Assignment Instructions: Mini Study Part I In This Co 840250

Assignment Instructionsmini Study Part Iin This Course You Will Condu

In this course, you will conduct a mini study by surveying 50 people through any chosen method to gather information on your topic. You will then calculate relevant statistics for your data. The study should use quantitative data to facilitate the required calculations. When selecting a topic, ensure that it is appropriate for adult respondents and that they are comfortable answering questions. Complete the provided worksheet and conduct your survey after it is graded, then write up your results in Module 7.

Paper For Above instruction

The objective of this assignment is to develop practical skills in sampling, data collection, and statistical analysis through a mini research project. The process begins with selecting a focused and appropriate research topic that is of interest and relevance. Ensuring that the target population is composed solely of adults guarantees comfort and appropriateness in data collection, and it helps in maintaining the validity of the results.

The next step involves clearly defining the population for the claim, providing justification for this choice. For example, if the topic concerns adult behaviors on social media, the population might be all adults aged 18 and above who use social media platforms. The justification should be based on the scope of the research question and the relevance of the population to the claims being made.

Formulating precise survey questions is crucial for collecting meaningful data. These questions should directly relate to the research claim and be designed to yield quantitative data. For instance, if exploring the amount of time spent on social media, questions might include "On average, how many hours do you spend on social media daily?" The rationale for each question should clarify how it captures a specific aspect of the research claim and contributes to the overall analysis.

The variables involved in the study should be clearly identified. These may include demographic variables such as age (discrete or continuous), gender (nominal), or behavioral variables like frequency of social media use (ordinal or ratio). Explaining the type of each variable aids in selecting appropriate statistical methods and visualizations, ensuring that the analysis aligns with the data's nature.

Choosing where to distribute the survey and how to reach the target population involves strategic planning. Common platforms include Facebook, email, or in-person distribution, depending on where the target population is most active. Justifying the choice involves considering accessibility, response rates, and the likelihood of reaching a diverse and representative sample.

Data collection can be conducted through tools like SurveyMonkey, Facebook Questions, or by manual data entry into Excel. The method selected should facilitate efficient data gathering, organization, and analysis, and should align with the survey distribution strategy.

The sampling method must be carefully selected to ensure the validity and generalizability of findings. Options include simple random sampling, convenience sampling, or stratified sampling. Justify your choice by citing a credible source, such as a textbook or scholarly article, that supports the effectiveness or appropriateness of the method for your study design.

For data visualization, select two appropriate graph types. For example, bar graphs are suitable for categorical data, while histograms are ideal for continuous, quantitative data. Justify your selection based on the data's characteristics—such as whether it contains outliers or is interval-coded—to ensure clarity and accuracy in presenting results.

In choosing descriptive statistics, consider measures such as mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, variance, quartiles, and frequency distributions. Justify your selections based on the data type and distribution, ensuring that the statistics provide meaningful and comprehensive insights into your data.

This assignment culminates in a 2-page report, formatted with 12-point Calibri font and 1-inch margins, incorporating all relevant data and analysis. Proper APA citations should be included for any sources referenced, especially scholarly articles or data collection tools. This comprehensive exercise develops foundational skills in research design, data analysis, and effective communication of statistical findings.

References

  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
  • Fowler, F. J. (2014). Survey Research Methods. SAGE Publications.
  • Groves, R. M., et al. (2009). Survey Methodology. Wiley.
  • Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2014). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Pearson.
  • Moore, D. S., McCabe, G. P., & Craig, B. A. (2012). Introduction to the Practice of Statistics. W. H. Freeman.
  • Rubin, A., & Babbie, E. (2016). Research Methods for Social Work. Cengage Learning.
  • Tourangeau, R., & Yan, T. (2007). Sensitive Questions in Surveys. Psychological Bulletin, 133(5), 859–883.
  • Wright, K. B. (2005). Researching Internet-based populations: Advantages and disadvantages of online survey research. Computers in Human Behavior, 23(5), 1656–1664.
  • Weiss, R. S. (2014). Learning From Strangers: The Art and Method of Qualitative Interview Studies. Free Press.
  • Kalton, G. (1983). Introduction to Survey Sampling. Sage Publications.