Qualitative Data Collection And Analysis

In the social and behavioral sciences degree, students are required to fulfill and complete a set of major learning outcomes that demonstrate various skills and knowledge learned while completing the program. The second major learning outcome, research methods require students to understand how to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data in order to understand and explain phenomena. The ability to use software programs to demonstrate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis is also required. The following two deliverables demonstrate the fulfillment of this major learning outcome. In the spring 2017 semester, I participated in the SBS 366 Research Methods for Social and Behavioral Sciences:

In this proposal, I used the skills learned in both of my research method courses to create a research study and intended research question that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods and analysis. My capstone research is focused on analyzing student satisfaction with academic services provided by the Center for Advising, Career, and Student Success. In the research proposal, I provided a description of why this research proposal is important to analyze and important in my field of study. I began by stating that academic advisors not providing accurate information, lack of resources and advisors who are not developing a close relationship with students are some of the challenges that make academic advising programs unsuccessful. Without an effective academic advising program, students find it difficult to complete their major and minor requirements and create a positive relationship with advisors. I then state that this capstone project is important in my field of study because it will give me the opportunity to understand college student development by investigating the successes and challenges of first-generation university

To answer my research question, I will collect qualitative and quantitative data. Using quantitative methods, I will create a survey that measures student satisfaction with the various services provided by the program. The study sample who will participate in the survey will include first to fourth-year first-generation CSUMB students. Furthermore, qualitative methods are used to collect data through observations and focus groups in order to understand human behavior and phenomena (Mc Leod, 2008). With this idea in mind, I plan to conduct individual interviews to highlight student opinions and experiences with academic advising. The information collected will help me determine if the Center for Academic, Career, and Student Success is effective in supporting student success during their four years of college. I also hope to identify different resources provided by the program that students find helpful and informative.

All in all, the second major learning outcome requires students to identify the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods and create research questions that can be answered using a qualitative and quantitative analysis. By providing these two deliverables, I demonstrate and fulfill the second major learning outcome of the social and behavioral science major.