Research Articles Base: Designing Research Examples

Applied Research methods

Needs assessments serve two primary functions. First, and most obviously, they help the school counselor understand the needs of the subpopulations they serve (e.g., students, parents, teachers). Second, needs assessments help to establish priorities, which aid in the construction and continual improvement of comprehensive counseling programming and services ( 2003). For this paper, issues facing our youth today and the overall development of youth are dominant concerns of any community worldwide. Youth development is a rallying issue for every citizen, public servant and corporation. The recreation profession, to make the best use of its innate potential, should align itself with the youth development movement, thus the need for a needs assessment for youth. The research process in needs assessment usually consists of the following: problem identification, study design, conducting the study, data analysis, and use of the findings. Initially the researcher identifies an area of inquiry, which in this case is the assessment of the needs of a youth group. Following the identification of the problem and review of literature, the researcher must design the study protocol. In this case, the researcher might design a research study focusing on needs of the youth. Let us take for example, a youth recreation needs assessment plan that involved surveying middle-school students within a particular locale or area. For this particular research, the sample will include basically teenagers who are middle school students. This study will have no randomization into groups. The researcher will also select appropriate instruments to measure needs assessment. In the study design the researcher will have to note that all subjects will be followed in exactly the same manner. The research plan will show how a community can deal effectively with issues outside the typical civic planning activities. Students will then be asked about their recreational needs and demonstrate that they knew about the issues involved.             The researcher will then conduct the study. Before conducting any study with human subjects, appropriate approvals must be obtained from the agency’s human subject committee. Additional approvals from the agency in which the study is to be conducted may also be needed. Informed consent is also needed. The researcher will consistently collect all data from the subjects as indicated in the study design protocol. Each subject will receive the designated assessment. Most research in the applied social sciences and in education, such as this particular study, relies on self-reports of the participants. However, such reports are always influenced by the fact that the participants know they are in a study; they may want to please the researcher, they may want to hide things, or they may have forgotten or not know some things. Many investigators prefer researcher-observed behavioral data, even though these data also have potential limitations. On the other hand, sensitive, well-trained interviewers may be able to establish enough rapport with participants to alleviate some of the biases inherent in self-reports (  2000). The most popular needs-assessment approaches are advisory boards or councils, town hall meetings and comment cards. These approaches are perceived as easy to use, convenient, inexpensive and requiring little specialized expertise. Other popular approaches are in-person surveys, mail surveys, pick-up surveys and focus groups. Parks and recreation directors didn’t identify any major drawbacks to pickup surveys or focus groups. Time required was a concern for mail and in-person surveys. Another concern about mail surveys was the expense ( 2002). The strength of the nominal group technique is that it gives everyone a voice in planning while minimizing opportunities for a few individuals to dominate the process. This technique can accommodate large numbers of participants as well as small groups. It provides professionals with clear data about participants’ primary concerns in a short time. The key to conducting a successful nominal group is following a step-by-step process (2002). The Delphi method is most often used to determine priorities, set goals or establish future directions. As with the nominal group technique, the Delphi provides professionals with a format for exploring opinions and reaching a consensus. Panelists voice their opinions, examine the opinions of other panelists and then re-evaluate their original opinions. The process is similar to that of the nominal group technique except that the data collection process takes place by mail (electronic or postal). Data collection via postal mail takes 45 to 90 days; electronic data collection can reduce the time by half. A significant advantage to the Delphi is that the recreation professional can draw from the insights of experts on a particular topic, regardless of their geographic location. As with the nominal group technique, following a step-by-step process is key (2002). In this particular study, members of the planning department will facilitate groups, listen, and record information. The staffs of other city departments concerned with youth or recreation may also participate in the study. From police officers to social workers, the assessment will be able to provide a great opportunity for all youth services people to work together. The researcher will conduct a survey of student recreational needs, and to use middle school-aged youth because they had never participated in city planning. Facilitators will also conduct the recreational needs survey at parties after school in each of the city’s community planning areas. The assessment will ask the participants three questions: What did you do last summer? What do you like to do after school, and what programs and services do children your age need? Furthermore, queries such as when offered the opportunity to identify activities the youth would like to try for the first time or participate in more often, the researcher must identify if respondents are more geared towards several adventurous, high-risk activities such as rock climbing and horseback riding. This would imply that recreation providers need to seek innovative ways to provide youth the opportunity to experience these costly activities or to provide suitable adventures that are less costly and dangerous. Among the possibilities, for example, is the new technology of virtual reality. Opportunities for high adventure may be a useful tool in providing positive challenges for the ever-increasing population of youth-at-risk. A question remains about whether the reported desire for high-risk activity is real or imagined; and further research is needed to determine the seriousness of the wishes young people express about potentially dangerous activities. The researcher will then analyze the results after collecting all information from the participants studied. The results will then be compared to determine similarities and differences about recreation needs of youth. The data collected from this sample can also be then compared with the results from a normative sample composed of adolescents from another study. It is important to realize that while adults may not consider certain recreational activities such as hanging out to be a viable or useful activity, the researcher must not dismiss this activity when planning youth programming. After all, the youth are the ones who will participate; so programs should address their interests. To have their opinions respected and needs considered such as in the needs assessment study will give the youth self-esteem and increased confidence, which are essential for a healthy outlook on life. The information gathered regarding recreation needs of the youth can be used to develop services and recreational activities for youth and objectives for a counseling program. The information gathered in this study will also help the researcher target young people with programs, thereby increasing their participation in and enjoyment of recreational activities. Discovering what recreational activities the youth most enjoy is key in planning and providing recreation opportunities and in a way helps the youth avoid doing what is not appropriate for them. Therefore, surveys that assess public demand are vital components of any successful program. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Applied Research methods

