[U08a1] Unit 8 Assignment 1

Data Collection and Analysis

Assignment Overview

Earlier in the course, you converted your research topic into an overarching or primary research question. Even the most focused research question may contain within it a series of more fundamental and related questions. Once these are determined, the researcher must then determine the kinds of information necessary to answer it.

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and practice behaviors:

• EPA 2.1.3: Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. 
  • PB 2.1.3.A: Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom. 
    • Related Assignment Criteria: 
      • 3. Describe data sources (artifacts, literature, et cetera) relevant to a given research problem.
      • 5. Explain the approach to relevant data interpretation.
• EPA 2.1.10: Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. 
  • PB 2.1.10(b).A: Collect, organize, and interpret client data. 
    • Related Assignment Criteria: 
      • 4. Identify contextually appropriate data-collection tools.
      • 5. Explain the approach to relevant data interpretation.
      • 6. Explain the appropriate audience for final data analysis.

Assignment Description

In this assignment, you will identify a series of sub-questions that must be answered in order to find the answer or answers to the primary question. You will also begin to identify the kinds of data you will need, from whom you will gather it, and which methods you will apply to your proposed study. The approach you use “may depend on your topic, purpose, and intended use of the study results, as well as the orientation toward social science that you adopt” (Neuman, 2013, p. 110).

The sub-questions you have identified will help you determine the kinds of data you would need to collect in order to address your research question. Who will be answering these questions: who will your participants be? Is the data quantitative or qualitative in nature—should it be in the form of numbers or words? What methods might you apply to glean the information that you seek? What instruments, measures, or tools would you use in your study?

Also, identify how you would analyze the data that you collect. Will you be conducting statistical analyses of any kind? Or, will you be using coding and categorizing? Will you be using any computer software to assist with the analysis?

Finally, consider the results of the study. Who should know about these results? How will you present them?

Assignment Instructions

For this assignment:

1. Restate your overarching research question.
2. Identify any sub-questions that require answers in order to address the primary question. What are they?
3. What kind of data do you need to address the questions? 
   • Who are your proposed study participants?
   • Are you seeking information represented by numbers or words? Stated differently, are you interested in quantitative or qualitative data, or both?
4. Identify the instruments or tools that you would use to collect data.
5. What approach to data analysis do you intend to use? 
   • Explain why you have selected this approach.
   • Will you use any computer software or programs to assist with the data analysis?
6. To whom will you present the results of the study and why? 
   • How do you propose to present them?
   • What format would be most appropriate to communicate your results to your audience?

Additional Requirements

The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards.
• Length of paper: Minimum of three double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Due date: Assignment must be submitted to your instructor in the courseroom no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of this week.

Note: Your instructor may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide feedback on your writing. In the tool, click the linked resources for helpful writing information.

Reference

Neuman, W. L. (2012). Basics of social research: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Resources