discussion

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read  Chapter 5: Research Methods and Statistics  in the course textbook and the articles  Implementation of Statistics in Business and Industry Links to an external site. and  Choosing to Focus on Research as a Psychologist Links to an external site. . Also, review the American Statistical Association’s  Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice Links to an external site. .

As your required text suggests, research is not only for those in academia. It is often a crucial consideration in leadership positions throughout organizations.

In this discussion, consider the organization you currently work for, or desire to work for, and imagine you are a leader in this organization. Consider scenarios that could potentially arise where utilizing research could be beneficial. Examples might be excessive tardiness, reduced production, low morale, and significant loss of customer base. You may use any example with the exception of those listed above.

For your initial post,

· Identify an organization in your location that complements the knowledge and skills you have developed during your program. (May be hypothetical.)

· Identify a leadership role that you would enjoy having within this organization. If you are not interested in a career, identify something that you think would be rewarding if you were advancing your career.

· Identify the following in association with this organization and position:

· Research question: What is happening in the organization that could be researched?

· Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research QuestionLinks to an external site.

· Hypothesis: State why you believe it is happening.

· What dependent variables/factors do you believe may be affecting your chosen scenario (i.e., age, workload, work shift, ineffective communications)?

· What type of factor did you identify (i.e., nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio)?

· Are there any potential extraneous variables? Why or why not. If so please list two to three.

· Method: What method would best reflect an accurate analysis of the situation (e.g., quasi-experimental or phenomenology, etc.)? Include your rationale.

· Lastly, discuss how an understanding of the basics of research and statistics can help a person in decision making, whether in an organization, or even in a social situation.

Discussion posts should equate to approximately 350 to 400 words.

Peer Responses: Review several of your classmates’ posts. Provide a substantive response to at least two of your peers in a minimum of 200 words. Share your ideas about how to address the research identified by your peer. Offer insight, based on your own perspective and understanding of research. Offer additional strategies for assessing the situation.

Instructor Responses: Review any instructor feedback on your postings. Often feedback is shared to help you to elevate your level of critical thought or make corrections. Reply based on this feedback to advance your understanding of the content addressed.

Continue to monitor this discussion through 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7 of the week.  Comment on at least one of your classmates’ responses to your initial post, in addition to your two peer postings, if applicable.

Remember that discussion forums should be conversations; dialogue is encouraged throughout this course. Your grade will reflect the quality of your initial post, the depth of your peer replies, and your active support of forum dialogue.