The quantitative data analysis

The quantitative data analysis Quantitative data analysis has been an inevitable part of social science research. Like any other discipline, the theories are taught to students to give them an idea and generalisation of social facts and books, journals and other sources are used for the same. However, at times these sources are not adequate and research needs to be done in order to gain a deeper knowledge. That is when quantitative data analysis comes into picture. There have been questions raised on the need to study quantitative data analysis with the emergence of importance of qualititative data (Bryman 1988a), but the formers importance has waned little. It helps that a larger proportion of empirical research that is conducted draws upon quantitative data. The research design for any research study undertaken includes the method that needs to be applied for the purpose of collecting and analysing data. Data collection can be done two ways- primary collection and secondary analysis of data. When the researcher collects data on their own for the sole purpose of the research that they are conducting, they are making use of primary data collection. The procedures used in these collection best suits the research problem at hand. The secondary analysis of data involves collecting data for a different research purpose but that is reused for the present research question. Primary and Secondary Data As explained before, data collected for the specific problem, primary data involves addition of new data to the existing store of knowledge surrounding the research area. When this material is used by other researchers, then this becomes secondary. Hox and Boeije (2005) maintain that the primary data can be used for: Description of contemporary and historical attribute, Comparative research or replication of original research, Reanalysis for the purpose of asking new questions which were not addressed originally, Research design and methodological advancement and lastly for 5. Teaching and learning Secondary analysis utilises the existing data, collected for the purposes of a prior study, in order to pursue a research interest which is distinct from that of the original work (Heaton 2002). Secondary data analysis is usually made of quantitative data where the information is made of researched objects whose characteristics have been coded in variables that can have a range of values. In fact, secondary analysis of quantitative data is common but the practice is not the same when it comes to qualitative data (Hinds, Vogel and Clarke-Steffen 1997). Strengths and Weaknesses Social science researchers undertaking research have a choice of opting to go for primary data- information that they need to collect by themselves or for secondary- searching for data that relates to the research problem in hand. There are distinct pros and cons of going for both. In this section, we will discuss what advantages or disadvantages the researcher faces when using any of these data collection methods. One of the important advantages of going the way of primary data collection is that making use of the theoretical constructs, research design and the data collection strategy can be built with the research question in mind. This will ensure that the research study is coherent and the data collected is distinctly relevant to the problem at hand. A disadvantage lies in the fact that primary data collection can be quite time consuming and expensive affair and considering the limitations of certain research study in terms of time and budget, primary data collection might not be a viable option for many researchers. Another aspect of primary data collection is in its error inducing nature. Sampling errors made by inefficient field workers can skew up the research. Some of the prominent data collection methods in primary data are: experiments, surveys like interviews, mail and web surveys. In the case of the experiment, the researcher is able to have a control on who participates in the research and the research situation being under the researchers control means that there is strong control of design and procedure permitting causal interpretation of the results. Thus the ability to have some control may be a distinct advantage for primary data, however this can turn into a disadvantage too as one might say that the researchers control has made the research artificial. In an experimental laboratory, variables are easily manageable and there is no place for the circumstantial issues that dominate in everyday life. While conducting surveys, the researcher is able to gather both subjective as well as objective characteristics of the population. If interview questions are carefully designed, evaluated and tested, surveys are a very method to obtain first-hand valid responses from respondents. Effectively, this leads us to understanding of the advantage of secondary data analysis. Secondary data is far easier to collect and is less expensive and the access to relevant information is faster. The disadvantage lies in the fact that secondary data was collected originally for a different purpose and therefore might not be optimal for the research problem that is being considered. Heaton points out another argument favouring the use of secondary data analysis stating that it can be used to generate new knowledge, new hypotheses supporting an existing theory and it also reduces the burden that is placed on respondents (for primary data collection) by removing the need to further recruit subjects thus allowing a wider use of data from rare and