Needs assessments serve two primary functions. First, and most obviously, they help the school counselor understand the needs...

CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF A RESEARCH REPORT IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING BODY OF EVIDENCE THAT UNDERPINS SPECIALIST PRACTICE

THE CONTRIBUTION OF A RESEARCH REPORT IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING BODY OF EVIDENCE THAT UNDERPINS SPECIALIST PRACTICE           THE RESEARCH STUDY                 The research study is entitled “Psychosocial and Clinical Aspects of Eating Disorders in Young Females”, by . from the Department of Physiology at the National University of . The study is founded on the working hypothesis that several clinical parameters are correlated with the severity of eating disorders, and various psychosocial factors may be positively correlated with preference for thinness or development of eating disorders. The study aims to test the hypothesis by undertaking clinical measurements and interviews. The sample population of the study are seventeen (17) female outpatients of the Child Guidance Clinic at Health Promotion Board who are below 21 years old and are all Singaporean citizens or living in Singapore. A group of seventeen normal females are also utilized as control group.  Findings from the study included the following: (1) patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa commonly have low heart rate or bradycardia positively correlated to body mass index and skinfold measurements; (2) blood pressure is also low for the same patients but the effects of body mass index is only on systolic blood pressure and not diastolic blood pressure; (3) triceps skinfold measurement and mid-arm circumference correlates with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; (4) eating disorders do not necessarily develop in people with stereotyped family background and lifestyle; and (5) the average number of people suffering from eating disorders come from well-to-do families than those in the control group     THE RESEARCH DESIGN                 The research study primarily uses quantitative research approach to the topic. The basic purpose of the study is to test the hypothesis that several clinical parameters are correlated with the severity of the eating disorders, and various psychosocial factors may be positively correlated with preference for thinness or development of eating disorders. Quantitative research aspires to determine and analyze the relationship between one variable and another in the population or subjects of the study. The variable in this kind of research are classified as independent and dependent or outcome. There are two kinds of quantitative research: descriptive or experimental. Descriptive quantitative research usually measures the variables in the subjects only once and is aimed at establishing correlations or associations between them. Experimental quantitative research measures variables and subjects before and after treatment and seeks to establish causality ( 2000). Specifically, the research utilizes case-control descriptive quantitative research in addressing the research problem. Case control research involves comparison of cases between a case subject and a control group. The case subjects typically have a specific attribute that is not found in the control group. Comparison is done on the basis that certain attributes or factors have made the case subjects different from the control group (2000). The study utilizes seventeen female patients who are suffering from either anorexia or bulimia nervosa and seventeen healthy females as the controls. The subjects and controls both underwent clinical measurements for height, weight, blood pressure, skinfold, ECG and SAEGG. Afterwards, the results of the measurements are compared and analyzed to test the validity of the hypothesis that certain clinical parameters like low blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index, and skinfold measurements present in the seventeen subjects are not found in the seventeen controls. Furthermore, all the subjects and controls are interviewed regarding personal and social issues and relationships to determine if eating disorder is associated with a particular family or personal background. The researchers are successful in utilizing the research design since they are able to satisfy the validity of the hypothesis. The researchers basically aim to establish a correlation between certain physiological and psychosocial attributes of females with eating disorders with the severity of the disease that would help medical and clinical practitioners to develop more in-depth understanding of the visible symptoms and underlying factors of eating disorders. They are able to deliver results that can help in diagnosis and preventive efforts for the disease.                         The research can also utilize the qualitative research method in the conduct of the study as far as the objective is concerned. The researchers are cognizant of the fact that eating disorder is a broad concept and has several types. They are also aware that females and young teenagers in every society are prone to the development of the illness. The broadness of the topic encouraged the researchers to only explore certain areas of it namely clinical parameters that directly or indirectly correlate with severity of the disease and psychosocial factors influencing the existence of the disorder among the chosen subjects. (2006) claimed that qualitative research is basically used to gain better understanding of any phenomenon or issue. It is a research method primarily used to produce new results or perspectives on well-researched matters or acquire more thorough information that a quantitative research design cannot obtain.  