B3c. Tools Each researchers study was either quantitative, qualitative or both also if there are a subtype being used such as descriptive. Therefore, depending on the method used the researchers may have used the same or different tools. The tools utilized by a researcher for the aforementioned methods may include but are not limited to the following: in-depth interviews, dairies, rating scales, questionnaires, audio equipment, physiological measurements, observation scoring, and software to measure variables/statistical data as well as data bases to find sources for the research being conducted (Houser, 2008f).
B3d. Effect on Results Some of the studies used as a basis for research in this paper used a qualitative method this was the case in the study conducted by Bennett et al. (2006) a focus group gathered on six separate occasions each time one investigator would facilitate discussions while others audiotaped the dialogue and general observations. This is a qualitative method and researcher attempt to understand the importance of what the participants have stated all while looking for themes or patterns in experience then analyze the data ways that preserve the percipients meaning of words, phrases, and actions (Houser, 2008c). Hall et al. (2010) and Verweij, Smeulers, Maaskant and Vermeulen (2014) each used focus groups one of which utilizing specific questions whiles other allowed discussion topics derived from the direct observations. Other studies used as
Given the impact of obesity on health and the economy, preventing excess body fat that might lead to obesity must begin in early years of life (Willows, 2005). There are several programs and resources that have been put in place to reduce obesity in Aboriginal children. Some examples include; let’s be healthy together toolkit (Best Start Resource Centre, 2010), Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project (Willows, Hanley, & Delormier, 2012), and Sandy Lake project (Willows, Hanley, & Delormier, 2012).
The qualitative research design applied in this study is the focus group interviewing. For this particular topic, survey research design was the most appropriate as it could help obtain the necessary data and information from respondents. Also, the National Institute against Prejudice and Violence used questionnaires to collect data and information in doing the research (Barnes &Ephross, 1994).
Behavioral tools are used by human service workers to assist individuals in developing, organizing, and maintaining changes to improve a quality of life. There are approaches service workers may find helpful when working with various clients and working in different situations. To focus on creating healthy behaviors, this report on behavioral tools looks at effective methods of implementing change through the following: client centered approaches, grounding techniques, and operant conditioning through positive and negative reinforcements. The report will also assist human service workers identify some situations that the stated approaches may be used for.
Focus groups in a qualitative study allow the researcher to interview several participants simultaneously. Numbers of those within the group are typically no more than 12 to allow for a more in-depth discussion. Focus groups are beneficial with limited time, and may allow for richer data collection as conversations ensue amongst participants (Leedy & Ormrod, 2013). Thus, the use of the talking circle is appropriate in this study. The small numbers and shared epistemology of the ATC’s would allow for comfortable dialogue. The quantitative data consisted of two surveys, one for the administrators, with a separate survey for the ATC’s.
Flexible and inexpensive, focus groups consist of six to ten participants (Hartman, 2004, p. 408). Additionally, a moderator guides the discussion among its panel members that allows researchers to observe real-time verbal responses and nonverbal cues (Hartman, 2004, p. 402; Cooper & Schindler, 2014, p. 160). Focus groups moderators also have the ability to introduce new ideas to gain a greater understanding of concerns from respondents (Hartman, 2004, p. 402). However, a concern with focus group is the lack of anonymity due to the face-to-face participation.
Following a critical overview of the literature, this chapter outlines the research methodology. It will provide a justification for a qualitative methodological approach and specification of methods employed. Highlighting the appropriateness of interviews and focus groups in relation to the methodology and overall research. It will also provide recognition of their relative strengths and limitations.
One of the strategies not used in this study we the use of group interviews or focus groups. The authors point this fact out in their study indicating that while the results from such interviews would likely add to the evidence of their study, because of the scope of the study this method would need to wait to be utilized in later studies. Limiting the number of uncontrolled variables and not overwhelming the study with multiple research methods that may or may not add to the value of the results at this point seems beneficial and allows room for future
This article represents a focus group type of qualitative research. According to Qualitative Research Consultants Association (2015), in focus group qualitative research, a group of individuals who share a need, life circumstance, or habit relevant to the research issue(s) at hand are led in a discussion by a modulator. The focus group discussions often include between two to ten respondents, and are often held face to face. They can also be conducted remotely through videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or
The researcher will look at different methods and decide which should use to gather the information required to answer the hypothesis questions. These methods may both include quantitative and qualitative approach such as interviews, questionnaires, conducting experiments or gathering data through statistic. After choosing appropriate methods, the researcher will investigate possible ethical implications, validity and reliability of the data collected.
A Focus group is defined as a research technique that collects data through a group interaction, on a given topic from the researcher. Along with this definition are some essential components. Firstly, it states that, focus groups are research methods devoted to data collection. Secondly, it signifies the interaction of group discussion as a source of data. Lastly, it acknowledges the active role of researchers in establishing the group discussion in order to collect data (David, 1996.p.130).
The methodology for this study involves the focus groups who observes an activity and offers a feedback in response (Baxter, 2008). The response can be used to give answers to the to the questions under study. The expectancy question dictates
Focus groups are a prominent method of enquiry, regularly used within the field of social science and in particular, qualitative research. The focus group practice involves a number of participants having an open discussion on a specific topic, set by a researcher. The researcher acts as a moderator to aid discussion by using probes to collect desirable data. This process is recorded and transcripts are used to interpret and analyse given information.
In collecting data, the researcher utilized a variety of tools to ensure that data retrieved were accurate and met the objectives of the study. The researcher used two instruments during the study. These instruments were: an observation checklist and a questionnaire.
Analytical tools that are advanced and more complex to understand usually require the person analyzing the information to have a specialization with these skills. However, there are many different interactive tools and software that “enable almost any business user to become an analyst and identify trends on the fly.” (Lampitt Online) These are helping companies to save money from hiring analysts and have many employees making sense of the data they are collecting. EBay has used software and techniques to have an analytical culture among their employees.
The basic advantage of the focus groups for this essay is that will illustrate development of the opinion and will help to correct the perspective on the issue that the survey will have already given. While the survey will be providing quantitative type of information and describe the issue in the measurement of the statistics, focus groups will be providing qualitative information on the research. Information that will be collected from the focus groups will help to explore the influence of the news media and it will describe how it happens and what the key element is. Also it will provide the flexibility of the research, Information from the focus groups will be will be collected by group interaction so it will be more objective and not very personal.