This document summarizes several panel discussions and courses on research methods. It discusses quantitative methods for management taught by Magdy Roufaiel that teaches modeling, linear programming, and forecasting techniques. It also summarizes Joyce Elliott's course on quantitative research design which covers foundations, ethics, and using SPSS to analyze national datasets. Additionally, it discusses Patrice Prusko-Torcivia's teachings on writing market research proposals and Michele Ogle's statistics course which has students complete a final statistical analysis project. Finally, it summarizes Dee Britton's social science research methods course which has students write research proposals and journals throughout.
12. Quantitative Research: Design and Methods Modules Foundations of Social Science Research (weeks 1-2) Social Science Research Ethics (weeks 3-4) Conceptualization and Measurement (weeks 5-6) Quantitative Design (weeks 7-9) Quantitative Analysis (weeks 10-14) Integration of the Research Process (week 15)
13. RJ5: Introductory Steps Identify which of 3 national data sets is being used State formal hypotheses about relationships among key variables Identify independent and dependent variables Identify which item(s) from the data set will be used to measure each variable Individual Analysis of National Data Set Using SPSS (Weeks 10-14)
14. RJ5: Data Analyses Create one scale variable Recode one variable Complete univariate analyses of key variables Complete bivariate analyses of key relationships Complete multivariate cross-tab analyses of key relationships Complete regression analysis Individual Analysis of National Data Set Using SPSS (Weeks 10-14)
15. RJ5: Presentation of Findings Present data in tables and visuals Interpret key findings in writing Present conclusions about causal relationships among variables Link findings to the literature review prepared for RJ4 All of the RJ’s are parts of the final research project, RJ6 Individual Analysis of National Data Set Using SPSS (Weeks 10-14)
18. Market Research Proposal Introduction (State your purpose succinctly in declarative sentences. Tell why your study is needed.) Background and Significance Indicate what led to the recognition of the need for the research. Cite relevant literature and clearly relate it to your study. (Include quotes) Further expand on the justification of your study, particularly to the firm or organization. Discuss briefly the alternative courses of action.
19. Procedures Discuss the underlying causes of the situation. Define your population and sample. State your research questions and hypotheses. Provide operational definitions of variables. State complete, exact procedures that your reader could duplicate. Be sure these are practical and will accomplish your purpose. State your statistical analysis precisely. State the limitations and assumptions underlying your research. Provide a copy of your data collection instrument which must be a survey instrument that you develop. Discuss specifically how you will establish validity/reliability of that instrument.
20. Conclusion Results/Expectations State exactly what you expect your study to produce or change; relate it to your organization. Check that your expected outcomes are appropriate for your purpose and could logically result from your procedures. Indicate how you will present the results. Show charts/tables that will demonstrate your findings. Be sure to include your results for all research questions and hypotheses. References Follow the APA style manual. Be sure to document your sources. Appendices Include a cover sheet and label for each appendix. Refer to all appendices in your paper.
22. Statistics: An Activity Based Approach The Final Project: a culminating activity for students to demonstrate what they have learned about statistics What the student will produce: Project proposal (week 10) Analysis plan identifying the statistical tools that will be used (week 12) Rough draft of the project (week 13) Abstract to share with other students (week 13) Masterpiece of statistical analysis pleasingly and professionally presented! (week 15)
23. FP Proposal (week 10) Identify project title and describe the subject Explain why the topic is important Identify possible sources of data State how many observations and variables, and why Suggest what analysis techniques may be used Describe any possible limitations in the data FP Analysis Plan (week 12) Identify data in more detail Outline graphs, statistical tests, hypotheses for analysis Requirements: graphs of data, numerical summaries, minimum of 2 significance tests and 1 confidence interval
24. FP Masterpiece (week 15) Contents of Report Document Abstract and Table of Contents Problem Statement: description of problem, reason for study Procedures: explain data sources, data manipulations, analysis methods Results: graphs, tables, variables examined, summary of calculations, test results Conclusions: interpretation of results in terms of overall problem statement Discussion: present any issues encountered with data or analysis, further studies or suggested improvements Citations Appendix: data and calculations details (may be in separate spreadsheet)
26. Module 1 Workshop: students propose and critique possible research questions Research Journals: Module 1: Formulate a research question Module 2: Annotated bibliography (minimum 10 academic sources) and 3 key themes from the works Module 3: Research question from a quantitative perspective Module 4: Research question from a qualitative perspective Module 5 Clearly articulate the research question and identify the methodology
27. Module 6: Formal Research Proposal Establishment of the problem or research question Literature review Hypothesis, if it is causally-oriented quantitative study; if it is descriptive or qualitative, define study objectives Research design: methodology, reasons for this design, sample structure Data gathering procedures (example of instrument(s) as appendixes) Discussion of ethical issues. Data analysis: Quantitative studies: statistical analysis; description of the statistical procedures to be used Qualitative studies: procedures for analysis including methods of categorizing, coding system, conclusion extraction References Appendixes: instruments, forms and letters.