Essay Instructions: Quantitative Research Methods
Background Reading:
The following articles deal in various ways with problems posed by misinterpretation of data or misapplication of statistical procedures, resulting from investigator ignorance or (occasionally) misconduct. In varying degrees, they offer some solutions or at least suggestions for coping with the problems they raise. Collectively, however, they raise a substantial concern regarding the degree to which quantitative methods are being appropriately applied, and by implication, the degree to which students are being properly trained in the use of such methods.
Cortina, Jose M. (2002) Big Things Have Small Beginnings: An Assortment of "Minor" Methodological Misunderstandings. Journal Of Management, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 339-362.
Jack J. Baroudi, Wanda J. Orlikowski (1989) The Problem of Statistical Power in MIS Research. MIS Quarterly, Vol. 13, No. 1 (Mar., 1989), pp. 87-106
Gardenier, John S. & Resnik, David B. (2002) The Misuse of Statistics: Concepts, Tools, and a Research Agenda. Accountability in Research: Policies & Quality Assurance; Apr-Jun, Vol. 9 Issue 2, p65.
The following three articles can be more briefly scanned; they are somewhat technical, and the math is not important at this point; however, you should become familiar with the burden of their arguments:
Breaugh, James A. (2003) Effect Size Estimation: Factors to Consider and Mistakes to Avoid. Journal Of Management, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 79-97, February
Shaver, J. Myles (2005) Testing for Mediating Variables in Management Research: Concerns, Implications, and Alternative Strategies. Journal Of Management, vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 330-353, June
Douglas G Altman & J Martin Bland (1995) Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. BMJ 1995;311:485 (19 August) [available here]
Assignment Expectations (Content)
Use the background reading for this module to write a 4-5 pages essay on the following topic:
"Quantitative research methods issues that enhance or reduce the quality of a research paper"
In your essay address the following topics (in any order you chose):
- What is quantitative (versus a qualitative) research
- What determines whether a research method is good or not?
- What can be considered inferior research methods and why?
- How the use of good research methods enhances a paper’s quality?
Assignment Expectations (Structure)
1. Use your own language (rather than copying sentences from the reading material, or using citations abundantly) and use a third person narrative.
2. Your paper will be graded based on the following criteria: Precision, Clarity, Breadth, Depth, Grammar/Vocabulary, Referencing, and Application.
3. Use 12 point font (Times New Roman), double-spacing, and one inch margins. Add a cover page and a references list.
4. Use APA format.
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