CS 426 2011 Spring Week 6 Descriptive Research

CS 426 2011 Spring Week 6: Descriptive Research Presenter : Yubin Li Professor : Dr. Bamshad Mobasher 5/3/2011 1 1

Outline 1 2 a 3 4 Introduction Descriptive Research DR design & Analysis Discussions 2

Introduction to Quantitative Research v You. Tube: introduction to Quantitative Research http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Go. Q 9 Zg 8 Fvf 0 Time v Quantitative Vs. Qualitative research Quantitative Qualitative Both are systematic in their approach Objective Subjective Deductive Inductive Generalizable Not generalizable Numbers Words Table 1 : Comparison of features of Quantitative and Qualitative research

Descriptive Research v Quantitative Research Methodologies: § § § Descriptive Research Correlational Research Experimental Research Ex Post Facto Research Survey Research v Descriptive Vs. Experimental Vs. Ex post facto ü Descriptive (What is the current situation? ) ü Experimental (What is the cause? ) ü Ex post facto (What was the possible cause? ) 4

Outline 1 2 a 3 4 Introduction Descriptive Research DR design & Analysis Discussions 5

Descriptive Research v What is the Descriptive Research? This type of research involves either identifying the characteristics of an observed phenomenon or exploring possible correlations among two or more. It primarily concerned with finding out “what is”, solving the problems through the interoperation of the data that has been gathered, (answering the questions who, what, where, when and how. . . ) v Descriptive“ what is the current situation? ” § Numerical data gathered through tests, surveys, observations, interviews § variables are not manipulated but are measured as they occur § Subgroups may be compared on some measure § Two or more variables of a group may be correlated § Doesn’t attempt to identify cause of differences or relationships, just if they exist 6

Descriptive Research v What the Descriptive Research can be used for? Descriptive studies have an important role in social science research, such as business, government, public health, sociology and education research. v Can be applied to investigate questions such as: § Do teachers hold favorable attitudes toward using computers in schools? § What kinds of activities that involve technology occur in sixthgrade classrooms and how frequently do they occur? § How have high school computing courses changed over the last 10 years? § Is there a relationship between experience with multimedia computers and problem-solving skills? § What is the best way to provide access to computer equipment in schools? 7

Outline 1 2 a 3 4 Introduction Descriptive Research DR design & Analysis Discussions 8

DR design & Analysis 1. Descriptive Research Designs § § Observation Studies Correlational Research Developmental Designs Survey Research 2. Using Checklists and Rating scales 3. Choosing a Sample in a Descriptive Study § § Sampling design Bias in Research sampling 4. Interpreting Data in Descriptive Research 9

DR design & Analysis 1. Descriptive Research Designs – Observation Studies § § In qualitative research: record in great detail In quantitative research: focus on a particular aspect of behavior, and try to be as objective as possible § Many strategies to maintain “objective”: a) define behavior in a precise, concrete manner b) divide the observation period into small segments… c) use a rating scale to evaluate behavior d) Have two/three people rate the same behavior Independently e) Train the raters Ultimately, an observational study can yield data that portray much of the richness and complexity of human behavior. 10

DR design & Analysis 1. DR Design - Correlational Research § § Examines the extent to which differences in one characteristic or variable are related to differences in one or more other characteristics or variables. Did you realize that when children grow older, they are better reader? Age & reading ability -- correlation 11

DR design & Analysis 1. DR Designs – Development Design Cross-sectional study Vs. Longitudinal studies § § Cross-sectional study: people from different ages are sampled and compared. Longitudinal study : a single group of people is followed over the course of several months or years 12

DR design & Analysis 1. DR Designs – Survey Research Involves acquiring information about one or more groups of people. Perhaps about their characteristics, opinions, attitudes, or previous experiences, by asking them questions and tabulating their answers. § Face-to-face and Telephone interviews § Questionnaires 2. Checking List & Rating Scales § § Checking List : is a list of behaviors, characteristics, or other entities that a researcher is investigating Rating scale: is more useful when a behavior, attitude, or other phenomenon of interest needs to be evaluated. 13

DR design & Analysis 3. Choosing a sample in a descriptive study § Sampling design a) Probability sampling Simple random sampling Stratified random sampling Proportional stratified sampling Cluster sampling Systematic sampling b) Nonprobability sampling Convenience sampling Quota sampling Purposive sampling 14

DR design & Analysis 3. Choosing a sample in a descriptive study § Bias in Research sampling Bias is any influence, condition, or set of conditions that singly or together distort the data Bias can creep into a research project in a variety of subtle and undetected ways Bias attacks the integrity of the facts, the research generalization may not be accurate. 15

DR design & Analysis 4. Interpreting Data in Descriptive research § Two basic principle a) seek the answer to a problem in the light of the data that related to the problem b) collecting data and organizing data for extracting meaning of the data is all important. Decide on a population Choose sampling technique Minimize entrance of bias Develop a valid means 16 Collect, record, organize analyze

Outline 1 2 a 3 4 Introduction Descriptive Research DR design & Analysis Discussions 17

CS 426 2011 Spring 4/12/2011 18 18