A500.7.3.RB - Quantitative Research Reflection

Quantitative research is empirical investigation using observable phenomena where results are given in mathematical terms.  The objective is to develop and apply math models to theories and hypothesis.  Quantitative studies are objective and independent of the researcher.  

In my eyes all research begins with quantitative analysis, one must first answer the “if and what” before jumping into the why.  Qualitative research answers the question “does such and such exist”?  In the case of my action research I needed to know if procrastination existed and if so among whom before I could look at why it happens and how a leader can help minimize it.  

With my background in Mathematics I find quantitative research fascinating.  I can appreciate the correlations that come out of studies and frustrations that come when the data does not meet the researchers expectations.  On the other hand I also have experience in the world of Psychology, which leans more towards explaining why things happen.  I believe that research that involves both quantitative and qualitative aspects is best.

Quantitative exploration lays the foundation for research by mathematically answering the question of if and what exists.  This can be done through surveys or experiments and reported as numerical data.  It’s these results that can then be used to draw a relationship between two factors or traits.  Once the relationship, or lack of, is found then the research can lead to answering why this occurred.     

A500.6.3.RB - Qualitative Research

Qualitative research follows the steps of the scientific method.  In elementary science class we learned the steps of the scientific method:

• • Ask a Question
• • Do Background Research
• • Construct a Hypothesis
• • Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
• • Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
• • Communicate Your Results (Steps of the Scientific Method, 2015)

In the Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector’s Field Guide qualitative research consists of an investigation that: 

• • Seeks answers to a question 
• • Systematically uses a predefined set of procedures to answer the question 
• • Collects evidence 
• • Produces findings that were not determined in advance 
• • Produces findings that are applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study 

Qualitative research seeks to explain how or why something occurs, in contrast to quantitative research that simply asks if something occurs.  Qualitative looks at the question through the lens of a certain group of people, it explores phenomena.   It can be flexible in its style or categories of questions and also in its methods of collection.  Some researchers use focus groups, in depth interviews or behavior monitoring.  

The questions asked by qualitative researchers are open-ended with the hope of explaining relationships, describe experiences and describe norms.   Qualitative research is used once a behavior or phenomenon is found to exist; it is used a lot in social sciences.  Researchers want to know why people behave the way they do, what cause them to respond in a certain way and how they make the decision to respond that way.  

In my research I want to find out why people procrastinate, we already know that some people put work off, I want to know why and can their behavior be changed.  Procrastination causes companies to lose money, are there ways to help workers stay on task?  The answer to this comes from answering the underlying question of why people procrastinate.  Is it that the task is one of low interest, or they have too many obligations, or is it a behavior they have had for as long as they can remember.  Once we can find a reason why the behavior happened then we could move on to how to change the behavior.  Changing the behavior might be something each person has to work on internally, or it might be something external, such as a reward, that will drive them to change.  Each person is different; they have different reasons for procrastination and therefore may have different way to achieve change. 

Qualitative research takes a behavior or occurrence and asks the questions why and how.  The answers to these questions may not be “black and white” they may have many different answers based on people’s different experiences.  Observation is a good tool used in qualitative research, stepping back and looking into a situation can sometimes obtain the most informative information.  People’s behaviors can tell you a lot of information about them.  

           

References:

Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector’s Field Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved 

February 21, 2015, from http://www.ccs.neu.edu/course/is4800sp12/resources/qualmethods.pdf

Steps of the Scientific Method. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2015, from

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/

project_scientific_method.shtml

A500.5.3.RB - Critical Thinking about Critical Thinking

When I started this course I never really thought about my thinking.  I knew that I had what I thought was a good system for making large complicated decisions.  I had never really looked at the process of my thinking closely.  After this class I know my thinking was flawed.  I realized a lot of my decisions were made out of emotion and that I needed to be able to step back and look at the entire picture not just the part that is blatantly obvious.

            The one process that stood out to me was SEE-I; State it, Elaborate, Exemplify and Illustrate.  The process of taking a concept or problem and applying the SEE-I technique is a helpful one.  I have used it at work, home and even in my personal life.  I have found when I have a large and complicated question I need a solution to I sit down and apply the SEE-I technique and it helps me to see the big picture. 

I have also found a way to use the technique for quick decisions as well, especially at work.  Many times throughout my shift I have to make decisions to issues that don’t have a perfect solution.  I have found that if I apply the SEE-I technique in my mind and walk through the steps I can find the best outcome with the resources I have. 

I realize I have a long way to go in regards to my critical thinking, but I also feel I have come a long way from where I started.  Critical thinking is an ever-evolving process, one that will only get better with time.  The more I think about my thinking the more I realize it will never be perfect.   

A500.4.3.RB Ballet Slippers or Adorable

I have always believed that making your own choices is best.  When you make a decision for yourself then it becomes personal and more meaningful.  Sometimes when decisions are made based on a desire to please others there is no internal connection to the choice.  This seems to be the Anglo-American way of thinking according to Iyengar's research that found they “did two and a half times more anagrams when they got to choose them, as compared to when it was chosen for them" (TEDTalks 5:01). Do theses results translate into the prospect of raising thinkers who can make choices for themselves when given a chance?  Maybe.  Sometimes making the right decision can be difficult and we end up asking other people for help which cannot always turn out well.  Other people have their own opinions, beliefs and experiences that can be different from our own.  While asking for help from others when making a decision can be helpful, it’s best to relay on your own instinct and feelings.

With that being said, when making a decision about something that will affect others it may be beneficial to have the opinions of those involved.  A leader makes decisions everyday that effects the team, some are made on their own, some with the input of others.  I don't necessarily feel that if a leader makes a decision on their own that it is selfish decision.  There is a distinction between making a decision alone and making a self centered decision.  If a leader has a good reading of their teams likes, dislikes and interests then when offered choices they should be able to make a decision that will best serve the team.  This is one of the qualities that make someone a good leader.  Another quality that makes a leader great is the ability to realize they need help and asking for it.  If the choices are too many or there is no clear correct choice then asking for help from the team is a good way to assure everyone gets at least a chance to share their thoughts.     

While having a variety of choices available to you is a good thing, too many can become overwhelming.  Looking around at the options in front of you and viewing a sea of colors and textures can be both beautiful and confusing.  While I believe having choices allows for better decision-making, too many can lead distraction.  Its best to narrow down the choices according to certain criteria into more manageable pieces.  Not having a choice can feel horrible and trapped.  We all like to feel we have some sort of control over things in our lives, not having choices can feel like you have no control. 

“Ballet slippers or adorable” just goes to show how we are influenced by words, among other things.  The two shades were so close in color that half of the women couldn’t tell them apart.  Of the half that could they picked “adorable” with no label on the bottles and “ballet slippers” with the label.  So what is it about the words “ballet slippers” that draws people in?  Persuasions are all around us, product names that have a personal connection to us, favorite colors and smells, and even visuals designed to draw us in.  We must learn to see beyond these to make the best decisions.  We joke that my daughter would buy anything if it were pink.  She is hypnotized by the color, to the point of obsession at times. 

Reference:

TEDTalks: Sheena Iyengar--The Art of Choosing [Motion picture]. (2010). TED.