The study wants to derive a set of clinical and psychosocial parameters that may be used in clinical settings for diagnosing eating disorders or formulating treatment measures. Research problems in qualitative research are usually structured as open-ended questions that support exploration of new information or clarification of exiting data on the topic (2006). The design would be appropriately used by the researchers since they are only after finding answers to the question of possible clinical parameters that would determine severity of eating disorder and psychosocial factors that are deemed contributory to the development of the disorder to form a new body of knowledge that may help future endeavors on diagnosing and preventing the illness. According to (2002) despite the grave consequences and widespread nature of eating disorders, these disorders are often difficult to detect and diagnose. Also, even when diagnosed, patients suffering the illness are hesitant of undergoing treatment. Therefore, health and clinical professionals must be aware of the symptoms and visible signs of the disorder in order to facilitate immediate intervention (p.1). The research would have been successful too by utilizing the qualitative research design in coming up with information on clinical and psychosocial parameters contributory to eating disorders. The clinical parameters include body mass index, skin fold measurements and blood pressure which are all somehow easily obtained through appropriate clinical procedures. Psychosocial factors include family background, relationships with people, hobbies, and difficulties encountered in daily living. The findings of the study would supplement existing knowledge on the signs and contributory factors of the disease and thus, help medical practitioners to easily diagnose it in casual patients. According to Neill (2006) qualitative research analysis aims to produce a complete and detailed description of the topic under study while quantitative research seeks to categorize and measure features and make use of statistical methods to explain and analyze the results of the study. Thus, the research study on eating disorder would benefit from both quantitative and qualitative research designs as far as the research objectives are concerned. Basically, both designs aim to yield an explanation or description of a topic or phenomenon which run parallel to what the study wants to accomplish as well.               The study at hand has time constraints to consider which explains the limited number of samples for data collection. However, it can be further enhanced through grounded theory, a form of qualitative research. (2006) stated that grounded theory is a research method advanced by  and works on the purpose of deriving theory from a set of data obtained and analyzed through systematic manners. Grounded theory is founded on the presumption that the developed theory from research data fits empirical settings and situations that both sociologists and laymen would comprehend by providing essential explanations and descriptions of social phenomena. As mentioned, eating disorders is a widely-researched medical concept; thus, the study would benefit from this method since it works around two hypotheses that are basically derived from a much broader body of knowledge on the topic. These hypotheses were satisfied at the end of the study and can be a basis for shaping new theories on eating disorders.               Grounded theory requires longer time for the conduct of the study since it follows a series of steps. The study on eating disorders does not have the luxury of time but certain characteristics in data collection and analysis of grounded theory would be deemed useful for addressing the same problems posed by the present research. Grounded theory basically approaches research through accumulation and reading of literature and textual database in order to extract variables or concepts for determining relationships. The process of extracting or discovering categories from data analysis is called open coding. Open coding is essentially done by studying each property of the topic for the study (2006). The researchers can do open coding since several recordings on eating disorders are existing in libraries, the Internet and other academic sources. The researches can analyze reports or database particularly related to physiological/clinical manifestations of eating disorders and the psychosocial attributes of most girls suffering from the disorder since the research problem revolve around these two concepts. After open coding is done and the categories that support the research problem are extracted, axial coding takes place. Axial coding is the process of determining relationships between the categories or properties of the phenomenon under study through causal relationships. Causal relationships have six elements: (1) Phenomenon or the subject; (2) Causal conditions or the variables that resulted to the occurrence of the phenomenon; (3) Context is somehow related to causal conditions and is usually the researcher’s perspective on the more and less essential components of the causal conditions; (4) Intervening conditions or the mediating variables or properties; (5) Action strategies or the purposeful activities that researchers undertake to address the phenomenon; and (6) Consequences or outcomes of the action strategies (2006). In the study, the phenomenon is eating disorders among young females. Causal conditions are the clinical parameters and psychosocial factors that correlate with the severity and development of the disorder. Context in the study are body mass index and