philosophies which are defined as a fundamental belief about the nature of knowledge and how knowledge is developed. The session also seek to explain briefly the different research strategies that businesses would implement when conducting their research; such include: qualitative research method which deals with descriptive data and can be obtained via questionnaires, focus groups and interviews. Quantitative research methods which deals with measurable data in terms of the quantity, amount and frequency. It also states that the mixed methods strategy is a mixture of the quantitative and qualitative methods being used in a single study. It is said that this method aims to assure the soundness of the research. Session 1.3 dealt with the Issues in Research touching base on Ethics which are rules for distinguishing between right and wrong when conducting research. Shamoo and Resnik (2009) makes it clear that research ethics should aim to be honest, open,confidential, socially responsible, careful along with many other objectives. On that same term, the unit seek to explained that problems such as sponsor researcher relationship can pose as an unethical threat to the research. I also learned that some sponsor remains anonymous in order to obtain some level of confidentiality; sponsor nondisclosure. It also explained that the relationship between sponsor and researcher should be one where the sponsor is viewed as a client by the researcher in order to maintain openness among them and objectivity in the research and analysis.]]> 2017-12-04 08:02:05 UTC https://padlet.com/cekela_knights/dj55xx0eb0ce/wish/212732051