Question

Section 4: Quantitative Methods
In the section, you will explore quantitative research methods. Quantitative methods use data collected in the research to support the hypothesis. Researcher often use quantitative methods when the data has been collected using a survey or instrument such as a questionnaire. Test scores and other forms of data collected for other purposes can also be used in a quantitative study.


Required Reading:
Please refer to each Activity for required readings within Activity Resources.

Assignment 4   Survey Data Collection and Conducting Research on the Internet
Researchers spend years of study to learn the nuances of instrument development. Survey development is a challenging endeavor that involves pilot testing, statistical analysis, and may involve factor analysis and inter-item reliability analysis. These statistical analyses help establish psychometric properties that demonstrate instrument reliability and validity.

An alternative to instrument development is the use of pre-existing measures that contain established psychometric properties. The Library link in the required readings of this Activity provides sources for established (valid and reliable) instruments (surveys). It is important that researchers develop a strong understanding of instrument validity and reliability regardless of whether they build their own survey, modify a pre-existing survey, or utilize a pre-existing survey in its totality.

With the advent of the Internet, now there are a number of survey data collection tools, including sampling resources, surveys, and tools that assist researchers in increasing survey response rate, which facilitate reducing non-response bias.

Below provides resources on Internet data collection.
Best, S. J., & Krueger, B. S. (2004). Internet data collection. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Birnbaum, M. H. (2000). Introduction to behavioral research on the Internet. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Birnbaum, M. H. (Ed.). (2000). Psychological experiments on the Internet. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Fraley, R. C. (2004). How to conduct behavioral research over the Internet: A beginner's guide to HTML and CGI/Perl. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Hewson, C., Yule, P., Laurent, D., & Vogel, C. (2003). Internet research methods: A practical guide for the social and behavioural sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Jones, S. (Ed.). (1999). Doing Internet research: Critical issues and methods for examining the Net. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Schonlau, M., Fricker, R. D., Jr., & Elliott, M. N. (2002). Conducting research surveys via E-Mail and the Web. Santa Monica, CA: Rand.
In addition, if you decide to pursue survey development as part of your research at Northcentral University, consider obtaining other resources to support your developing skills.

Here is a link to other great resources, within SAGE Research Methods.

Activity Resources
Trochim, W., & Donnelly, J. (2008). Chapters 9, 10
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Chapter 8
Cozby, P. C. (2012). Chapters 7, 8, 12, 13
Wadsworth Cengage Learning: Surveys � Research Methods Workshops
Tests and Measurements, Northcentral Library
Wright, K. B. (2005).
Main Task: Apply Survey Research
This assignment provides an opportunity to use a survey creation tool, to practice internet data collection.

Prior to beginning your survey design, read the following article:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2005.tb00259.x/full
Then, visit the following links to learn more:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/use-cases/education-surveys
http://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/tour/responsecollection
Now, it is time to practice: Please sign up for Survey Monkey (you can obtain a free, limited account) and create a survey you might use in your own study. Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/ to create your account. You will notice that you can create a variety of question types. Be creative and explore all of the options. Develop a survey of at least 10 different questions. Be sure to include both quantitative and qualitative survey questions. Send your mentor the link for your survey.

Length: a 10 (or more) item survey with both quantitative and qualitative survey questions.

Your survey should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University's Academic Integrity Policy.

Submission: After completing your survey, submit a one page Word document to your instructor. It will consist of two parts 1) The URL (web address) for your survey so that your instructor can review your survey, and 2) A brief discussion (150-200 words) of any issues or reflections you had while developing the survey.

Learning Outcomes: 5, 6
Assignment Outcomes
Justify quantitative research designs when appropriate.
Justify qualitative research designs when appropriate