skinfold measurements which the researchers believe to be associated with the severity of eating disorder, and family background which they deem contributory to the development of the disease is the Intervening Condition. Action strategies include the clinical measurements of body mass index, skinfold, heart rate, blood pressure, ECG and SAECG to determine if the seventeen subjects of the study possess lower measurements compared to the seventeen controls. The interview with the subjects and controls asking for family background, personal and social relationships, hobbies and difficulties encountered is also an action strategy that addresses the second research problem of determining the effects of psychosocial factors in development of eating disorders among young females. Finally, the Consequences are the findings obtained which are (1) patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa commonly have low heart rate or bradycardia positively correlated to body mass index and skinfold measurements; (2) blood pressure is also low for the same patients but the effects of body mass index is only on systolic blood pressure and not diastolic blood pressure; (3) triceps skinfold measurement and mid-arm circumference correlates with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; (4) eating disorders do not necessarily develop in people with stereotyped family background and lifestyle; and (5) the average number of people suffering from eating disorders come from well-to-do families than those in the control group.               With regards to the appropriateness of the method of data collection in grounded theory, it does not include a sample population and does not utilize specific data gathering instruments like survey questionnaires or interviews. Thus, this kind of research would not solely address the research problem that Lim and Ho are investigating. The research study wants to establish correlation between clinical parameters and severity of eating disorder, and between psychosocial factors and development of the disorder by utilizing actual persons. The research problem would be best addressed through actual interviews or responses from actual subjects who have eating disorders. The researchers would not be able to gather the essential data on clinical manifestations of eating disorders as well as the psychosocial factors that may contribute to it if they would only rely on broad literature on the topic. In the qualitative research method, on the other hand, the researcher is the data collection instrument. He immerses himself with the setting of the sample population to observe and interpret their natural behaviors and reactions (2006). The research at hand could not derive the needed data merely through observation. Although clinical manifestations of eating disorders can be observable, there is still a need for clinical procedures to ensure that the subjects of the study possess some attributes that are not found in normal teenagers who do not have the disorder. Also, the psychosocial factors that contribute to the disease can not be observed by the naked eye. Thus, quantitative research is still the most applicable method in terms of approach to data collection. This method utilizes a sample population where information regarding the research problem would be derived. It also uses data gathering instruments in order to collect the needed information.               Both qualitative research and grounded theory are time consuming and requires the researcher to immerse themselves or focus on the natural situation of the research subjects. According to (2006) researchers using grounded theory should strictly adhere to the process since this research design emphasizes the dynamic changes taking place in the research setting over time. (2006) added that qualitative research yields richer data that are less likely to be generalized through time consuming observation patterns. Since the researchers of the study on eating disorders emphasized that they are faced with time constraints, grounded theory and qualitative research designs would not be suitable for the research in terms of time and place of the research. The researchers cannot spend longer time with the subjects in the hospital because the time for data collection is very minimal.               Considering the source of data, all the three research designs would be beneficial for the researchers. Quantitative and qualitative research designs both adhere to sample populations and observations as methods of data collection. The researchers are able to identify a group of subjects for the study. If they were given enough time for the conduct of the study, they could have spent some time observing the behaviors of the subjects as they undergo treatment at the hospital.  Grounded theory, on the contrary, primarily utilizes existing records of the social phenomenon under study in order to derive the needed interpretations regarding the research problem.  The research on eating disorders would benefit from this since the researchers should ensure that their hypotheses are patterned after available literature on the topic. The researchers could not formulate their hypotheses without consulting available data on eating disorders. Thus, in terms of source of data, the research at hand can benefit from qualitative, quantitative and grounded theory research designs.                         Finally, qualitative research would supplement the purpose of the study to establish a new perspective on the topic while grounded theory would help the researchers adopt a more systematic and literature-based approach to the problem because of its meticulous process.   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

