Ashford 5 Week 4 Assignment Research Project

Ashford 5 Week 4 Assignment research Project Week Four

In a five- to six-page paper (not including the title and reference pages), include the following: A revised version of your introduction, research question, background research, hypothesis, research design, sampling plan, secondary data plan (if applicable), and measurement scales (if applicable). These revisions must be based on your instructor’s feedback if your instructor provided comments about these sections in Week Three. Your plans for using observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys, if applicable. This should include your draft version of the questions you will ask your participants. If observations or surveys would not be useful in your study, please explain why not. A reference list documented in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

The research project is a critical component of understanding and validating research hypotheses within a specific study. This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of a revised research proposal that incorporates feedback, enhances clarity, and refines methodological approaches. This document will systematically address key elements such as the introduction, research questions, background research, hypotheses, research design, sampling plans, secondary data considerations, measurement scales, and data collection methods, including observations, focus groups, interviews, or surveys.

Introduction and Background

The introduction contextualizes the research problem within the broader academic or practical landscape. It articulates the significance of the study and its relevance to stakeholder interests. Following feedback received from prior drafts, the introduction has been revised to clearly define the scope, underline the research gaps, and establish the objectives of the current study. For instance, if the study concerns behavioral patterns in public spaces, the introduction emphasizes the importance of understanding environmental influences on human interactions and behaviors.

Background research further supports the research questions by reviewing existing literature, theories, and previous findings relevant to the topic. This section enhances by integrating recent empirical studies and identifying gaps that justify the necessity of the current research. An example is referencing studies on social interaction in communal areas, highlighting inconsistencies and areas for further exploration.

Research Question and Hypotheses

The research question guides the study's overall focus. It has been refined based on instructor feedback to be specific, measurable, and aligned with the research design. For example, “How does environmental design influence social interactions in public parks?” The hypothesis articulates expected relationships or outcomes, such as “Enhanced seating arrangements in public parks increase positive interactions among visitors.” The revised hypotheses are now more precise, testable, and grounded in theoretical frameworks from prior research.

Research Design and Methodology

The study employs a mixed-methods approach to balance qualitative insights with quantitative validation. After past feedback, the design integrates observational methods, structured interviews, and surveys to collect diverse data. If observations are employed, a draft of observational checklists and coding schemes is included to guide data collection and ensure reliability. For interviews and surveys, sample questions are outlined, such as “How do you perceive the impact of park design on your social interactions?”

If certain data collection methods are deemed unsuitable, a clear rationale is provided. For example, if focus groups are not appropriate because the research seeks individual perceptions rather than group dynamics, this explanation is included.

Sampling Plan and Data Collection

The sampling plan details participant selection criteria, recruitment strategies, and sample size calculations to ensure representativeness. For observational studies, site selection criteria are described, considering factors like park size, visitor demographics, and location diversity. For surveys and interviews, sampling techniques such as random, stratified, or purposive sampling are justified.

Additionally, the secondary data plan considers existing datasets, previous research findings, or archival records that supplement primary data collection, if applicable.

Measurement Scales and Data Analysis

Measurement scales are specified based on the constructs being studied. For instance, Likert scales may be used to gauge perceptions of environmental impact, while behavior frequency can be measured through ordinal or ratio scales. Validity and reliability of these instruments are discussed to strengthen measurement accuracy.

Data Collection Tools and Draft Questions

Observational techniques include detailed checklists capturing specific behaviors or environmental features. Focus groups and interviews will involve semi-structured question guides to elicit detailed responses. Sample questions include, “Can you describe how the park’s design influences your interactions?” and “What aspects of the environment encourage you to engage with others?”

When observations or surveys are not suitable, an explanation is provided, perhaps citing constraints such as ethical considerations, resource limitations, or research scope.

Conclusion

This research plan, refined through instructor feedback, ensures a systematic, ethical, and methodologically sound approach to investigating human behavior in public environments. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods allows for a comprehensive understanding of the research problem, aligning with best practices outlined in scholarly literature.

References

• Landrum, E. (2014). Research Methods for Business: Tools and Applications. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• Ball, E. M., & Nicolle, C. A. (2015). Changing What It Means to Be "Normal": A Grounded Theory Study of the Mobility Choices of People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 109(4), 291.
• Craig, C. L., et al. (2003). International physical activity questionnaire: 12-country reliability and validity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(8), 1381-1395.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
• Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2014). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Methods Sourcebook. Sage Publications.
• Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research. Sage Publications.
• Krueger, R. A., & Casey, M. A. (2015). Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. Sage Publications.
• Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative Research. Sage Publications.
• Vaughan, D. (1996). Uncoupling: The impact of casual, impersonal, and anonymous sexual encounters. Sociology, 30(2), 281-301.