inaccessible respondents. Not all social research problems can allow the usage of secondary analysis. It has been determined that it is more convenient for certain researchers, namely students and in some cases by researchers re-using their own data rather than by independent analysts. (Szabo and Strang 1997). In their own right secondary data analysis is an effective tool in teaching as it helps in introducing students to a discipline and provides a supplement to the process of teaching (Sobal 1982). But the cons behind using the same are numerous. The researcher will need to locate the source of data that is more relevant to the study and this can be time consuming as pointed out earlier. The researcher should also be able to retrieve the data, which at times can be difficult. Also, the data should be able to meet the quality requirements of the present research. Besides, the reliability of the secondary data is also a major function of the organisation that gathers, organises and publishes the data. Another crippling factor that arises in the use of secondary analysis is that it differs from systematic reviews and the meta-analyses of qualitative studies that aim towards compiling and assessing the evidence relating to a common research concern or area of practice (Popay, Rogers and Williams 1998). An issue that doesnt come in forefront when discussing secondary analysis is the principle of ethics behind using it. In using sensitive data, the researcher cannot assume informed consent. A professional judgement needs to be made about the usage of the secondary data and whether that violates any contract between the researchers and the original researcher (Hinds, Vogel and Clarke-Steffen 1997). Conclusion In conclusion, one may say that there are several advantages and disadvantages of secondary data analysis to collection of ones own primary data, and its usage is best suited to some research issues. But secondary data analysis is a valuable asset as they can act as a model for the collection of primary data. Suffice it to say that there might not be a need to choose between primary data and secondary data analysis at all, as the researcher can easily incorporate both in their research to gain a degree of balance between their strengths and weaknesses. What is most important is that both primary as well as secondary data should be accurate, reliable, appropriate, valid, precise and timely. References: Bryman, A. 1988), Quantity and Quality in Social Research, London: Routledge Heaton, L; Secondary analysis of qualitative data, 2003, in R. Miller and J. Brewer (eds.) The A-Z of Social Research, Sage, pp 285-288 Hinds, P.S., Vogel, R.J., Clarke-Steffen, L. (1997) The possibilities and pitfalls of doing a secondary analysis of a qualitative data set, Qualitative Health Research, vol. 7(3): 408-24. Hox, J.J. and Boeije, H.R. (2005). Data collection, primary versus secondary. in K. Kempf-Leonard (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Social Measurement, pp. 593-599 Popay, J., Rogers, A., Williams, G. (1998) Rationale and standards for the systematic review of qualitative literature in health services research, Qualitative Health Research, vol. 8 (3): pp. 329-40 Sobal, J. 1982, The Role of Secondary Data Analysis in Teaching the Social Sciences, Library Trends, vol. 30, n3, p479-88. Szabo, V. and Strang, V.R. (1997) Secondary analysis of qualitative data, Advances in Nursing Science, vol. 20(2): 66-74.

Research Methods in Nursing and Social Work

Research methods in Nursing and Social Work: Critical appraisal paper. The aim of this assignment is to look at two written research papers and carry out a critical assessment on them. I will present the assignment in two parts, Appendix 1 which is the first research paper called, â€Å"What professionals think about offenders with learning disabilities in the criminal justice system†. This article conducts a research and its aim is to find out whether people with learning disabilities are being treated differently with the justice system, it focuses on the ideas of different professionals that work in the system and their view on the subject matter. Appendix 2 which is the second paper is called, â€Å"The prevalence of intellectual disability in a major UK prison†. This paper the first steps to undertake when critiquing a research paper is, to explain the piece by summarising its main aims and outcomes that have been gained through the research. One of the first tasks of critiquing a research article is to try to explain the performance and tasks that have taken place. Critiquing research involves a careful examination of all aspects of a study in order to judge its strengths, limitations, meaning and significance† (Hek, 1996). Appendix 1: Participants: The study was structured in a interview in order to collect the data. The Participants that were used all came from different professional background this meant that there was a good multidisciplinary team of respondents. Title: The title was very clear and to the point, it successfully reflects the purpose of the study and its findings. Abstract/Summary: This was written in a clear manner, which was very easy to understand and therefore was not complicated. The purpose, method and findings were comprehensibly outlined in a brief summary. Materials: The interview was Semi-structured, the advantages of using this method were that, the audience is specifically targeted it is also the best way to capture how a person thinks or feels on a particular topic, it can let the interviewee speak with more than just their words but with facial and