Assignment:

The importance of research design can never be over-emphasized. It dictates the approach toward asking a research question, but it also is an indicator of the type of data required to answer the research question(s).

1. The assignment begins with selecting two dissertations or well-documented studies. Select one qualitative study and one quantitative research design. [Note: Be sure to choose at least one previously selected dissertation from the first few modules of this course, if possible.

2. Create a matrix shell that will allow you to carefully review the various data collection activities used for each of the selected research studies. This matrix will be a 2 X 8 table with the eight different parts of the data at the left vertically and the two labeled studies across the top (horizontally listed).

3. Insert the data from the two sources into the matrix shell. The completed matrix will facilitate a structured comparison of the instrumentation, the data organization, the data analysis plan, and the discussion findings. Summarize the two dissertations selected for this assignment. Explain how the findings may change depending on the research design chosen.

The vertical labels should be as follows:

1. Research Methodology- For a quantitative study, it could be quasi-experimental, descriptive, inferential, etc. For a qualitative study, it could be labeled narrative, phenomenological, Grounded Theory, ethnography, case study, etc.

2. Site and Population – What is the typical way that a site is located in order to do this type of study? Where would they be associated? Would it be as a group or individually discussed?

3. How to Access Population/Rapport – For example, contact the administration for permission? Look for people on the Internet who have had needed experiences? Contact a single person to collect archival data?

4. Sampling Selection Plan – How did the researcher select a site and then the individuals to complete the study? (e.g., purposeful sampling, stratified sample, random sample from a list).

5. Instrumentation – What was the form of the data collected? (i.e., interviews, focus groups, test results, observations, a survey given, special artifacts collected, etc.).

6. Ethics and Data Security Plan – Took notes, used an interview protocol, and transcribed it from recording, collected survey forms and aggregated into a spreadsheet, placed in file folders, computer password protected, etc.?

7. Validity and Reliability – Any problems accessing materials and proving the authenticity of the account? Any possible personal biases in the collection or analysis of data? What were the potential inconsistencies?

8. Data Analysis Plan – Once the data was collected, how was it analyzed to allow discussion of the findings? Was it placed in tables, analyzed with special statistical tests, used coding to find the “essence” of what was presented orally from the interviews, etc.?

The matrix will include data from the two l will be found by reading through each study. The 1250 – essay should describe each of the cells of the matrix in detail. That is, the assignment this week involves both a completed matrix and the supporting essay describing the information provided. The data contained in the matrix does not count towards the required word count for the assignment.

Focus the essay portion of your assignment on describing, evaluating, comparing, and contrasting how different types of research (one qualitative and one quantitative) affect how the results are explained and findings are described.

Follow APA writing style guidelines for this assignment. Clearly use headings to mark the specific sections in your paper. The title page and reference pages do not count towards the minimum word count. Include at least two (2) credible citations for your ideas and reflections.

Assignment Expectations

Length: 1250 – words; answers must thoroughly address the questions in a clear, concise manner.

Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA style. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment.

References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. Include at least two (2) scholarly sources to support your claims.

Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).