Context (Week 6)
The level of measurement of a variable determines an appropriate visual display. For example, academic discipline could be displayed using a pie chart or bar chart but not a histogram. Age could be displayed using a histogram. In 1932, Rensis Likert developed a technique to measure attitudes on a 5-point response scale of 1 (strongly disapprove), 2 (disapprove), 3 (undecided), 4 (approve), and 5 (strongly approve).
In a particular research context, a variable might be referred to as independent or dependent. Often the values of the independent variable are thought of as causing or influencing the values of the dependent variable. That is, the dependent variable “depends” on the independent variable. For example, the critical thinking skills of graduate students may depend on their academic discipline.
In this Discussion, you will build on your quantitative scenario adding a description of your variables to include their range of measured values, level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio), and identification as either an independent or dependent variable.
This week’s Discussion Assignment:
This week is only about the quantitative scenario. Repost, or build on or refine as needed on your Week 5 Discussion, your quantitative scenario using the following headings and according to the italicized instructions given for each element:
Program of Study: Identify your specific program of study and, if applicable, your concentration area.
Social Problem: Briefly describe the social problem or phenomenon of interest. Typically, this can be done in 3 or fewer sentences.
Quantitative Research Problem: Complete the following sentence: The scholarly community does not know…
Quantitative Research Purpose: Typically, this is a 1-sentence statement addressed by completing the following sentence: The purpose of this quantitative study is…
Quantitative Research Question: Typically, this is a 1-sentence question unless you have more than one research question.
Theory or Conceptual Framework: Identify a specific psychological or sociological theory or specific aspects of a conceptual framework that guides the scenario. Briefly describe how the specific theory or conceptual framework guides your research question and will aid in interpretation of results.
Quantitative Research Design: Identify a specific quantitative research design. Do not use broad terms, such as survey design, cohort design, longitudinal design, causal-comparative design, cross-sectional design, and so on. Briefly describe how the selected design fits your scenario.
Quantitative Sampling Strategy: Be specific.
Quantitative Data Collection Method: Be specific.
Variables: Briefly describe each of your variables to include their range of measured values, level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio), and identification as either an independent or dependent variable.
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