CRITICALLY EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF A RESEARCH REPORT IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING BODY OF EVIDENCE THAT UNDERPINS SPECIALIST PRACTICE

THE CONTRIBUTION OF A RESEARCH REPORT IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING BODY OF EVIDENCE THAT UNDERPINS SPECIALIST PRACTICE TH...

Reaction of educationists, educational planners, policy makers on constitutional and legislative steps taken in promotion of education

Background The proposal caters towards reaction of educationists, educational planners, policy makers on constitutional and legislative steps taken in promotion of education Reform of Islamic education and institutions of Islamic instruction must proceed from the recognition that Islamic boarding schools and Islamic education are an integral part of national education in Pakistan.  Pakistan’s experience with the reform of Islamic education demonstrates that such reforms, to be effective, cannot be imposed.  What is needed for successful uplift of institutions of Islamic education is not the promulgation of more ordinances but constructive conversations between accomplished ulema and senior government officials. The government already has the authority to regulate and control institutions of Islamic education. The Societies Act requires all educational institutions to register with provincial governments and to make regular financial declarations. Thus, the Madaris Regulation and Control Ordinance’s requirement that institutions of Islamic education register and disclose their accounts irritated educators at Islamic educational institutions   Research Questions <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> What is reaction about? Does positive or negative reaction matter in steps taken for promoting education? Why or why not? </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> What are educationists? Educational planners? Policy makers? How they are important in the promoting of education in Pakistan? </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> What is promotion of education about? How is it realized, adopted in Pakistan? Does Pakistan aware of constitutional and legislative steps? How is education in Pakistan? Discuss </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> What is the essential role of education authorities in bringing out the best education for learners’ esp. those with learning disabilities?  Provide situation </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> What is meant by constitutional steps? Legislative steps? How they are used in taking educational promotion? Do the two involved steps provide positive means? And or negative means? </li>   Research Objectives <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> To find out appropriate reactions as perceived by educationists, by educational planners, by policy makers in lieu to constitutional and legislative steps taken in promotion of education </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> To recognize literature support in terms of education promotion, esp. effective education promotion the case of Pakistan </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> To evaluate, assess as well as execute constitutional and legislative steps towards education </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> To integrate relevant points linking to research questions and the construction of literature organization and appropriate method to use in both qualitative and quantitative paradigm </li>   Research Hypothesis <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> There is positive reaction of educationists, educational planners, policy makers on constitutional and legislative steps taken in promotion of education </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%"> There is negative reaction of educationists, educational planners, policy makers on constitutional and legislative steps taken in promotion of education </li>   Research Methodology For methodology, the research study will investigate the educational nature Pakistan educationists, educational planners, policy makers regarding the constitutional and legislative steps taken in promoting education of the region,  and extent of physical education promotion in sample of secondary schools in Pakistan, the core method will be through questionnaires as it will be completed by 40 education heads of Pakistan school department and the questions will cover in range of steps for educational promotion in secondary schools including thecurriculum, school environment, school policies and ethos. The results may show that there can be diverse reactions of educational authorities when it comes to constitutional and legislative process of education as mandated by law and while most teacherswere working hard to promote effective education in some areasof the school, many other avenues for education promotionwere being overlooked (1992). The need to examine case analysis and case analysis method, implying to qualitative methods such as open-ended questions and quantitative methods such as to request respondents to rank their views about specific question in the questionnaire in adherence to promotion of education and its several known research ( 1999). Questions are need to be examined for reliability and validity with statements ranging from 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree and 5 = strongly agree, to be enclosed at. Data will be collected and analyzed through using qualitative techniques upon pointing towards document analysis, interviews and questionnaire survey. The primary data is to be collected from the respondents in case situations, secondary data is to comprise of reference concerning research subject.       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Reaction of educationists, educational planners, policy makers on constitutional and legislative steps taken in promotion of education

Background The proposal caters towards reaction of educationists, educational planners, policy makers on constitutional and legislati...

