Assignment task: Applied Analytics & Methods
The goal of this class is to move degree-seeking students closer to having a project or solid research methodology for their Master's Research Project (MRP) and to assist other students in developing a research project that can be effectively executed. If you have completed ORLD 5050 Ethical, Evidence-Based Decision Making, you may use the project completed there as a starting point for this class (though there is no requirement for you to do so). If you have not, you may use the end result from this class and the next as input into ORLD 5050 if and when you are required to take it.
This week, the assignment focuses on three primary purposes: (1) to identify your experience in research methods and statistics, (2) to identify an idea (or begin to operationalize one that you have already proposed) that could serve as a topic for the MRP or other research initiative, and (3) to identify some key elements needed to flesh out the project based on the readings for the week. Please respond to the following items below in a Word document and submit through the Canvas Assignments tool. Students are strongly encouraged to use the report format for each assignment submission in this course.
1. Explain your level of exposure to the topic of research methods and statistics, emphasizing (a) where you obtained this exposure, (b) how long it has been since you took a course on these topics, and (c) your level of comfort with both research methods and statistics. This should require no more than one page.
2. Identify a question or problem that would benefit from the use of data. Note that you may use a question or problem that you have used in a previous class, but it will be beneficial if it is workplace related and something you believe could be realistically addressed (as it will provide a greater application to the MRP or other research initiative). This should require no more than one page, ensuring that you provide enough context and information for me to provide you with feedback.
- Would your question or issue likely benefit most from a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method design? Explain your response.
- Will you approach the problem inductively or deductively? Explain.
- Based on your problem or issue, what are some potential independent and dependent variables, mediators, and moderators? If you determine that one or more of these would not relate to your issue or problem, please ensure you provide your reasoning for that.
- What would be the key characteristics of your sample and how might these key characteristics impact (both positively and negatively) the conclusions you can draw based on whatever results you would obtain?