From Research Question to Results, the Quantitative Path

Dr. Penny Beile

University of Central Florida Libraries

pbeile@mail.ucf.edu

EBSS Conference Program

July 2009

Chicago, IL

Overview

Brief look at two approaches Recurring themes

– Topic and design– Working with data

Next steps

A (very brief) Comment on the Two Approaches…Quantitative Qualitative

Data in the form of numbers and statistics

Data in the form of words, pictures, or artifacts

Design planned in advanceDesign emerges as the study unfolds

Tools are used to collect data The researcher is the instrument

Wide and thin Narrow and deep

Purpose to generalize Purpose to describe

Qualitative versus Quantitative Research: Key Points in a Classic Debate, http://wilderdom.com/research/QualitativeVersusQuantitativeResearch.html

Planning the Study: Questions and Issues

Lack topic or question. Is my question ‘research-worthy?’ Not enough time. IRB is a concern.

Planning the Study: Questions and Issues (cont)

It’s already been done. How to ID variables? How to move from idea to study? Role of critical reader.

Conducting the Study: Questions and

Issues

I don’t know stats. Constrained by knowledge of stats. Need to learn SPSS. I only know how to conduct a

survey. I don’t know stats.

Research Design –Independent t-test

F2f LI No LI

Scores Scores

Research Design –One way ANOVA

Tutorial F2f LI No LI

Scores Scores Scores

Research Design –ANCOVA

Tutorial F2f LI No LI

Pre LSPre LSPre LS

Scores Scores Scores

Research Design –MANCOVA

Pre LS Pre LSPre LS

Scores ScoresScores

Scores Scores Scores

Pre SE Pre SE Pre SE

Tutorial F2f LI No LI

Task/Ability

A K S

If T A, then F and F

Building an Infrastructure that Supports Research

Research agendas Programs and workshops Classes and certificates Institutional support Personal responsibility

Thank you!

pbeile@mail.ucf.edu