RESEARCH PROJECT – THREAD CUTTING TOOLS

Research Proposal: Marketing Cutting tools in the U.K.                                                           29th November, 2006 Introduction   The research topic I have chosen is the viability of marketing cutting tools in the U.K. In particular the application of internal threading tools where the requirement is to machine components with these tools allowing them to be fastened to other parts or other components.   This research project would enable the understanding of the various methods of research and their application.   It would also involve primary and secondary data collection related to the subject question where all the research would be made utilizing the skills gained from the previous units of this course.   The directives for this research project are detailed here below:   <li class="MsoNormal"> Define a proposal for the research project with procedures to follow. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"> Source primary and secondary data. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"> Plan and define the research project. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"> Systematic outlook on methodology. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"> Qualitative analysis of data. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"> Defining the quantity of data. </li> <li class="MsoNormal"> Evaluation and presentation. </li>                                       TABLE OF CONTENTS     S. No.                Subject.                                            Page No.   1.             Information of relevance tree sessions                    3   2.             Relevance tree                                                    4   3.             Justification of final choice of research topic            5   4.             Method used to generate the research question               6   5.             Statement of research question                             7   6.             Collection of data used for research                               8   7.             Action Plan for the Project                                    9   8.             Code of ethics for the research project                   10                                                                                                 1.     Information. The reason for researching this particular subject is due to the fact that I have been involved in the manufacture of Thread Cutting Tools for the application of internal threading of components. For more than a decade I have been involved with this product and have a reasonable knowledge of its application where as my knowledge of marketing these Tools in the U.K. is limited. The chosen topic is a method to gain insight to the workings of the industrial trade in the U.K. and evaluate whether there is a viable solution or series of methods for this project to be a success.  With this project a brainstorming session was conducted in class. The topic which was interesting to me was written up on the charts and then forwarded to the group of students for their point of view. Eventually from the topic a relevance tree was created enabling further details which were refined.   As there was only one particular topic which was the marketing of cutting tools in the U.K. defined there were no other topics to reject. However the topic still had to be refined which is explained in the next section.                                                 2.     Relevance tree.   DETAILS OF SELECTION AND REJECTION OF PROPOSAL IDEA.       IDEA REASON FOR SELECTION REJECTION REASONS MARKETING OF THREAD CUTTING TOOLS IN THE UK PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE FIELD OF CUTTING TOOLS SELECTED                                                                 3.     Justification.   With the relevance tree the research project was defined. The particular subject has to be further investigated to be a successful project. It also does posses the potential to be highly informative and that there is a huge scope for the manufacturing companies of not only the U.K. but also the other parts of the industrial world. I feel that this will be a difficult task but I would learn a wealth of information. With this project I can do an in-depth research of the topic using various resources, and draw logical conclusions as well as fulfill the requirements satisfactorily for this course. This topic is appropriate because it is informative to me and would assist me in my future plans to develop a customer base for this particular segment of the market. Of these factors which are equally important one other major factor is the market i.e. the industrial requirement. This factor towers over the other factors as without the industrial requirement there would be no need for such a product hence no market requirement. Therefore my research would be drawn to the direction whether there is a market for this particular product.                                       4.     Method used for generation of research question.   The method used to generate the research question was basically ideas related to marketing and application of cutting tools.   Each idea was written on the whiteboard by Sam and related links to the topic was also written in which each link was elaborated and its related link identified and further elaboration took place.   Finally the research project question was created and decided upon.                                                                     5.     The final topic of my research project was:   Can we sell sufficient thread cutting tools in the U.K. to make a pre tax profit of £ 50000-00 in the first year?   Sufficient would amount to 100,000 units                                                                             6.     Collection of data.   For this Project Report data which would be utilized would be primary and secondary data.   Primary Data: With a statistical approach I would be gathering data which is related to the production levels or output of manufacturing companies who utilize thread cutting tools. This data would enable me to estimate the requirement of this product on a yearly basis and evaluate the consumption per area. Which would be organized in sequence defining each phase of the research project enabling it to be understood and ultimately result in a conclusion.   Qualitative ordinal data shall be collected from the office of national statistics where this category would be ranked and defined.   Quantitative data shall be measured, counted & quantified.   Data for the research project shall be from the internet and government statistical data as well as data from the major tool manufacturing associations, associations of manufacturing in the U.K., financial statements which would also provide data for this would also be valued.   Direct communication with some of the tool manufacturing companies would also be commenced however response to this may or may not achieve results.   Another area for data collection would come from the national statistics of the U.K.   With regard to my place of work I would try to engage myself with some of the tooling manufacturers and hopefully gain some insight on their potential.   Secondary Data:   The major input of this particular data shall come again from the internet but as this would be a secondary data it would be sourced from data that has been documented previously. Additional data would be collated and expressed from the primary data also.         7.     Action Plan. The action plan for this project would be related to the SMART system (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) WEEK ACTION METHOD HOW IT IS MEASURED OUTCOME AIMED AT 1 1/4/06   Relevance tree Group discussion Group feed back, ideas, points of interest Projected idea base 2 15/5/06 Decision on final question Meeting Pro and cons of the idea Final research question 3 1/12/06 Background information Internet search engines, tool associations, publications, libraries Quantity and quality of information relevant to research question Vast amount of information available and possible ideas how to develop my question into a project 4 13/12/06 Research proposal Informal report Tutor feedback my overall opinion Direction related to the proposed project report 5 1/3/07 Collection of data Internet research and data collection from companies Importance of their relation to the subject question Collection of data relevant to the subject 6 15/3/07 Defining data   Collating information Bringing together information allotting it to presentation status   Outcome & findings 7 20/3/07 References Harvard Defining the work completed to the Harvard referencing References   8 1/4/07 Evaluation Summarize methodology and findings Self evaluation by critical evaluation Finished report 9 1/5/07 Presentation Unconfirmed Project outlook Achieving objectives of the project question 8.     Code of ethics.   1.           I will abide by the data protection act. 2.           I will abide by the law of the land. 3.           I will not misinterpret information. 4.           I will respect the right to privacy. 5.           The information collated will have no other purpose other than the project itself. 6.           All information collated will be presented in an accurate method. 7.           I will behave in a professional manner. 8.           All primary data from participants will be voluntary.       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

RESEARCH PROJECT – THREAD CUTTING TOOLS

Research Proposal: Marketing Cutting tools in the U.K. ...

