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Research Methods

Research Methods. Aggregate Data. Collecting and Preparing Quantitative Data. Where does a researcher find data for analysis and interpretation? Existing data collection or archives Original collection of data and archive for use by other researchers Aggregate data or individual-level data.

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Research Methods

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  1. Research Methods Aggregate Data

  2. Collecting and Preparing Quantitative Data • Where does a researcher find data for analysis and interpretation? • Existing data collection or archives • Original collection of data and archive for use by other researchers • Aggregate data or individual-level data

  3. Coding Scheme • Monday: “Determine the coding procedure and detailed codebook” • Coding: assigning of numerical values to observations • Preserve level of measurement • Mutually exclusive & Exhaustive • Allow sensible comparisons for theory • Parsimony & Detail • Account for Missing Data

  4. Maintaining a Coding Scheme • Codebook – study and data collection description; location (of data), variable, values, codes (include description, source, survey question, etc. as appropriate) • Codebook created prior to coding and (perhaps) revised as necessary for consistent coding • Verification of coding (intercoder reliability) as well as data entry for coding reliability • Processing error increases for vague instructions, open-ended questions or non-structured material, lack of coder interaction

  5. Coding Devices • Coding Sheets (transfer sheets) • Edge coding • Optical scanning • Direct data entry

  6. Best Coding/Entry Practices • Data editing and codebook revision • Double coders a/o Double entry (and resolution of inconsistencies) • Data cleaning wild or illegitimate codes filter or contingency questions

  7. Six Stagesof the Research Process • Formulation of Theory • Operationalization of Theory • Selection of Appropriate Research Techniques • Observation of Behavior (Data Collection) • Analysis of Data • Interpretation of Results

  8. Reporting Results:Writing and Evaluating Reports • Title • Abstract • Introduction • Methods • Findings • Conclusion

  9. Tips on Style • Work from an outline • Be simple (parsimonious) and precise • Use words and phrases you know • Revise, revise, revise (reread, revise, rewrite) • Seek others’ opinions • Do not overstate a point • Distinguish observation and opinion • Use proper citation & documentation of sources

  10. Critical Reading: Is there… • Clearly specified research question? • Demonstrated value and significance? • Clear concepts? Clear explanations? • Identified dependent and independent variables? • Hypothesis(ses) empirical, general, & plausible • Valid and reliable measures? • Specified unit of analysis and observations? • Identified sample selection problems? Good checklist (pp.384-385)

  11. Aggregate Data Categories of aggregate indicators • Summative indicators—Additive group characteristics • Syntality indictors—Group or system characteristics Types of groups • Geographic groups • Demographic groups

  12. Six Types (and Sources) of Aggregate Data • Census data (US and other) • Organizational data (government and private) • Sample surveys • Publications’ content • Event data • Judgmental data

  13. Challenges for Data Collection and Manipulation • Variable precision • Standardization • Data transformation • Index construction • Ecological fallacy • Reduction or Individualistic Fallacy

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