bodily xpression too. Also, it allows the interviewee to go into as much depth as they feel they want to, whereas other interview types wouldn’t allow this type of freedom. It can also be a good method as it can lead to further questions that haven’t been written down but might be appropriate, so as to get a better perspective. The method is really suitable to sensitive issues as this one. However, there are draw-backs to the method, the main being that it is so time-consuming. Not just the collecting of the data, but the transcribing and analysis of the data. Also, it is very easy to digress and become sidetracked with anecdotes and generally inappropriate information. The preparation and time must be put into the organisation of this type of interview, to make sure that the questions that are asked are relevant to the subject matter and that they are neither confusing nor leading. Data collection: The data collection used Semi-structured interviews which were conducted in a face to face manner. The timings on the collection of data varied so that they suited the respondents, this was good as it allowed the respondents to do the interview when they were available this showed that the researchers where flexible. The duration of the actual interview where between, 0. 5 hr and 2. 5 hr, which was approximately 1 hr each, this was a weakness because it was important that each respondent had the equal and same amount of duration within the interview, and that by varying the times allowed some respondents to produce more information or answer questions in more depth as others. The interviews were recorded on tape this was good method of recording because sometimes when the information is written it can be translated different by the person who is recording the answers as they may interpret it differently. The other drawback that occurred in this study is that the exact design of the questions been asked to the respondents varied, this can affect the results as one person may elaborate more than someone else and therefore has the opportunity to be asked further questions. The exact format of each individual was determined by the participant, as the individual questions presented to each person varied according to earlier individual responses. † (Appendix 1) Results: The results obtained where accurate and well organised into three themes. They where clear to understand and very straightforward. The themes that emerged allowed the aim of the study to be acknowledged through its results, this was the most important part of any study. Discussion:  The idea of training for the Medical teams and professionals within the justice system is an excellent way to improve the awareness of learning disabilities and so that within the justice system it van be recognised and therefore allows a better awareness of it. The resolution to not change laws but however to accommodate them so that they reflect the needs of people with learning disabilities is also a very positive result. The fact that all participants had an interest in the study of people with learning disabilities which is why they accepted to be a part of the study. However the results varied in ethical values and opinions on that subject matter by the participants. Ethical: The research produced an ethical approval to proceed with the study from the research ethics committee at the University of Nottingham, this showed that the study was carefully thought of and recognised before it was conducted. The confidentiality of all the participants was kept, as all the respondents names were not identified anywhere in the study. Even though the details of the participants background and profession where mentioned this was carefully demonstrated as to not be able to identify any of the individuals. References http://www.freeonlineresearchpapers.com/critique-mental-health http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/2981/1/Developing_a_framework_for_critiquing_health_research.pdf

Benefits Of High Risk Pools - 1679 Words

Health insurance high risk pools have been mentioned by President Trump and Congressional Republicans as a potential element of their Obamacare replacement plans, but they are not a new idea. Past experience with high risk pools suggests that they can help to address issues of affordability, stability, and fairness in the individual health insurance market. However, to do so, they must be adequately publicly subsidized and have benefit designs and cost-sharing structures that are comparable to health insurance products available on the open market. High risk pools were initially one of the options that states could adopt under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for ensuring portability from the group health†¦show more content†¦This arrangement works because the insurance company is able to pool risks from lots of different individuals or organizations. As long as the risks are uncorrelated, the likely cost associated with the pooled risk is much more predictable than for the un-pooled risk. Many people in the U.S. receive health insurance through their employers, which operate as natural groups to gather individuals into pools. Since most people do not select jobs to get health insurance coverage, there is little reason to believe that the incidence of health care costs for the individuals in the groups established through employment arrangements will be correlated. The individual health insurance market, on the other hand, is referred to in industry jargon as the ‘non-group’ market for a reason. There is no natural group for aggregating individuals into a pool that is established for reasons other than purchasing insurance. There is also reason to believe that the set of individuals seeking to purchase individual/non-group health insurance does not represent a representative sample of the population with respect to health status. 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A Comparison For Variable Cost And Absorption Costing