Research Proposal

RESEARCH PROPOSAL     Proposed Title: Research Study on Virtual Reality Effectiveness supporting several student needs through classroom activities and programs: A Comparison of  VR technology in Biology class versus Computer class   Research Problem / Research Question   Is VR technology in its effectiveness, the first step toward the ultimate display or the ultimate educational medium to be utilized in Biology and Computer class? As some of the pioneers of virtual reality  have heralded it as modern form of classroom interaction between students and VR machines (1991) and “the first school medium that does not narrow the learner’s spirit” (1991). Thus,  (1965), mention that, VR involves to the display connected to digital computer gives learners the chance to gain familiarity with concepts not realizable in physical world.   There is no reason why the objects displayed by a computer have to follow the ordinary rules of physical reality  as the ultimate display would be room within which the computer can control the existence of matter” (1965 ).  The underlying problem can reflect from such notion as for instance, education and academe researchers have shied away from using the term  VR and thus, prefer it to be virtual environments. The problem of labels has risen because it is difficult to maintain clear separation between research carried out in VR and developments in such Biology and or Computer class. Thus, it will make sense to compare some of VR technologies side by side. Even if VR occupies only small niche, there is little doubt that it is among number of technologies that are changing rapidly and playing an increasingly important part in the school curriculum.   1.     Does the presence of VR technology in schools amicably provide effective applications for student learning in the classroom? 2.     How can a student acquire desirable learning experiences in Biology class through VR utilization? In computer class?  3.     How does VR technology in its effectiveness be applied to Biology class? To Computer class? (Cite examples) 4.     Any similarities and differences of the VR approaches in both classes? Are there any diverse facts in such learning assumptions as used by students/ learners with different needs? 5.     In what ways does VR technology be implemented to such classroom activities signifying that such students learning in various processes are not the same? Since for example, Biology class offers different mode of learning applications as compared to what the computer class offers?   Introduction to topic for research Accordingly, until the early 1990s, virtual reality have become commonplace, attracting hundreds of researchers and developing into sizable industry although, until recently, VR process were so expensive that only large research laboratories could afford them, VR then, has now become poised to enter the education arena in the form of virtual tools for educational learning purposes. Thus, with the advent of other innovative technologies, the emergence of virtual reality has raised many questions about its effective implications, as there now seems to have ample possibility that virtual reality technology may become strong medium for student learning such as in subjects as biology and computer respectively. Thus, VR technology still has the look and feel of prototype, jumble of wires, LCDs and artful technical compromises ( 1988), just portal looking out on mature technology to come. Truly then, virtual reality is powerful and compelling computer application by which humans can interface and interact with computer-generated environments in way that mimics real life and engages all the senses. Thus, virtual reality technology will link people and information in ways that are much more immersive and integrative than current network connections based on two dimensional display screens with keyboard and mouse. Nowadays, students make connections with computing systems in several alternative ways. Each time one watches an electronic watch or hears digital encoding, one is interfacing with computer. One good example is, when someone views standard size computer display within the physical world, the computer screen picture is only small portion of the high priority real world world, but if the screen is sufficiently surrounding to dominate most of the total human range of sight and the picture that it displays reacts naturally to movement, then the computer picture becomes perceptually predominant.     Research objectives The core objective of this study is to determine factors emphasizing VR technology in its effectiveness in support to students needs in classroom activities, identifying vivid comparisons of Biology class as compared to computer class assimilating VR technology from within such context. Thus, as without realism, it is impossible to say that scientific or technological advance has taken place in the classroom and that some change to such VR patterns in one of those classes may result into shortcomings. Another objective would be, to impose awareness with regards to VR technology as applied to student learning that can incur their diverse needs in the classroom. The utilization of VR approaches should be essential in providing in-depth knowledge of how can VR technology effectiveness is applied within biology as well as computer classes as it serves as the main focus of the study. But as the researcher is just being  concerned with virtual reality, in such effectiveness for classroom activities/programs, there shall need to look useful concepts or ideas as part of such learning range within the school phenomena that may sprung around the ideal facet of VR technology in action.                 Sampling Procedures   For determining a solid stance of VR technology in its effectiveness, the research samples as subject for survey questionnaire in support to case studies can be divided into two groups of students, 50 students from Biology class and 50 students from computer class given the fact that, both of the student groups are using VR materials for both class types. The age bracket of these  students can be from 14-17 years old, the age in which biology class and computer class is applicable. The study procedure must be explained well to the students both from biology and computer class. Then, quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed and that quantitative will be sourced to the primary data gathered and will be undergone into compilation, frequencies, percentages and determination of relationships. Qualitative data will come from the open type of questions in the questionnaire that will reflect the personal opinions of respondents not included in the selection, data will be significant when quantitative data is discovered to have deviations from the hypothesized variables.                