Theme 3: Quantitative methods

Reflection on:

Lowenthal, P. R. & Leech, N. (2009). Mixed research and online learning: Strategies for improvement.

* What is the main question or hypothesis in this project?

The paper addresses that the research done about online education is generally of low quality and because online education is continuously growing there needs to be a change is how the research is done. They bring up the importance of this topic for research and make suggestions for what the researchers in this area need to consider.
* What is the purpose of this study - exploratory, descriptive or explanatory?

The purpose of the paper is to hopefully increase the rigor and quality of online research studies and help other researchers in that field. It proposes that qualitative and quantitative research methods should be used together where the researcher’s needs a better understanding of how sample scheme and sample size impact their research.
* What are the main concepts?

The main concept or message in this case is that most of the research that has been done about online education is based on survey data, which is self-reported data which in this case is insensitive to changes over time is not appropriate to use solely for this type of research and that mixed research should be used.   

Reflection on:

Cleveland-Innes, M. & Campbell P. (in press). Emotional presence, learning and the online learning environment.

* What is the main question or hypothesis in this project?
The aim of this study is to present evidence of emotional presence in online environments.
 In comparison to traditional learning, online learning that uses new technologies may in some cases require new competencies from the users and this in itself may elicit an emotional response. The paper studies what impact  these emotional responses could have for the experience of online learning.

* What is the purpose of this study - exploratory, descriptive or explanatory?

The purpose is mainly exploratory, to see how online learning evokes emotions and how that translates into the whole user experience for online learning.

* Is the presentation of argument relevant and logical?

The paper presents some background information about previous research and mentions that emotion is sometimes mistaken as a deterrent that impedes effective teaching and learning.
* Is there a clear progression through support for key ideas to the value of the research question?
Thus, kind of a hypothesis is made; that emotion is likely to play a far more dynamic role in learning. And that is what’s being investigated.
* What collection methods are used?

The research was based on a survey of questions regarding his/her online experience. Conference discussion transcripts were also collected.
* Is the data quantitative or qualitative data?

The data is to be seen as quantitative data because the large number of participants. However they also claim to have qualitative data from the open questions in the survey.

* Are the data valid and reliable representations of the empirical reality they attempt to capture?
Yes, sort of. But they are not taking into consideration what genders and so on from their target group is represented in the findings.
* Is the data presentation comprehensive or are selected aspects presented?
Data is selected from the surveys and they then look for emotional content in the text

* What conclusions are drawn from the data?
Learners need to understand the role of emotion in life and in learning to realize their benefits. One can then make use of the emotional state in a learning situation. Learning should be set up so it arouses learners’ feelings of security, well-being, and self-confidence.