Methods Section Analysis - Essay Example

3 Participants The quantitative sample was considered through random sampling process. From amongst the population of and the general public, 75 individuals were selected through simple random sampling process.In addition, the age of the participants that were selected was irrelevant to this research study. So researcher selected students and other individuals from the public for acquiring information for research. The location was also irrelevant for this dissertation project. Even though the study sample that was chosen cannot be considered a representative of the initial population of interest regarding the research project, generalizability was the most essential objective. The real motivation behind this research project was to figure out if a particular research subject that was chosen could work in an available or accessible setting. Any impacts or findings apparent in this study can be summed up to the population that have similar characteristics as the sample selected. To compensate them for their time as well as participation, the participants were compensated $10 per hour. All participants were assured of confidentiality to ensure that they give truthful answers. 3.2 Equipment The data has been accumulated from both primary and secondary sources. Cameron (2009) determined that while primary data is original by nature and collected from the chosen sample; the secondary details are basically past studies on the current topic. Both primary and secondary details have been included in order to meet the research objectives. The secondary data detail has collected from: books, journals, articles, website, blogs and past publications. So the researcher does not have to devote money, time, energy, and other resources to this phase of research. Moreover, uses of texts and images will be looked at for data collection, and also documentaries and online surveys. Further, meta-analysis was used for the research investigation; Meta-analysis combines the results of several studies that address a set of related research hypotheses. Hand searching of key journals and checking of the reference lists of papers obtained is also vital. The key terms used to search the database – needs to be developed with care. The strategy is written as a sequence of requirements: include papers with specified terms, excluding papers that do not meet certain criteria. The instructional equipments and materials that were used in the research consisted of first hand information as well as experiences of the participants regarding the chosen research topic. During the research, subjective ratings were used in measuring the cognitive ability of the participants because they offer powerful measures of the participant’s subjective experiences as well as encounter regarding the topic of study. This method was particularly used on students because they have little difficulty in assigning numerical values to the choices given. The test material comprised test equipment as well as items for both practical and written tests. Every test item was intended to be objective and was checked as either right or wrong. Each written test had 30 questions. All the equipments used in the study are instruments that are well-known in the research literature on the topic. All of the instruments were presented or administered as a part of a structured interview as well as open-ended questionnaires. 3.3 Procedure Many books were read to understand about the research subject that was chosen, reading around the topic, also a number of documentaries were observed, this was to understand the views and feelings on cannabis use for medicinal reasons. Many topics were written down on paper, countless sub topics developed, after careful consideration, the subject matter was achieved, discovery of significant literature was essential for literature review, this was done by looking at past studies, considering the strengths and weaknesses of literature was also taken into consideration. Most importantly looking at past research on the chosen topic, understanding particular issues surrounding cannabis use, as well looking at the current issues surrounding cannabis use for a medicinal reason. Process of collecting data was as stated above to look at past research papers that were relevant, for instance published journals on perceptions and benefits that marijuana can have on illnesseswere read, also preference of data came into consideration, knowing which data is relevant was key in gaining vital information. Before questionnaires were filled, consent forms were read and signed by all participants, this was for obtaining informed consent and insuring confidentiality of participants, once participants had agreed, questionnaires were given to participants to answer. All the selected students and other individuals from the public were randomly put in groups of 5 each and then assigned to a specific area of the study topic. They were required to brainstorm in groups so as to come up with detailed answers on the questions asked. The groups were then given other topics to brainstorm on; the sequence was repeated until the topics were over. Structured interviews were then administered on them individually to gauge their level of participation. Toward the culmination of the study, the participants were furnished with a subjective rating scale and they were required to rate their mental effort involved in their understanding of the research topic. This was followed by a test section of the research where the participants were required to complete a written test that was portrayed in the materials section. 3.4 Data analysis The data analysis plan for both the quantitative and qualitative data was diverse with regards to the present study. The qualitative data being narrative or descriptive by nature was collected and stored in the same manner. As it was not possible to measure or quantify the qualitative responses, it was mentioned in the same manner as collected. However, the quantitative responses was measured thus percentages was allotted to each set of responses. The latter data type was stored via MS Excel and the response calculation was also be done by MS Excel format. Tables were framed based on the calculated percentage of responses. Direct responses from the questionnaires was analysed. The analysis of data was carried out in two phases. Initially, a series of univariate analyses were carried out which contrasted the fundamental variables of interest and demographic variables so as to distinguish potential covariates to be incorporated in the main analyses. Secondly, in the principle analyses t-tests were utilized to analyze and compare the responses provided while in groups and those provided individually in the written tests. Additionally, a chi-square test of independence was used in comparing the rates of responses for the correct and the wrong responses given by the participants. The main analysis used both descriptive analyses as well as inferential analysis. References Goddard, W., & Melville, S. (2001). Research methodology: An introduction. Lansdowne: Juta. Kothari, C. R. (2005). Research methodology: Methods & techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd. Kuada, J. E. (2012). Research methodology: A project guide for university students. Frederiksberg: Samfundslitteratur. McNabb, D. E. (2004). Research methods for political science: Quantitative and qualitative methods. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe. Scruggs, T. E., & Mastropieri, M. A. (2006). Applications of research methodology. Amsterdam [etc.: Elsevier JAI. Read More