Methodology For the realization of the study in progress, one crucial methodology to be applied is through survey questionnaires that will be given to the students from biology class and computer class respectively. The survey questionnaire can be in easy and simple form for the students to respond well and fairly. The questions can be divided into 3 subsets, 5 questions will be asking how their classes are in terms of laboratory tools and materials asking them to narrate such items used in each of the class. The next 5 will be pointing to such VR technology used within the classroom, detailing how they achieved learning and desirable experiences from within their classroom activities. The last 5 questions can be identifying such biology and computer classroom activities using appropriate VR tools and ask the students if they use certain facilities such as movie watching and viewing of discovery channels in 3D interaction process and or film shows and workshops supporting how computer advance and impact the student mind of today’s generation. Thus, there can also be utilization of several case study examples supporting VR technology in its effectiveness, these cases can be found from secondary sources of information as such supported by peer reviewed journals and or academic articles related to the assumptions of VR in schools today. The qualitative approach is to answer questions about the nature of phenomena with the purpose of describing and understanding them from the students’ point of view. Thus, the case study design have the capability of uncovering causal paths and mechanisms and by precise detail there identifies several causal influences and interaction effects which might not be treated well in such statistics investigation as particularly helpful in generating useful theories in development of VR effectiveness. (1997;  1984) Thus, the case study approach will amicably involve the utilization of such methodological information integrating certain suitable ideas and concepts from such primary resources as handed well using first hand findings and research outcomes signifying the appropriateness of VR technology found within biology and or computer class by means of realizing any case study material based on amiable research tools and techniques to be executed in the study. (1997; 1984) Data required and methods of data collection   The research methodology and design process would involve such primary as well as secondary sources for bringing about substantial studies that are literature based and theoretically inclined for which such research methods utilized may truly serve its first hand purpose for this study. The primary sources will have to represent original thinking as the core data for the research will have to be in case studies as well as survey questionnaires equipped with suitable statistical data and its measures as it can have direct observation to the research process as undergoing research should be handed in with empirical facets and crucial points gathered by the researcher. There should also be the integration of secondary data as findings and assumption studies made by several researchers can be good option that supports any valid information. The secondary data will then analyze and evaluate information as being found in the primary sources and creates information more accessible to the readers and the parties involved as these were supported by good books, peer reviewed journals as well as articles and other publication types. When moving the case method for instance, can have such shifts from one paradigm to another and in handling study discipline, such careful approach is amicably needed. The data to be gathered will be tallied by the researcher and will be encoded in the computer.  Hard copy will be printed to ensure that files are kept including the questionnaire responses of the sample.  Frequencies will be computed into percentages and will be presented through graphs, tables and textual arrangements. VR data will also undergo interpretation to determine student to VR relationships indicating the applicability of the research study.   Data Analysis and possible conclusion                                                        The analysis of data can be through scaling interpretation for the survey questions that can be in support to any descriptive type of analysis basing from the responses of the students of both classes. The measurement for such analysis, must take such forms of non-comparative scales to be illustrated as qualitative approach can involve numeric value and on the other hand, be it in semantic way with complete scaling measurements as equipped to understand VR technology applications in those classes and in achieving success in educational training aspect also. There will be utilization of interval scaling as the researcher can justify the use of the arithmetic mean as measure of average. The interval scale has equal units of measurement and possible to interpret not only the order of scale scores as possible to add or subtract constant of the scale value without affecting the form of the scale, requiring interval scales for this study is just appropriate supported by likert scales for the survey as every scale item will have 5 categories, with scale values ranging from -2 to +2 with 0 as neutral response. (2004 , May 3, 2007) Likert scales are treated as yielding Interval data by the majority of marketing researchers.  The scales which have been described in this chapter are among the most commonly used in marketing research. Whilst there are great many more forms which scales can take, if students are familiar with those described in this chapter they will be well equipped to deal with most types of survey problem. Furthermore, through such application of the Likert scale measurement, the degree of agreement as well as disagreement will be given desired numeric value wherein there can include such 2-5 interpretative points from strongly agree up to neutral scaling aspect down to strongly disagree as to be effective in calculation processes (2004 , May 3, 2007).   Nevertheless, there can say that VR technology has shaped the modern education society inasmuch as there has been such steady advance of school subjects from such points of curriculum innovation. Thus, for case study application, it may be class utilization of VR in biology and or computer class can provide effective classroom activities as supported by VR tools and materials respectively. For instance, the growth of biological knowledge is a necessary for desirable student learning. Furthermore, the same applies to VR technology in computer classes, as it can be imperative to point to certain enhanced ability to manipulate such PC applications and its related data and information. The immediate outcome is that it will be necessary to examine not only VR effectiveness forces that shape classroom centered advances but also on student learning experiences as a whole. The data to be presented will have to be in tabulation and due analysis through the use of deviations in median and percentage standardization. Future studies that could be of use by the researchers can be seen in the matter of how effective this particular research study to the society that will be transpired that the study is of applied values and norms that could be the useful indication of the studies to be discussed and be able to assimilate in the future research studies that is more or less related to the presumed study. There needs for updating significant primary and secondary with proper occupation of modern tools and techniques and the need to strengthen on the overall research in its execution and style of completion. The proposal then, may possibly explain relevance of research approach and its affectivity to the served purpose respectively.      Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Research Proposal

RESEARCH PROPOSAL Proposed Title: Research Study on Virtual Reality Effectiveness supporting several student needs through cla...