I have attached an analysis for your review. This analysis reflects a comparison for Variable Cost and Absorption costing using Sales: 60,000 units Production: 80,000 units Ending Inventory: 20,000 units Based on these analyses I have made several recommendations along with pros and cons to aid in the decision-making process. I recommend that we use absorption costing over variable costing. Absorption costing is a method where â€Å"†¦fixed manufacturing costs are inventoriable costs† (Datar, et al, 2009). That is, inventory â€Å"absorbs† all manufacturing costs. In the absorption metho there does not need to be a distinction between fixe and variable costs. Per the analyses performed on the attached spreadsheets one can see that the†¦show more content†¦We should experience some of the following positives after implementing JIT: Supply Chain Management: The JIT inventory model may assist in being more efficient in the way we handle supply chains and use our parts to assemble products. 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Because management needs to be able to make informed decisions, it is imperative that the financial information providedRead MoreThe Variable Costing Proposal That Were Presented At The Meeting. What Arguments Would You Add?1432 Words   |  6 Pages1.Critique the various pros and cons of the variable costing proposal that were pre sented in the meeting. What arguments would you add? One positive aspect of adopting the variable costing system that was described in the text, is some of the staff members do not seem to understand absorption costing, the current costing method. When using absorption costing, income is affected by sales volume and production volume changes. Variable costing may be more suitable for management who do not haveRead MoreEffects Of Opening The Catering Business991 Words   |  4 Pageslooked at variable and absorption costing to figure out which method would be better suited for internal and external reporting in the past and future. In addition, I delved deeper to understand the cost breakdown of the new products which helped form a capital budget that will help us determine the validity of opening the catering business. Inventory Effect on Net Income For November, there was an ending inventory of 500 units which led to an operating income of $72,357.03 under absorption costingRead MoreEffects Of Opening The Catering Business992 Words   |  4 Pagesat variable and absorption costing to figure out which method would be better suited for internal and external reporting in the past and future. In addition, I delved deeper to understand the cost breakdown of the new products which helped identify a capital budget that will help us determine the validity of opening the catering business. Inventory Effect on Net Income For November, there was an ending inventory of 500 units which lead to an operating income of $72,357.03 under absorption costingRead MoreWeek 5 Practice Text Exercises Acc 5611259 Words   |  6 PagesACC 561 June 21, 2011 Michael T. Bradford Practice Text Exercises Excel 12-59 Allocating Costs Using Direct and Step-Down Methods (p. 584) Goal: Create an Excel spreadsheet to allocate costs using the direct method and the stepdown method. Use the results to answer questions about your findings. Scenario: Antonio Cleaning has asked you to help them determine the best method for allocating costs from their service departments to their producing departments. Additional background informationRead MoreHeadgear Inc Case Study1955 Words   |  8 Pagespersonal applications. In recent times, the demand for headphones has grown steadily; however, the company’s profits have grown at a slower rate. John Hurley, the chief executive officer (CEO), is concerned about the falling productivity and increasing costs. John is aware that if the profits continue to decline, the result can negatively affect the stock price of the company. A decline in stock prices will hinder the firms ability to raise new investment capital, which is essential in the growth of theRead MoreInventory Management: Planning, Coordination, Controlling Flow of Inventory1471 Words   |  6 PagesAND BLACKFLUSH COSTING) Inventory Management includes planning, coordination, and controlling the flow of inventory into, through, and out of company. There are 5 categories of cost that are associated with goods sold: 1. Purhcasing costs: the cost of goods from supplier and freight 2. Ordering costs: the cost of preparing purchase orders, receiving and checking the goods, matching invoices received, purchase orders and delivery notes to make payments 3. Storage cost: the cost of holding inventoryRead MoreTraditional Volume-Based Product Costing1663 Words   |  7 PagesQ. A. 1. - Calculate the Unit Costs for Product A and B using the traditional volume-based product costing system. The Overhead costs of Duo plc have been allocated using the Traditional costing system in table 1. The Overhead costs have been allocated using Direct Labour Hours (DLH) of production (Direct Labour Hour absorption approach). That is, Total Overhead costs were divided by the addition of all DLHs, giving us the overhead rate per labour hour ( £10.345). This method was used since