wk7

Impacts of Social Media on Students’ Performance

Rodriquez Mitchell

Northcentral University

18th March, 2019

Introduction

Social networking has become a common global trend which has affected almost every area of our lives. Through the various social media platforms, people can now create content and share it at a high rate. According to statistics, the majority of people use different platforms to interact and share information to mention a few. Social media on a larger scale has revolutionized the world. However, among the major users of social media platforms are students. Various studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between use of social media and students’ academic performance. This paper analyzes three studies that incorporated mixed methods of research design. Primarily, this assignment discusses various elements of the studies. The idea is to have deeper comprehension and understanding on how to conduct research.

Article 1

Research problem: the study sought to answer several questions on the implications of social media on learners’ academic performance. First, the study explored the correlation between time devoted on social media and its impacts on students’ performance. Ultimately, the study was interested in examining the connection between time devoted on social media and students’ academic performance.

Purpose of the study

The rapid advancement in media technology has transformed the way people now communicate. The use of social media among youths has increased exponentially. Apparently, the issue of carrying phones into the classrooms has invited endless debates. Referring to Mushtaq & Benraghda, (2018) some students have become addicted due to the use of digital communication to the extent that it is almost impossible to engage in another activity. In this regard, there have been growing concerns over the possible influence social networking could have on students. As a result, the study by Mushtaq & Benraghda, (2018) attempted to investigate the influence of social media on the academic performance of universities and colleges students.

Summary of the research question

As Mushtaq & Benraghda, (2018) points out, the use of social media has become popular due to the development of technology in the recent past. People from all spheres use different social media platforms to share information share views and interact with other people. In line with Talaue et al (2018), students are among the major users of social media. Through observation, students have become so used to digital communication tools to an extent it is hard to concentrate on serious things such as academic. The study, therefore, investigated the implication of social media on students’ performance, especially in tertiary levels.

Sample/participants and target population

The sample of the study by Mushtaq & Benraghda, (2018) was from the population of university students. Specifically, students from Samuel Adegboyega University were randomly selected to take part in the study. In addition, students from different departments and level of studies took part in the research. The researcher then designed questionnaires which were personally administered. Based on the nature of the study it targets lecturers and university management

Ethical treatment of the participants

The study maintained accountability and fairness. For instance, participants were randomly selected making the outcomes more valid.

Methods of data collection

The researcher used questionnaires to collect information on the study.

Describe the validity of the qualitative data

The methodology used to conduct the study sheds some sense of accuracy. This is because the method used to analyze data shows the impact of social media on students’ performance. In other words, the study has measured the claim it purported to measure.

Strengths and weaknesses of the study

The study utilizes different sources from recognized authors to supports its claims. The study is not only explicit but creates a thorough connection between social media and students’ performance. On the study relies on past studies to structure its various components. This makes the results of the study biased.

Article 2

Research problem: the study by attempted to investigate both the positive and the negative consequences of social media on academic performances.

Purpose of the study

The study was conducted to evaluate both the positive and negative effects of social media on students’ performance.

Summary of the research question

The internet has remarkably changed our lives. Digital networking allows people to connect with other people across the world. Through Twitter or Facebook, it is now easy to create and share information. Talaue et al (2018), summarily demonstrates that social networking has reduced the world to one small village. The use of social media is rapidly increasing and future trajectory shows that social media users will double by 2030. In simple terms, social media has changed every aspect of human life. Majority of students in universities are connected with other people online. According to Talaue et al (2018), students spend a lot of time interacting with other people making it extremely difficult to focus in class. This study explores the effects of social media on students’ performance. It is, therefore, a good academic source for lectures, scholars and other academicians.

Sample/participants and target population

The participants of the study were undergraduates of Alberoni University. They were randomly selected from various faculties ranging from engineering to education. The university has a population of about 7000 students but 371 students were selected as the subject of quantitative data.

Ethical treatment of the participants

The study was conducted in accordance with the expected code of ethics such as concern for other people’s welfare and with aspects of social responsibility.

Methods of data collection

A survey questionnaire was the main instrument of the study. The survey was designed with scale questions. However, the items of the questionnaire were adapted from the previous study. Descriptive tests were among the methods used to analyze data collected from the questionnaires.

Describe the validity of the qualitative data

The study has answered the claim it purported to answer. To a great extent, the study is reliable because assuming a similar study was to be conducted using the similar methodology, there are high chances the same data would be collected. The data analysis technique used interpreted data statistically help the researcher to summarize results.

Strengths and weaknesses of the study

The study can be used to guide decision making in learning institutions. Ultimately, it raises awareness of the effects of social media on the academic performance of university students. This is essential in the sense that it can encourage students to effectively use various communication tools. However, the results of the study are limited to only 371 students from one university. This makes it difficult to rely on the study’s outcomes.

Article 3

Research problem: the study sought to explore the influence of social media particularly Facebook in academic performance of tertiary institutions.

Purpose of the study

Digital networking has become a common communication strategy for most people. The Internet has affected almost every aspect of human life. In other words, the internet is an inseparable part of human life. According to Thuseethan & Kuhanesan (2014), social media has rapidly transformed the social aspect of communication. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are commonly used by students to interact and share content. Due to widespread adoption of these social media platforms in universities and colleges, there has been great interest to investigate the influence of Facebook on academic performance.

Summary of the research question

Conferring with Thuseethan & Kuhanesan (2014) social media comprises of technological aspects that allow people to create content, share opinions and interact with people from different backgrounds. Social networking has revolutionized the social aspects of people in societies. In modern society, it is easy to share information and views and get feedback instantaneously. Sharing the same thought with Thuseethan & Kuhanesan (2014) social media has become an increasingly important part of young lives. Majority of the youths in higher institutions of learning are connected by the internet. To a great extent, the internet has become an integral component for students because through such popular social media platforms as Facebook it is now easy to gather and share information. Bearing this in mind, it becomes has now become an area of interest to explore the relationship between social media and students’ performance.

Sample/participants and target population

The participants were students from different universities distributed across Sin Lanka. Students who use Facebook participated in a web-based survey. The survey was carried out by 287 students’ majority of who were from science stream. The study targets the entire education sector and its related stakeholders.

Ethical treatment of the participants

The study collected information through designed web surveys. To a great extent, the study maintained confidentiality and researchers treated participants with respect.

Methods of data collection

Information collecting was done through a web survey. The surveys were designed to help inspect the correlation between the time spent on Facebook and the amount of time students spend in academic activities such as revising or discussions. Majority of the students spent their time online. According to Thuseethan & Kuhanesan,(2014) addicted Facebook users received low grades while the light Facebook users received high grades.

Describe the validity of the data

There is some sense of accuracy in the findings of the study. Conducting a different study under the same methodology and groups could produce the same findings hence the correctness of the results.

Strengths and weaknesses of the reviewed mixed methods

The participants were randomly selected reducing chances of biases on the study. Using the participant's responses the study compared different aspects of the study. For example, the study compared the academic performance of occasional Facebook users and students who are addicted to social media. This correlation makes the results reliable. However, the sample size is too small to generalize the outcomes of the study.

References

Thuseethan, S., & Kuhanesan, S. (2014): Influence of Facebook in academic performance of Sri Lankan university students.

Talaue, G. M., AlSaad, A., AlRushaidan, N., AlHugail, A., & AlFahhad, S (October 2018). THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED COLLEGE STUDENTS

Mushtaq, A. J., & Benraghda, A. (2018). The Effects of Social Media on the Undergraduate Students' Academic Performances. Library Philosophy and Practice.