Data Collection And Analysis

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?