Economics

Economics: Discussion Questions A. Create and post an informational sheet that briefly discusses each of the following topics:
Dependent and independent variables
In a research, an independent variable refers to factors that are manipulated or varied by researchers whereas dependent variables are the response or measurements to identify the effect of independent variables.
Why variables need to be measured
Measurement of variables is a process of assigning numbers in order to indicate the amount of the variable present to enable easy understanding by researchers.
Interval measures, nominal measures, ordinal measures, and ratio scales
Interval measures are figures giving distance between attributes while nominal measures involve numerical values that just give a unique name to the attribute. Ordinal measures involve ranking of attributes in a particular order while ratio scales involve comparing of two or more attributes.
B. Examine Nufrio et al., Netting et al., and Greenwood et al. How would you characterize the research methodologies used in each?
Nufrio et al. applied descriptive quantitative research methodology while Greenwood et al. attempted to obtain data for analysis through qualitative research method whilst attempting to use various theoretical concepts. Netting et al. on the other hand used purely qualitative research methodology by applying grounded theory in order to obtain and analyze relevant data.
C. Propose at least one dependent variable and four independent variables for your study (you will use these for the Written Assignment in this module). How would you measure them? (e. g. ordinal, interval, ratio scales)?
D. In your writing assignment for this module you will describe the research methodology to be used in your paper. This section will spell out the qualitative and/or quantitative methodology you would propose using as well as any sampling. In this posting, answer the following questions (the answers to which you will also document in your assignment):
What kind of questions would you pose on a questionnaire?
While carrying out research on chosen topic with questionnaire as data collection instruments, it would be advisable to obtain information on the participants’ background as well as general information such as gender and age (Leedy and Ormrod, 2010). Other personal information including name of the participants will be avoided in conducting the research. In addition, the questionnaire will have multiple choice and long structured questions.
What would be your sample size?
The appropriate sample size will depend on the population under investigation (Leedy and Ormrod, 2010). In any case, the sample size selected should proportionately represent the population under study.
If you were to do interview(s), what questions would you pose?
If interviews were to be used in collecting information, general questions that doe not touch on individual’s personal information should be asked (Leedy and Ormrod, 2010). Such questions should be directly linked to the subject or topic of research.
Is a case study approach appropriate? Explain your answer.
Case studies are usually effective in circumstances where there are no adequate data obtained or derived from various data collection tools. In this case, the employed case studies will provide additional information on the topic of research (Leedy and Ormrod, 2010).
Reference
Leedy, P. D. and Ormrod, J. E. (2010). Practical research: Planning and design, 9th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.