Research-Describing and Predicting Behavior

Malec, T. & Newman, M. (2013).Research methods: Building a knowledge base.San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. ISBN-13: 9781621785743, ISBN-10: 1621785742.Chapter 4: Survey Research-Describing and Predicting Behavior

Required References

Benedict K (2014, April 11).Correlation – The [Video file]. Retrieved from

Diem, K. G. (2002).A to developing effective questionnaires and survey procedures for program evaluation & research.Available at

Mariampolski, H. (2001). Qualitative vs. quantitative.Qualitative Market Research, 22-25. SAGE Publications Ltd. doi: 10.4135/9781412985529.n13

Rice, G. T. (2005).Developing high quality multiple-choice test questions.Available at

Smith, Lara (2013, November 18).Correlation Basics[Video file]. Retrieved from

Week 5 – Discussion 1

Questionnaire Design

Topic: Depression & Cancer

Using the textbook, required articles and recommended resources, construct a 5-6 item questionnaire on a topic of your choice. Your questionnaire can include either open-ended or closed-ended (fixed format) questions. Submit your completed questionnaire to this discussion forum.

Be sure to consider the following when responding:

1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the questionnaire overall?

2. Consider how the items are worded and the response choices, if applicable, are provided.

a. Are the questions clear and concise?

b. Are there any questions that are vague or unclear?

c. If applicable, are the response choices effective?

d. Is there only one correct response choice?

e. Are there any unintentional cues to the correct answer?

f. Do the items appear to be a good measure of what the student is wanting to assess?

3. How could the questionnaire be improved?

Week 5 – Discussion 2

Sampling topic: Elderly

In qualitative and quantitative studies, sampling refers to selecting a particular sample of individuals from a larger population. This process is often called participant selection. Qualitative research collects rich data from fewer sources, while quantitative research attempts to collect a larger, more representative sample from the population as a whole. Selection criteria for eligibility in a study is similar for both quantitative and qualitative studies, however, there are some differences with respect to the procedures used and the size of the samples.

Instructions:

Consider a particular topic (this can be the topic from one of your previous discussions or assignments), and a particular qualitative or quantitative research design and state the factors you would consider in choosing participants for the study. Be sure to answer the following in your discussion:

What sampling method would you use?

How would you go about deciding how many participants to select given a particular methodology?

What factors should be considered regarding sample size, representativeness, and apparent biases in the selection of the sample?

Your post should be at least 300 words. For this discussion, rather than responding to two peers, select one peer whose study idea you find particularly intriguing and engage in a back and forth discussion with that peer about the discussion question topics. You may reconnect with the peer you discussed with in or select a different peer this week. Make sure to have at least two substantive posts to that classmate. Here, our goal is to dive a bit deeper into a discussion with an individual peer. Feel free to post additional responses to the discussion thread that share what you both learned from your exchange. Peer responses should by posted by Day 7.