the quantitative process
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The Quantitative Research The Quantitative Research Process: Process:
Techniques for ResearchTechniques for Research
Dr Fiona M Beals
Lecture AimsLecture Aims
Review key research methods brought to quantitative research by experimental designs
Outline the role of the quantitative researcherIntroduce and look at methods of:
– Testing– Surveys– Observation and Interviewing
The SettingThe Setting Experimental research vs Quasi-
Experimental Research The need for empirical data Sampling is key (stratified random or
purposive) Key words are reliability and validity
(internal and external) Significance is important Eliminate bias Remember variables
TestingTesting
Why Test?Why Test?
Established tests tend to have measures of reliability and validity
Testing before and after an intervention can show evidence of change (and the direction of change)
Tests for significance can occur (ANOVA, Chi Square)
What to testWhat to test
Psychometric variables Biological/Physiological
changes Educational Changes (IQ etc)
How?How?
Don’t create your own test instead find established tests whichhave measures of reliability and validity
Survey ResearchSurvey Research
Survey ResearchSurvey Research Types
– Cross-sectional surveys (inc. Census)– Longitudinal surveys (trend, cohort, panel)
How/What– Text/Document Surveys (primary and secondary
sources)– Questionnaires inc open/closed items, branching and
clear layout
Traps in Questionnaire DesignTraps in Questionnaire Design
Ambiguity – unclear questions Assumptions
– Multiple responses when really only one is wanted– Memory stretching – Knowledge demands
Double questions Leading questions Presuming questions Hypothetical questions Overlapping categories
Getting it rightGetting it right Remember most people don’t want to write or
type So quick ticks and clicks work Follow the KISS principle Use likerts for measuring variability in responses Connect the question to the response NEVER ask two questions in one!!! Keep the survey to under seven minutes PILOT, PILOT, PILOT
Observation and InterviewingObservation and Interviewing
Observation and InterviewingObservation and Interviewing
Observation can have an important function in quantitative designs but tends to focus on descriptive elements
Interviewing needsto be structured
Both observationand interviewing should only be used for triangulation of data and results
The role of statisticsThe role of statistics
Know the basicsKnow the basics Nominal
– =/ ≠– Dichotomous (Gender)/Non-dichotomous (nationality)– Mode– Qualitative
Ordinal (rank order without degree of difference)– =/ ≠, </>– Dichotomous (truth, beauty, health)– Non-dichotomous (opinion)– Median (psychological tests do tend to break this rule)– Qualitative
Interval (degrees of difference but without ratios)– =/ ≠, </>, +/-– Date, Latitude, Temperature– Arithmetic mean (average using sum – what usually happens)– Quantitative with an arbitrary point of origin (0)
Ratio– =/ ≠, </>, +/-, ×/÷– Age, mass, length, duration, energy etc.– Geometric mean (average using product and the nth root)– Quantitative with a unique and non-arbitrary zero
Know a little moreKnow a little more
Correct use of percentages Data sets need to be over 30 Basic tests for significance
– Chi square– T test– ANOVA
Read research critically!!!– Read for bias– Read for incorrect use of statistics– Read so you don’t make the same mistakes
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